Short answer: the JBL Flip 4. It ranks #63 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $70; the JBL Charge Essential ranks #68 and costs $73.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the JBL Flip 4: Less bass than a Flip 5. The tradeoff: Battery failures are common.
What the JBL Charge Essential offers: Doubles as a power bank. Watch for: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off.
Buy the JBL Flip 4. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Charge Essential and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Charge Essential is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Flip 4.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 4 | JBL Charge Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $70 Discontinued | $73.99 |
| Ranked | #63 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #68 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | - |
| 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 | - |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs / 510 g | 1.7 lbs / 770 g |
| 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 3.4" (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 16W RMS | 20W RMS |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Max Volume | 92dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
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- JBL Flip 5 vs Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2/ Lifejacket 3
- JBL Charge 3 vs Skullcandy Terrain/Terrain XT/Terrain XL
- JBL Flip 4 vs JBL Charge 3
- JBL Charge 3 vs JBL Charge Essential
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Flip 4: $70 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Less bass than a Flip 5. Peaky lower treble.
Cons: Battery failures are common. Discontinued.
Full JBL Flip 4 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 92dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs / 510 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DLX Willington: JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 4 :Sound Battle: Almost to the size of the JBL Charge 3?
- GYMCADDY: Best $100 Speaker? JBL Flip 4 Vs Sony XB20 Vs UE WONDERBOOM Vs Altec Mini Lifejacket 2
- GYMCADDY: Best $100 Speaker? JBL Flip 4 Vs Sony XB20 Vs UE WONDERBOOM Vs Altec Mini Lifejacket 2
- Reddit Search for JBL Flip 4 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Charge Essential: $73.99 Amazon
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IPX7 rated. Supports true wireless stereo pairing with a second Charge Essential.
Cons: Less clarity than the Flip 4, highs rolled off. An overpriced rebranded Charge 3 for people who want stereo sound.
Full JBL Charge Essential review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.4" x 3.5" x 3.4" (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs / 770 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Charge 2
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Flip Essential
- JBL Charge Essential vs Klipsch Nashville
- JBL Charge Essential vs Sonos Roam 2
- JBL Charge Essential vs Sony XB23
- JBL Charge Essential vs Sonos Roam
- JBL Charge Essential vs JBL Flip 5
- See all 13 comparisons