Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ for 360 sound, the JBL Flip Essential for wired sources. The Flip Essential is the pick if you want an aux input, though it has less bass than a Flip 5. The Revolve+ keeps a consistent 360 presentation wherever you stand, but its bass is overly boosted and warm.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the Earfun Uboom L instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ is rated for 16 hours versus 10 hours for the JBL Flip Essential.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve+ | JBL Flip Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $255.03 Discontinued | $130 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #53 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #87 of 164 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 | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.91 kg) | / 1 lbs (471 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| 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) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 16W RMS |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Bose Soundlink Revolve+ compares with other leading options:
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+
- JBL Charge 6 vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+
- JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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+: $255.03 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5.
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. Measured bass extension of 54.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding. Boosted mids. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Revolve+ review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1” x 7.2” x 4.1” (105 x 184 x 105 mm) |
| Drivers | 91mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.91 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: The Ultimate 360 Degree Bluetooth Speaker Showdown: Bose Soundlink Revolve Vs Tribit Stormbox Pro More from alanrossreviews →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Live Reviews and Q&A! Bose Soundbar, Monoprice Monitors, Bluetooth Speakers and more.
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Bose Soundlink Revolve+
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Bose Soundlink Revolve+ vs Bose Soundlink Revolve
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JBL Flip Essential: $130 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Flip Essential 2, ranked higher, rated 3.3/5.
Pros: A genuinely portable 471g speaker with IPX7 water resistance, a 3.5mm aux input and 16W output from two full-range drivers. It is a simple, no-app option for wired sources, travel and casual listening where its cylindrical shape and modest size are a genuine advantage.
Cons: Bass is lighter than the Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight. Battery life is only a claimed 10 hours, there is no speakerphone, EQ or party mode, and its older Bluetooth 4.1 platform and discontinued status make it a basic used-market choice.
Full JBL Flip Essential review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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