Short answer: the JBL Flip 7 for better sound quality, the JBL Charge Essential 2 for the lower price. The JBL Flip 7 ranks #14 of 135 medium speakers at $149.95. The JBL Charge Essential 2 ranks #35 at $130, $19.95 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Flip 7: It’s a very neutral speaker, small enough to be almost pocket sized, with just slightly more treble and slightly deeper bass than the already great Flip 6. The catch: there’s a bit of a bump at 4khz that makes it not quite as neutral as the Flip 6, and it may actually be slightly worse overall than its predecessor.
What the JBL Charge Essential 2 gets right: It doubles as a power bank, is IP67 rated, and gets close to Charge 5 performance at a lower price. Set against that: it isn’t stereo and has slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
Buy the JBL Flip 7 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Charge Essential 2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 7 | JBL Charge Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.95 | $130 |
| Ranked | #14 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #35 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 100dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 560 g | 2.1 lbs / 930 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| Drivers | 45x80mm racetrack driver + 16mm tweeter | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Output Power | 35W total (25W main + 10W tweeter) | 40W |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 7.2" x 2.7" x 2.8" (182.5 x 69.5 x 71.5 mm) | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Power Input | USB-C (5V 7.5W-15W) | USB-C |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Flip 7: $149.95 Amazon
Pros: A very neutral speaker, very small, almost pocket size. Just slightly more treble than the Flip 6 which was already a great speaker. Slightly deeper bass than the Flip 6
Cons: A little bit of a bump at 4khz, not quite as neutral as the FLip 6. I believe this one is slightly worse than the Flip 6.
Full JBL Flip 7 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 7.2" x 2.7" x 2.8" (182.5 x 69.5 x 71.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 45x80mm racetrack driver + 16mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Max Volume | 100dB |
| Output Power | 35W total (25W main + 10W tweeter) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C (5V 7.5W-15W) |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 560 g |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Xtreme 4 vs Flip 7 vs Charge 6 – The ULTIMATE JBL Speaker Showdown!
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Flip 7 is screech-fest heaven! vs Flip 6!
- Chrispy Things [EDC]: JBL Flip 7: My thoughts & sound test VS the Flip 6!
- GYMCADDY: JBL Flip 7 Review - Is It Worth Upgrading Over The JBL Flip 6 Or Flip 5?
- Musou1: JBL flip 7 vs KEF muo vs Bose flex 2
- FishBee Product Reviews: LG XBOOM Grab (2025) by Will.i.am - BETTER Than JBL Flip 7??
- Reddit Search for JBL Flip 7 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Charge Essential 2: $130
Pros: Doubles as a power bank. IP67 rated. Close to Charge 5 performance at a lower price.
Cons: Not stereo. Slightly less bass than a Charge 5.
Full JBL Charge Essential 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.8" x 3.8" x 3.7" (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 930 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons