Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ for better sound quality, the JBL Flip 5 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Revolve+ ranks #46 of 136 medium speakers at $230. The JBL Flip 5 ranks #62 at $89.95, $140.05 cheaper.
On the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ side: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand. Watch for: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding.
What the JBL Flip 5 gets right: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. The tradeoff: Not stereo. Boosted upper bass.
One note: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ is discontinued, but it still ranks #46 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Flip 5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve+ | JBL Flip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $89.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #46 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #62 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | 59Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | - |
| Stereo | No | - |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg | 1.2 lbs / 540 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 91mm fullrange | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 7.2" x 4.1" (105 x 184 x 105 mm) | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 200ms |
| Max Volume | - | 92dB |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 20W RMS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
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- Soundcore Motion 100 vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II
- Xiaomi Sound Outdoor vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II
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- Bose Soundlink Flex vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+
The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Revolve+: $230 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand. Built-in carry handle, useful even with wet hands; can hang from a hook via carabiner. ~12 hour battery at medium-high volume.
Cons: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding. Boosted mids. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Revolve+ review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 7.2" x 4.1" (105 x 184 x 105 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 91mm fullrange |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II
- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ vs Bose Soundlink Revolve
- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ vs Soundcore Glow
- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ vs Tribit Stormbox Flow
- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ vs JBL Pulse 5
- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ vs JBL Charge 4
- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ vs Xiaomi Sound Outdoor
- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ vs Tribit Stormbox Pro
- See all 20 comparisons
JBL Flip 5: $89.95 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Charges via USB-C, topping off in about 2.5 hours. IP67 rated.
Cons: Not stereo. Boosted upper bass. Piercing sound when turned up. Peaky lower treble at higher volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Flip 5 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 92dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 540 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Beoplay A1 Denon 250bt JBL Flip 5 Anker Flare 2 More from alanrossreviews →
- DLX Willington: JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 4 :Sound Battle: Almost to the size of the JBL Charge 3? More from DLXWillington →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB23 vs JBL Flip 5 v Tribit Maxsound Plus
- Techder Audios: #JBL Flip 5 VS #JBL Flip Essential “IMPRESSIVE COMPARISON!?” More from techderaudios →
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- Reddit Search for JBL Flip 5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons