Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Flip 5 is the better pick: it ranks #79 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 5 and is rated 4.2/5 at $149.95.
The JBL Flip 5 is the lighter choice. A compact, light waterproof speaker with a carry strap and USB-C charging. At 1.2 lbs (540 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge 3 at 1.8 lbs (800 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge 3 lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: Boosted upper bass.
The JBL Charge 3 is the louder, longer-running pick. A waterproof speaker with long battery life, a speakerphone and a big battery that charges your phone. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 100dB at full volume, against 92dB for the JBL Flip 5. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Flip 5. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Flip 5 lacks. The tradeoff: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4.
Buy the JBL Flip 5 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 5.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Measured Differences
- Output: the JBL Charge 3 was measured at 100 dB maximum against 92 dB for the JBL Flip 5, so it gets clearly louder before it runs out of headroom.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 5 | JBL Charge 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $64.97 Discontinued | $80 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #79 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #90 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (540 g) | 1.8 lbs (800 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm fullrange | 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2.7” x 2.9” (181 x 69 x 74 mm) | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.5” (213 x 88 x 88 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 20W RMS |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| App | Yes | Yes (JBL Connect) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | Yes (lanyard) | - |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Flip 5 single (mono) vs stereo pair - sound and bass test - vs Charge 3
- Alan Ross Reviews: W-King D8 Mini vs JBL Charge 3 and Flip 5 bluetooth speakers
- DLX Willington: JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 4 :Sound Battle: Almost to the size of the JBL Charge 3?
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Flip 5: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and Techder Audios.
- 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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