Short answer: the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, if you are buying new. The JBL Flip Essential ranks higher than the Walla Sound (#89 vs #163 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, tougher pick. A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening. It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the Walla Sound. 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 Walla Sound is the lighter choice. A small shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone. At 0.7 lbs (300 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Flip Essential at 1 lbs (471 g). The catch: No bass, gets distorted when turned up.
Buy the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Flip Essential; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Walla Sound.
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 shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip Essential | Walla Sound | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $49.99 |
| Ranked | #89 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #163 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) | 0.7 lbs (300 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 30mm metal diaphragm driver |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 2.7” x 2.7” x 6.3” (68 x 68 x 160 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 10W (2 x 5W) |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~90Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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