Short answer: the JBL Flip Essential for better sound quality, the Tribit Xsound Surf for the lower price. The JBL Flip Essential ranks #66 of 136 medium speakers at $130. The Tribit Xsound Surf ranks #79 at $26, $104 cheaper.
What the JBL Flip Essential offers: Aux input for wired sources. Set against that: Less bass than a Flip 5.
The case for the Tribit Xsound Surf: Rugged rubberized frame with a metal grille. The catch: Bass doesn’t go as deep as others, strange midrange peaks.
Buy the JBL Flip Essential if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Tribit Xsound Surf if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | Tribit Xsound Surf | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $26 |
| Ranked | #66 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #79 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs / 471 g | 1 lbs / 440 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 40W: 2x drivers with passive radiator |
| Dimensions | 6.7" x 2.5" x 2.5" (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 7" x 2.2" x 2.1" (178 x 57 x 54 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 16W RMS | 12W RMS |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | aptX HD, aptX Lossless, LDAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Built in Microphone | No | Likely Yes (based on Tribit pattern) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Flip Essential: $130
Pros: Aux input for wired sources. IPX7 rated. Genuinely portable at under a pound; a cheaper, more basic alternative to the Flip 5.
Cons: Less bass than a Flip 5.
Full JBL Flip Essential review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 16W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Weight | / 1 lbs / 471 g |
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Tribit Xsound Surf: $26
Pros: Rugged rubberized frame with a metal grille. About 20% louder than the XSound Go at the same volume. IPX7 rated, USB-C charging, and pairs with a second Surf for stereo.
Cons: Bass doesn’t go as deep as others, strange midrange peaks
Full Tribit Xsound Surf review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX HD, aptX Lossless, LDAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Likely Yes (based on Tribit pattern) |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7" x 2.2" x 2.1" (178 x 57 x 54 mm) |
| Drivers | 40W: 2x drivers with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 12W RMS |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 1 lbs / 440 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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