Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Flip 5

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is the better pick: it ranks #5 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5), against #81 (rated 3.3/5) for the JBL Flip 5. If you want one new, the JBL Flip 7 replaces the JBL Flip 5 and is rated 4.2/5 at $89.95.

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Flip 5

The Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is the better-sounding, louder pick. A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 99dB at full volume, against 92dB for the JBL Flip 5. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Flip 5. Watch for: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video.

The case for the JBL Flip 5: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 cannot. The catch: Boosted upper bass.

Buy the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 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 7, which replaces the JBL Flip 5.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Check JBL Flip 5 price at Amazon ($64.97) →

Specifications Side By Side

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 JBL Flip 5
Price$60 Discontinued$64.97 Discontinued
Ranked#5 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#81 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesYes
Aux InputNoNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz59Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYesYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBCSBC
Built-in MicrophoneYesNo
EQYes (9 band)Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024)
IP RatingIPX7IPX7
Bluetooth Latency150ms200ms
Maximum SPL99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Party ModeNoYes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/1A)-
Power InputUSB-CUSB-C
StereoYesNo
OmnidirectionalNoNo
TWSYesYes
Weight1.3 lbs (590 g)1.2 lbs (540 g)
Bluetooth Version5.04.2
Dimensions8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm)7.1” x 2.7” x 2.9” (181 x 69 x 74 mm)
Drivers1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator1x 44x80mm fullrange
Amplifier Power20W (10W × 2)20W RMS
Digital Aux InputNoNo
Frequency Response-65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Strap-Yes (lanyard)
Check JBL Flip 5 price at Amazon ($64.97) →

Watch Them Compared

Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.

How Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 compares with other leading options:

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

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021: $60 Discontinued eBay

Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 ranking card

Older model: the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every Soundcore Boost generation.

Pros: A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. This upgraded version has a usb-c port while the old one has micro usb. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video. Discontinued and no longer sold new.

Full Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 review and specifications →

ReleasedJul 2021 (5 years ago)
Amplifier Power20W (10W × 2)
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)56Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Latency150ms
Bluetooth Version5.0
Built-in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm)
Drivers1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator
EQYes (9 band)
IP RatingIPX7
Maximum SPL99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeNo
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/1A)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoYes
TWSYes
Weight1.3 lbs (590 g)
Search eBay for Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 →

JBL Flip 5: $64.97 Discontinued Amazon $64.97 eBay

JBL Flip 5 ranking card

Newer model: the JBL Flip 7, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Mar 2025.

Older model: the JBL Flip 4 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every JBL Flip generation.

Pros: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Charges via USB-C, topping off in about 2.5 hours. IP67 rated. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Not stereo. Boosted upper bass. Piercing sound when turned up. Peaky lower treble at higher volumes. Discontinued.

Full JBL Flip 5 review and specifications →

ReleasedJul 2019 (7 years ago)
Amplifier Power20W RMS
AppYes
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)59Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Latency200ms
Bluetooth Version4.2
Built-in MicrophoneNo
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions7.1” x 2.7” x 2.9” (181 x 69 x 74 mm)
Drivers1x 44x80mm fullrange
EQYes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024)
Frequency Response65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingIPX7
Maximum SPL92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoNo
StrapYes (lanyard)
TWSYes
Weight1.2 lbs (540 g)
Check current price at Amazon ($64.97) →Search eBay for JBL Flip 5 →