Short answer: the JBL Flip 7. It ranks #15 of 182 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $149.95 and is still sold new; the JBL Flip 3 ranks #109 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Why pick 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 7 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Flip 7. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so the rating is estimated from head-to-head listening comparisons.
The JBL Flip 7 is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. A small, very neutral speaker with slightly deeper bass than before, a tougher waterproof build, and an app EQ. It is rated for 14 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Flip 3. It is rated IP68 against IPX5 for the JBL Flip 3. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Flip 3 lacks. The catch: A little bit of a bump at 4kHz, not quite as neutral as the JBL Flip 6.
Buy the JBL Flip 7. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Flip 3 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full 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 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $50 Discontinued | $149.95 |
| Ranked | #109 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #15 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.4 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (7 band) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers + passive radiator | 45x80mm racetrack driver + 16mm tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 35W total (25W main + 10W tweeter) |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C (5V 7.5W-15W) |
| Party Mode | Yes (JBL Connect) | Yes (Auracast) |
| TWS | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP68 |
| Frequency Response | 85Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Weight | 1 lbs (450 g) | 1.2 lbs (560 g) |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6.7” x 2.5” (64 x 169 x 64 mm) | 7.2” x 2.7” x 2.8” (182.5 x 69.5 x 71.5 mm) |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 59Hz |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Strap | - | Yes (detachable PushLock accessory) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Flip 3: reviews by Alan Ross.
- JBL Flip 7: reviews by Alan Ross, M1MTechChannel and YARNZO Tech.
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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