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 #91 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Charge Essential. 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 Essential at 1.7 lbs (770 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge Essential lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The tradeoff: Boosted upper bass.
The JBL Charge Essential is the longer-running choice. A waterproof speaker with long battery life that charges your phone and pairs with a second unit for stereo. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Flip 5. Watch for: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4, highs rolled off.
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.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 5 | JBL Charge Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $64.97 Discontinued | $73.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #79 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #91 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (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) | 1.7 lbs (770 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 3.4” (213 x 89 x 87 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 20W RMS |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| App | Yes | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | Yes (lanyard) | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Flip 5: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and Techder Audios.
- JBL Charge Essential: reviews by Techder Audios, Flossy Carter and The Tech Files.
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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