JBL Flip 6 vs JBL Flip 5

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Short answer: the JBL Flip 6. It ranks #13 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $79.95 and is still sold new; the JBL Flip 5 ranks #81 (rated 3.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Flip 5’s replacement, the JBL Flip 7, is rated 4.2/5 at $89.95.

JBL Flip 6 vs JBL Flip 5

The JBL Flip 6 is the better-sounding, louder option. A very neutral speaker, very small, almost pocket size, a huge sound quality leap over the JBL Flip 5. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 98dB at full volume, against 92dB for the JBL Flip 5. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Flip 5 lacks. The catch: Some slight upper mids emphasis.

Why pick the JBL Flip 5: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Watch for: Not stereo.

Buy the JBL Flip 6. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the JBL Flip 5 is discontinued.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

JBL Flip 6 JBL Flip 5
Price$79.95$64.97 Discontinued
Ranked#13 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#81 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesYes
Aux InputNoNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz59Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Built-in MicrophoneNoNo
EQYes (3 band)Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024)
IP RatingIP67IPX7
Bluetooth Latency116ms200ms
Maximum SPL98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Party ModeYes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Power BankNo-
StereoNoNo
OmnidirectionalNoNo
TWSYesYes
Weight1.2 lbs (544 g)1.2 lbs (540 g)
BluetoothYesYes
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, SBCSBC
Bluetooth Version5.14.2
Dimensions6.9” x 2.7” x 2.8” (176 x 68 x 72 mm)7.1” x 2.7” x 2.9” (181 x 69 x 74 mm)
Drivers44mm x 80mm woofer, 16mm tweeter1x 44x80mm fullrange
Power InputUSB-CUSB-C
Amplifier Power30W20W RMS
Digital Aux InputNoNo
StrapYes (built-in loop)Yes (lanyard)
Frequency Response-65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)

Watch Them Compared

Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.

More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Flip 6:

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 6: $79.95 Amazon $114.95 Woot $79.95 Lowest eBay

JBL Flip 6 ranking card

Newer model: the JBL Flip 7, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5, released Mar 2025. It adds USB audio input, but drops stereo pairing. Water resistance goes from IP67 to IP68.

Older models: the JBL Flip 5 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5) and the JBL Flip 4 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every JBL Flip generation.

Pros: A very neutral speaker, very small, almost pocket size, a huge sound quality leap over the JBL Flip 5. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Not stereo. Some slight upper mids emphasis. The TL version (made in Vietnam) tweeter can sound somewhat scratchy and doesn’t sound as good as the GG version (made in China)

ReleasedSep 2021 (5 years ago)
Amplifier Power30W
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, SBC
Bluetooth Latency116ms
Bluetooth Version5.1
Built-in MicrophoneNo
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions6.9” x 2.7” x 2.8” (176 x 68 x 72 mm)
Drivers44mm x 80mm woofer, 16mm tweeter
EQYes (3 band)
IP RatingIP67
Maximum SPL98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Power BankNo
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
StrapYes (built-in loop)
TWSYes
Weight1.2 lbs (544 g)

JBL Flip 5: $64.97 Discontinued Amazon $64.97 eBay

JBL Flip 5 ranking card

Newer model: the JBL Flip 7, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Mar 2025.

Older model: the JBL Flip 4 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every JBL Flip generation.

Pros: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Charges via USB-C, topping off in about 2.5 hours. IP67 rated. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Not stereo. Boosted upper bass. Piercing sound when turned up. Peaky lower treble at higher volumes. Discontinued.

ReleasedJul 2019 (7 years ago)
Amplifier Power20W RMS
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)59Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Latency200ms
Bluetooth Version4.2
Built-in MicrophoneNo
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions7.1” x 2.7” x 2.9” (181 x 69 x 74 mm)
Drivers1x 44x80mm fullrange
EQYes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024)
Frequency Response65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingIPX7
Maximum SPL92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
StrapYes (lanyard)
TWSYes
Weight1.2 lbs (540 g)