Short answer: the EarFun Uboom L. It ranks #2 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $49.79 and is still sold new; the JBL Flip Essential ranks #89 (rated 3.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Flip Essential’s replacement, the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, is rated 3.6/5 at $115.53.
The EarFun Uboom L is the better-sounding, longer-running option. A great value medium speaker with clear, natural sound, waterproofing, and a Video Mode that keeps audio in sync with video. It is rated for 16 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Flip Essential. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. The catch: It cannot produce real low-bass rumble or fill a large, noisy space, and the top end loses some detail.
The JBL Flip Essential is the lighter pick. A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening. At 1 lbs (471 g) it weighs noticeably less than the EarFun Uboom L at 1.4 lbs (650 g). The catch: Bass is lighter than the JBL Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight.
Buy the EarFun Uboom L. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the JBL Flip Essential is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A great value medium speaker with clear, natural sound, waterproofing, and a Video Mode that keeps audio in sync with video.
A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| EarFun Uboom L | JBL Flip Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.79 after coupon UBOOMLWC | $130 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #2 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #89 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (firmware >= 1.2.6) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Aux Latency | 216ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (10 band, firmware >= 1.2.6) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 400ms normal / 66ms low latency mode | - |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs (650 g) | / 1 lbs (471 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 3.1” x 8.3” x 2.8” (78 x 210 x 72 mm) | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 55mm drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| Amplifier Power | 28W | 16W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How EarFun Uboom L compares with other leading options: