Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. It ranks #11 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $395 and is still sold new; the JBL Flip Essential ranks #89 (rated 3.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Flip Essential’s replacement, the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, is rated 3.6/5 at $115.53.
The case for the JBL Flip Essential: A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening. It keeps a wired aux input, which the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen lacks. Watch for: Bass is lighter than the JBL Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight.
The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. A premium waterproof puck speaker with balanced sound, a built in strap, and a long battery for travel. It is rated for 18 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Flip Essential. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the JBL Flip Essential is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening.
A premium waterproof puck speaker with balanced sound, a built in strap, and a long battery for travel.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $395.00 |
| Ranked | #89 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #11 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 5.2”W x 5.2”D x 1.8”H (133 x 133 x 46 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 60W total (2x 30W Class D) |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 90ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in strap) |
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