Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Flip Essential is the better pick: it ranks #87 of 164 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5), against #152 (rated 2.2/5) for the EFM Toledo. If you want one new, the Earfun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The JBL Flip Essential is the better-sounding pick. A genuinely portable 1 lbs (471 g) speaker with IPX7 water resistance, a 3.5mm aux input and 16W output from two full-range drivers. It keeps a wired aux input, which the EFM Toledo lacks. The catch: Bass is lighter than the Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight.
The EFM Toledo is the longer-running choice. A compact 1.1 lbs (500 g) speaker with dual drivers, IPX6 protection, speakerphone capability, TWS pairing and a claimed 15-hour battery life. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Flip Essential. The tradeoff: With only 10W output, bass is very limited and treble rolls off early, so music lacks the weight, detail and headroom of stronger portable speakers.
Buy the JBL Flip Essential only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the Earfun Uboom L instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | EFM Toledo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #87 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #152 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | - |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) | 1.1 lbs (0.5 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | - |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 2x drivers |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 3.9” x 3.9” x 9.1” (100 x 100 x 230 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 10W |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX6 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Flip Essential
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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 Essential: $130 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Flip Essential 2, ranked higher, rated 3.3/5.
Pros: A genuinely portable 471g speaker with IPX7 water resistance, a 3.5mm aux input and 16W output from two full-range drivers. It is a simple, no-app option for wired sources, travel and casual listening where its cylindrical shape and modest size are a genuine advantage.
Cons: Bass is lighter than the Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight. Battery life is only a claimed 10 hours, there is no speakerphone, EQ or party mode, and its older Bluetooth 4.1 platform and discontinued status make it a basic used-market choice.
Full JBL Flip Essential review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) |
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EFM Toledo: $99 Discontinued eBay
Pros: A compact 500g speaker with dual drivers, IPX6 protection, speakerphone capability, TWS pairing and a claimed 15-hour battery life. Its simple, rugged format makes it easy to carry for podcasts, background music and casual use around water.
Cons: With only 10W output, bass is very limited and treble rolls off early, so music lacks the weight, detail and headroom of stronger portable speakers. It has no aux input, app or EQ, and this discontinued model is best considered only if its compact weather-resistant design is the priority.
Full EFM Toledo review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 3.9” x 9.1” (100 x 100 x 230 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x drivers |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (0.5 kg) |
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