Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Flip 4 is the better pick: it ranks #81 of 182 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.3/5), against #109 (rated 3.0/5) for the JBL Flip 3. If you want one new, the JBL Flip 7 replaces the JBL Flip 4 and is rated 4.2/5 at $149.95.
The case for the JBL Flip 3: A discontinued compact splashproof speaker with a rated 10 hour battery and a speakerphone. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so the rating is estimated from head-to-head listening comparisons.
The JBL Flip 4 is the tougher pick. A compact waterproof speaker with an aux input and decent battery life. It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the JBL Flip 3. Watch for: Battery failures are common.
Buy the JBL Flip 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 4.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 3 | JBL Flip 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $50 Discontinued | $70 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #109 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #81 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers + passive radiator | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 16W RMS |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Party Mode | Yes (JBL Connect) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| TWS | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Frequency Response | 85Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (450 g) | 1.1 lbs (510 g) |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6.7” x 2.5” (64 x 169 x 64 mm) | 6.9” x 2.8” x 2.6” (175 x 70 x 65 mm) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 66Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 300ms |
| Strap | - | Yes (lanyard) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Flip 3: reviews by Alan Ross.
- JBL Flip 4: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and GYMCADDY.
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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