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 #90 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5), against #161 (rated 2.2/5) for the Ultimate Ears Roll 2. If you want one new, the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE replaces the JBL Flip Essential and is rated 3.6/5 at $113.82.
The JBL Flip Essential is the better-sounding option. 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. 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 Ultimate Ears Roll 2 is the lighter pick. Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse. At 0.7 lbs (330 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Flip Essential at 1 lbs (471 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. The catch: Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis.
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, buy the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, which replaces the JBL Flip Essential.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | Ultimate Ears Roll 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #90 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #161 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes (UE Roll app) |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (5-band via UE ROLL app) |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 1x 2” full-range + 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 5.9” x 5.3” x 1.6” (149.5 x 135 x 40 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 10W |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 3 SE, ranked higher, estimated 3.6/5, released Apr 2026. See every JBL Flip Essential generation.
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 JBL 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 →
| Released | Nov 2019 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Ultimate Ears Roll 2: $100 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Ultimate Ears Miniroll, rated 3.9/5, released Sep 2024. It adds built-in mic and stereo pairing, but drops the aux input, app control and adjustable EQ. Battery life goes from 9 to 12 hours. See every Ultimate Ears Roll generation.
Pros: Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse. Built-in bungee cord for hanging from a hook, nail, or door handle. Life-resistant waterproof/dustproof shell.
Cons: Not stereo. Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis. Discontinued.
Full Ultimate Ears Roll 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
| App | Yes (UE Roll app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 5.3” x 1.6” (149.5 x 135 x 40 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” full-range + 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5-band via UE ROLL app) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
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