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 #90 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Charge 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 JBL Flip 4 is the lighter choice. A compact waterproof speaker with an aux input and decent battery life. At 1.1 lbs (510 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge 3 at 1.8 lbs (800 g). Watch for: Battery failures are common.
The JBL Charge 3 is the longer-running choice. A waterproof speaker with long battery life, a speakerphone and a big battery that charges your phone. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Flip 4. The tradeoff: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4.
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.
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 4 | JBL Charge 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $70 Discontinued | $80 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #81 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #90 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 300ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (510 g) | 1.8 lbs (800 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.8” x 2.6” (175 x 70 x 65 mm) | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.5” (213 x 88 x 88 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 20W RMS |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes | Yes (JBL Connect) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (lanyard) | - |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- Alan Ross Reviews: flip 4 vs charge 3
- Alan Ross Reviews: Charge 3 - Flip 4 - JBL Connect button sound enhancement - hidden eq setting?
- Alan Ross Reviews: Denon Envaya dsb 250 bluetooth speaker Review and sound comparisons vs Charge 3 and Flip 4 - 2018
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Flip 4: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and GYMCADDY.
- JBL Charge 3: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and EnforcerMan.
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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