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JBL Flip 4 vs Flip 5:which one do you like more?

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JBL Flip 4 vs Flip 5:which one do you like more?

Anyone looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker will find a lot to love about JBL products, and some of the latest and greatest offerings from the brand include the JBL Flip 4 and the JBL Flip 5. The former was released in 2017, while the latter came to us in 2019, and there are some key differences between them.

There’s no shortage of Bluetooth speakers on the market, but not all are worthy of your precious cash. That’s where we come in. We’ve picked out two cracking options — the JBL Flip 4 and its successor, the JBL Flip 5. Both of these wireless, waterproof wonders are perfectly portable and combine solid sonics with rugged designs. But, which is the best Bluetooth speaker for you?

Whether you’re planning a beach BBQ, a garden party or just want a classy portable Bluetooth speaker that’ll survive a splash, both of these JBLs speakers should be on your shortlist.

Read on as we pit the JBL Flip 4 against the JBL Flip 5 in a head-to-head battle, comparing everything from performance and price, to features, connections, build quality, toughness and more.

JBL Flip 4 vs Flip 5:which one do you like more?

Similarities and Differences

At first glance, you might actually struggle to tell the difference between the JBL Flip 4 and the JBL Flip 5. In fact, when viewed from a distance, it’s more or less impossible to tell them apart. They feature very similar and distinctive designs, although the Flip 4 only comes in six color variations, while the Flip 5 is available in 11 different styles.

There are some minor differences in terms of size and weight too, but on the face of it, aesthetically speaking, you won’t notice a huge difference between the pair.

They both offer similar battery life and similar feature lists too, with both being IPX7 waterproof, easy to connect with other speakers and compatible with Bluetooth 4.2 So where do the differences actually lie?

Well, in spite of these high quality, durable Bluetooth speakers having so many features in common, the differences begin to appear when we look a little closer at the technology under the hood.

The Flip 5, as the newer model, offers a wider frequency range for stronger audio performance, particularly in regards to bass and treble, resulting in louder, clearer sounds.

The Flip 5 has the power advantage, and it also comes with USB Type-C connections, plus a sleep timer and one or two other little extras, but the Flip 4 is no slouch, offering a noise-canceling microphone, the ability to answer calls, and connectivity with smart assistants like Siri and Google Now.

JBL Flip 4 vs Flip 5:which one do you like more?

JBL Flip 4 vs JBL Flip 5: sound quality

The Flip 5 might only have a single 44mm driver, but it has a better frequency response than the Flip 4 and outputs an extra 4W. The result? A louder, clearer, more agile sound that’s packed with taut, pounding bass and plenty of mid-range sparkle. Not even the Award-winning Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 can match the Flip 5’s openness and acoustics, although the Wonderboom is a tad cheaper.

The Flip 4 might have two drivers to the Flip 5’s one, but it doesn’t offer quite the same degree of sophistication as the Flip 5.

The good news is that the Flip 4 still sounds confident and agile. It serves up plenty of detail too, and the presentation is surprisingly spacious given its size. The bad news? It just lacks the dynamism and punch of its pricier sibling.

If your budget stretches and sound is a top priority, go for the Flip 5. It delivers a remarkably energetic performance that’s hard to beat at this level.

JBL Flip 4 vs Flip 5:which one do you like more?

JBL Flip 4 vs JBL Flip 5:Battery Power and Run Time

One of the unique aspects of using a wireless speaker, or any kind of wireless device, is that you can’t rely on it running forever and ever. The battery will eventually drain down, and you’ll have to find an outlet and charge it back up. This can be frustrating, especially when devices come equipped with weak and weedy batteries that don’t last for too long.

It’s always wise to try and find a wireless speaker that comes with a strong, stocky battery that can go the distance, letting you play your tunes for hours on end without any interruptions or a constant need to recharge. So how do the Flip 4 and Flip 5 compete in this regard?

Well, both of these JBL wireless speakers come with rechargeable, high powered batteries, but there are some differences to take into account. The Flip 4 comes with a 3,000 mAh battery, while the Flip 5 comes with a much bigger 4,800 mAh battery.

On the face of it, based purely on those numbers alone, you might assume that the Flip 5 will be able to last a lot longer, but in practice, that’s not exactly what happens. In actual fact, JBL markets both of these speakers as having run times of around 12 hours.

Why? Well, as stated earlier on in the Sound Quality section, the Flip 5 actually outputs more power when playing music, meaning that it needs that bigger battery to compensate and can only just about match the Flip 4 in terms of run time.

So even though the Flip 5 has the larger of the two batteries, the run times for both of these models are pretty much identical. Some people have even said that the Flip 4 can last longer on average, and that the Flip 5 drains more quickly on max volume.

JBL Flip 4 vs JBL Flip 5: price

The JBL Flip 5 was released in August 2019 as an update to the JBL Flip 4.

At launch, the Flip 5 cost around £120 ($120 / AU$149), but it currently sells for nearer the £100 mark ($100 / AU$120)

The JBL Flip 4 hit the shelves in 2017 at £120 ($110, AU$200) but prices have since dropped and the Flip 4 can now be had for around £90 ($80, AU$140) or less. Keep an eye on the deals below and you might find price drop around Amazon Prime Day.

Wrap-Up: So What’s Right for You?

There are always newer, greater things on the horizon. Because Bluetooth speakers contain batteries, and all batteries have a limited number of recharges in their lifespans, you may have to replace your speaker after five years or so. So this is not a decision for life.

The Flip 5 sounds more powerful, crisper, and goes louder thanks to its improved driver, and USB-C charging is a plus if you’re using that for your other devices. If this is worth the extra few bucks, go for it, but the Flip 4 is hardly a bad choice.

Any of our winning options are quality speakers that will serve you well, but selecting the perfect one is about your preferences and ideal price point.Want more recommendations for the best Bluetooth speaker ? Check out our guides to the DinDinModern.

Why choose DINDINMODERN?

● A variety of high-quality Bluetooth speakers are available.
● Delivery from the local warehouse, within 3 days.
● Manufactured in our own factory, cost-effective.
● Excellent pre-sales and after-sales service.
● Free returns
● Excellent materials, safe and durable.
● Pursue innovation and optimize design
● We listen to customer needs and feedback.

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