Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Tribit Maxsound Plus is the better pick: it ranks #22 of 157 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5), against #80 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Flip Essential. If you want one new, the Earfun Uboom L ranks #1 at $49.79.
The Tribit Maxsound Plus is the better-sounding, longer-running option. Use XBass mode for flattest frequency response and balanced audio reproduction. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Flip Essential. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Flip Essential. The tradeoff: Slightly less deep bass than modern class leaders.
The JBL Flip Essential is the lighter choice. 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. At 1 lbs (471 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Tribit Maxsound Plus at 1.3 lbs (595 g). The catch: Bass is lighter than the Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight.
Buy the Tribit Maxsound Plus 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, start with the Earfun Uboom L instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit Maxsound Plus | JBL Flip Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 Discontinued | $130 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #22 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #80 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes (3.5mm) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (595 g) | / 1 lbs (471 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Drivers | 2x 44mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| Amplifier Power | 24W | 16W RMS |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Dimensions | 2.6” x 7.8” x 2.7” (65 x 198 x 68 mm) | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Strap | No | - |
| Party Mode | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
Tribit Maxsound Plus: $79.99 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Tribit Xsound Plus 2, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5.
Pros: Use XBass mode for flattest frequency response and balanced audio reproduction. 24W output with dual 44mm drivers and dual passive radiators. Up to 20 hours battery life and IPX7 waterproof casing. Measured bass extension of 58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Slightly less deep bass than modern class leaders. No true wireless stereo pairing between two units (introduced on the V2). Discontinued; superseded by Maxsound Plus V2 and XSound Plus 2.
Full Tribit Maxsound Plus review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 24W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.6” x 7.8” x 2.7” (65 x 198 x 68 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 44mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (595 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Flip Essential: $130 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Flip Essential 2, ranked higher, rated 3.3/5.
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 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 →
| 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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