Short answer: the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It ranks #19 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $399 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.
Why pick 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 3rd gen lacks. The catch: 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 3rd gen is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. A premium waterproof puck speaker with good sound, a long battery, and a battery you can swap, built to last. It is rated for 24 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. The tradeoff: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass.
Buy the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Flip Essential is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening.
A premium waterproof puck speaker with good sound, a long battery, and a battery you can swap, built to last.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $399.00 |
| Ranked | #89 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #19 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 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 | 82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 5.2” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 60W |
| 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 |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Strap | - | Yes (built-in strap) |
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