Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ for better sound quality, the JBL Flip Essential for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Revolve+ ranks #46 of 136 medium speakers at $230. The JBL Flip Essential ranks #66 at $130, $100 cheaper.
What the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ offers: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand. Set against that: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding.
The case for the JBL Flip Essential: Aux input for wired sources. The catch: Less bass than a Flip 5.
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 Essential if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ is rated for 16 hours versus 10 hours for the JBL Flip Essential.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve+ | JBL Flip Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $130 |
| Ranked | #46 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #66 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | - |
| Stereo | No | - |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.91 kg | / 1 lbs / 471 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 91mm fullrange | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 7.2" x 4.1" (105 x 184 x 105 mm) | 6.7" x 2.5" x 2.5" (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 16W RMS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Tribit Stormbox Pro vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II
- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II vs JBL Flip 5
- Bose Soundlink Flex vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II
- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ vs JBL Charge Essential 2
- Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen 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 Essential: $130
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Flip Essential vs Klipsch Nashville
- JBL Flip Essential vs JBL Charge 3
- JBL Flip Essential vs Sony XB23
- JBL Flip Essential vs JBL Charge Essential
- JBL Flip Essential vs JBL Charge 2
- JBL Flip Essential vs JBL Flip 4
- JBL Flip Essential vs JBL Flip 5
- JBL Flip Essential vs Beats Pill 2024
- See all 23 comparisons