Short answer: the Minirig 4. It ranks #7 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $229.95 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 JBL Flip Essential is the tougher pick. A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening. It is rated IPX7 against Splash resistant for the Minirig 4. The tradeoff: Bass is lighter than the JBL Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight.
The Minirig 4 is the better-sounding, longer-running pick. A small, long lasting speaker that gets loud and can add a matching subwoofer, with a 30 hour battery. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Flip Essential. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. The catch: Calls itself splash resistant and has no official water rating.
Buy the Minirig 4. 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 small, long lasting speaker that gets loud and can add a matching subwoofer, with a 30 hour battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | Minirig 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $229.95 |
| Ranked | #89 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) | 1.2 lbs (550 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 70mm custom driver |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 4” x 2.9” (101.6 x 73 mm) (diameter x height) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 50W |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | Splash resistant |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes (Bluetooth or cable) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Aux Latency | - | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 56Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 60ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 106dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-C) |
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