Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Flip 5 is the better pick: it ranks #79 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 5 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. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Flip 5 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Flip 5. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so the rating is estimated from head-to-head listening comparisons.
The JBL Flip 5 is the tougher pick. A compact, light waterproof speaker with a carry strap and USB-C charging. It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the JBL Flip 3. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip 3 lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: Boosted upper bass.
Buy the JBL Flip 5 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.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 3 | JBL Flip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $50 Discontinued | $64.97 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #109 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #79 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers + passive radiator | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 20W RMS |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB | 92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Party Mode | Yes (JBL Connect) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Frequency Response | 85Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 1 lbs (450 g) | 1.2 lbs (540 g) |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6.7” x 2.5” (64 x 169 x 64 mm) | 7.1” x 2.7” x 2.9” (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 59Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 200ms |
| Strap | - | Yes (lanyard) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Flip 3: reviews by Alan Ross.
- 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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