JBL Charge 4 vs JBL Flip Essential

Short answer: the JBL Flip Essential is the only one with an Aux input; the Charge 4 has the power bank. The Flip Essential offers an Aux input for wired sources but has less bass than a Flip 5. The Charge 4 doubles as a power bank for charging phones and tablets, though it is not stereo and uses a single oval driver.

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, start with the Earfun Uboom L instead.

Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

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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

JBL Charge 4: $94.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay

Newer model: the JBL Charge 6, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5.

Pros: Doubles as a power bank for charging phones/tablets. IPX7 rated and floats. ~20 hour battery life; wirelessly links with 100+ JBL Connect+ speakers. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Not stereo. 1 Oval driver. Boosted bass, top a little rolled off, warm sound. Not as loud as a Charge 3. Discontinued.

Full JBL Charge 4 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	30W RMS
App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	54Hz
Battery Life	20 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Latency	330ms
Bluetooth Version	4.2
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	8.7” x 3.7” x 3.7” (220 x 95 x 93 mm)
Drivers	1x 51x89mm fullrange
EQ	No
Frequency Response	60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP Rating	IPX7
Maximum SPL	99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers)
Power Bank	Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A)
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	No
Strap	No
TWS	No
Weight	2.1 lbs (960 g)

• Links
  • Official JBL Charge 4 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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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
  • Official JBL Flip Essential Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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