Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Charge 4 is the better pick: it ranks #59 of 182 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5), against #79 (rated 3.3/5) for the JBL Flip 5. If you want one new, the JBL Flip 7 replaces the JBL Flip 5 and is rated 4.2/5 at $149.95.
The JBL Charge 4 is the louder, longer-running pick. A rugged waterproof speaker that floats, charges your phone, lasts a long time per charge and links with other JBL speakers. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 99dB at full volume, against 92dB for the JBL Flip 5. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Flip 5. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Flip 5 lacks. The tradeoff: 1 Oval driver.
The JBL Flip 5 is the lighter choice. A compact, light waterproof speaker with a carry strap and USB-C charging. At 1.2 lbs (540 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Charge 4 at 2.1 lbs (960 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge 4 lacks. The tradeoff: Boosted upper bass.
Buy the JBL Charge 4 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, buy the JBL Flip 7, which replaces the JBL Flip 5.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Measured Differences
- Output: the JBL Charge 4 was measured at 99 dB maximum against 92 dB for the JBL Flip 5, so it gets clearly louder before it runs out of headroom.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 4 | JBL Flip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.95 Discontinued | $64.97 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #79 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 330ms | 200ms |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (960 g) | 1.2 lbs (540 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 1x 51x89mm fullrange | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 3.7” x 3.7” (220 x 95 x 93 mm) | 7.1” x 2.7” x 2.9” (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 30W RMS | 20W RMS |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | No | Yes (lanyard) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL flip 5 vs Charge 4 - Mono shootout! best JBL speaker? - detailed overview for 2020!
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Flip 5 vs Charge 4 in stereo mode - pair of Flip 5s or two Charge 4s?
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Charge 4: reviews by Alan Ross, Flossy Carter and DankPods.
- JBL Flip 5: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and Techder Audios.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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