Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II for better sound quality, the JBL Flip Essential for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II ranks #45 of 136 medium speakers at $259. The JBL Flip Essential ranks #66 at $130, $129 cheaper.
What the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II offers: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers. Watch for: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding. Boosted mids. Rolled off treble. Only IP55.
What the JBL Flip Essential offers: Aux input for wired sources. IPX7 rated. Genuinely portable at under a pound; a cheaper, more basic alternative to the Flip 5. Watch for: Less bass than a Flip 5.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Flip Essential if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II is rated for 17 hours versus 10 hours for the JBL Flip Essential.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II | JBL Flip Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259.00 | $130 |
| Ranked | #45 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #66 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | Micro USB | - |
| Stereo | No | - |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg | / 1 lbs / 471 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 3.2" x 6" x 3.2" (82 x 152 x 82 mm) | 6.7" x 2.5" x 2.5" (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| App | Bose Connect | No |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | No |
| Drivers | 1x omnidirectional full-range transducer + 2x passive radiators (driver size undisclosed by Bose) | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 16W RMS |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 27, 2026 at 10:09 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II: $259.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers.
Cons: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding. Boosted mids. Rolled off treble. Only IP55.
Full Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II review and specifications →
| App | Bose Connect |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.2" x 6" x 3.2" (82 x 152 x 82 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x omnidirectional full-range transducer + 2x passive radiators (driver size undisclosed by Bose) |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg |
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JBL Flip Essential: $130 eBay
Pros: Aux input for wired sources. IPX7 rated. Genuinely portable at under a pound; a cheaper, more basic alternative to the Flip 5.
Cons: Less bass than a Flip 5.
Full JBL Flip Essential review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.7" x 2.5" x 2.5" (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Weight | / 1 lbs / 471 g |
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