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 #83 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.3/5), against #155 (rated 2.3/5) for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. If you want one new, the JBL Flip 7 replaces the JBL Flip 4 and is rated 4.2/5 at $89.95.
The JBL Flip 4 is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. At 1.1 lbs (510 g), JBL Flip 4 combines 2x 40mm fullrange with Bluetooth and aux. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. The catch: Battery failures are common.
The Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is the lighter choice. Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. At 0.8 lbs (350 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Flip 4 at 1.1 lbs (510 g). The tradeoff: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume.
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.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 4 | Harman Kardon Esquire 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $70 Discontinued | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #83 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #155 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 300ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (510 g) | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.8” x 2.6” (175 x 70 x 65 mm) | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 16W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Strap | Yes (lanyard) | - |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 Flip 4: $70 Discontinued Amazon $70 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Flip 7, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Mar 2025. See every JBL Flip generation.
Pros: At 510 g, JBL Flip 4 combines 2x 40mm fullrange with Bluetooth and aux. Claimed 12 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, ipx7 protection, up to 92db and single-box playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 66Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Battery failures are common. Discontinued.
Full JBL Flip 4 review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 300ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.8” x 2.6” (175 x 70 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (lanyard) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (510 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Harman Kardon Esquire 2: $200 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. Flat, compact design packs easily. USB charge-out for topping off a phone.
Cons: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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