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 #134 (rated 2.6/5) for the Soundcore Flare 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 pick. At 1.1 lbs (510 g), JBL Flip 4 combines 2x 40mm fullrange with Bluetooth and aux. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Soundcore Flare 2 lacks. The tradeoff: Battery failures are common.
The Soundcore Flare 2 is the deeper-bass pick. Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. Its bass reaches about 56Hz before falling 10dB, against 66Hz for the JBL Flip 4. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip 4 lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The tradeoff: Rolled off treble.
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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 4 | Soundcore Flare 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $70 Discontinued | $80 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #83 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #134 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 300ms | 80ms |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (510 g) | 1.3 lbs (600 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.8” x 2.6” (175 x 70 x 65 mm) | 3.5” x 3.5” x 6.3” (89 x 89 x 160 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 20W |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (lanyard) | - |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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- JBL Flip 6 vs JBL Flip 4
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
Soundcore Flare 2: $80 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Rolled off treble. Thuddy bass. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
Full Soundcore Flare 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.5” x 3.5” x 6.3” (89 x 89 x 160 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (600 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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