Short answer: the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, if you are buying new. The JBL Flip Essential ranks higher than the B&O Beosound Explore (#89 vs #142 of 177 medium speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, is rated 3.6/5 at $115.53 and is still sold new.
The JBL Flip Essential is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening. At 1 lbs (471 g) it weighs noticeably less than the B&O Beosound Explore at 1.4 lbs (631 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the B&O Beosound Explore 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 Explore is the longer-running choice. A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery. It is rated for 27 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Flip Essential. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Flip Essential. Watch for: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
Buy the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Flip Essential; it is rated higher for sound quality than the B&O Beosound Explore.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening.
A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | B&O Beosound Explore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $294.99 |
| Ranked | #89 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #142 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) | 1.4 lbs (631 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 2x 1.8” (46mm) full-range drivers |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 3.2” x 4.9” x 3.2” (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 60W |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~70Hz |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (carabiner) |
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