The Flip 5 and Charge 4 are two JBL speakers designed for listening to music anywhere. The sound quality and volume allow you to listen to your favorite tracks not only at home alone but also outside with a large group of your friends. These portable speakers are convenient to take with you on a picnic or just a walk. However, keep in mind that they may be too large for small groups and rooms.
If you’re looking for powerful Bluetooth sound in a portable and rugged package, it’s hard to beat JBL’s wireless waterproof speakers. Well, if you’re wondering which speaker from JBL to buy – Flip 5 or Charge 4, then let’s take a closer look at their characteristics and which of them will be a better choice for you.
What is JBL?
Portable loudspeakers have become an almost mandatory accessory for people leading an active life. They’re indispensable when you want to travel, relax in nature, or play sports with friends while listening to your favorite music together. The standard of good portable acoustics is deservedly considered a well-known global manufacturer JBL, not a dozen years in the top positions in the ratings.
JBL is a successful brand. Dozens of varieties of speakers are sold under this brand name. All JBL portable speakers can be connected to any device that has Bluetooth support. For example, you can easily connect your speaker to an iPhone.
However, several portable speakers can be divided into several categories in size, weight, and the presence of additional functions. For listeners who appreciate mobility and ease of movement, the most popular will be a group of devices weighing less than 1 kg, able to produce a fairly loud and clear sound. Two models from JBL are recognized as leaders here: Charge 4 and Flip 5. Despite the apparent similarity, these speakers have several features.
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What is the difference between JBL Charge 4 and Flip 5?
JBL products have managed to find uniqueness in their niche and are at the forefront of the speaker industry. If you look at these two Bluetooth speakers side by side, you can’t help but notice the obvious differences (size) and infer some non-obvious differences (battery life, sound output). However, since they’re both made by the same company, they also have a lot in common with JBL’s DNA.
| Model | JBL Charge 4 | JBL Flip 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Size (inches) | 8,66 x 3,74 x 3,66 | 7,13 x 2,91 x 2,72 |
| Weight (pounds) | 2,12 | 1,19 |
| Battery life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Charging time | 4 hours | 2. 5 hours |
| Maximum capacity (Watt) | 30 W | 20 W |
| Number of drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency | 60 Hz — 20 kHz | 65 Hz до 20 kHz |
| Number of colors | 10 | 11 |
| Waterproof | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| JBL Connect | + | + |
| 3.5mm audio cable input | + | + |
| Access to the built-in voice assistant | – | – |
| Speakerphone | – | – |
| Charging cable | USB-C | USB-C |
Another advantage of both devices is that you can connect the Bluetooth speakers to Alexa. Comparing the JBL Flip 5 and the JBL Charge 4 is difficult because while both are impressive speakers from JBL, they each have very different uses. Both are relatively affordable, sound great, and are designed to take on all the elements. However, there are many differences between them as well.
How similar are the JBL Flip 5 and the JBL Charge 4?
JBL has built a solid reputation for truly excellent sounding speakers and is one of them. The Anies company has taken the lead in rugged, waterproof Bluetooth speakers. Many of its devices top our lists and buyer’s guides in their categories, and the Flip 5 and Charge 4 are devices that can compete with any competitor.
Speakers share a common design language, making them instantly recognizable as JBL devices. Both have a 360-degree tubular speaker shape, and both have the red JBL logo front and center. Both are available in nearly a dozen fun colors and patterns, including Black Cammo, fiery red, and really pretty Ocean Blue. If you buy directly from JBL, you can even customize your colors and patterns to make your speaker unique.
These devices certainly work well indoors, but they’re made to shine outside. Both are IPX7 waterproof and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. They’re equally suitable for long day trips to the beach or backyard barbecues thanks to extended battery life, and both can be incredibly loud for their size. With the Flip 5 upgrade, both speakers now feature USB-C charging, so you can use the same cable as your phone or other portable devices.
How do the JBL Flip 5 and JBL Charge 4 vary?
The biggest difference you’ll notice between these Bluetooth speakers is the size. The Charge 4 is about half an inch or an inch larger in all measurements and weighs a pound more than the Flip 5. This may not seem like much in theory, but in practice, it makes one speaker more portable than the other.
The Charge 4’s battery capacity and power distribution feature far surpass that of the already impressive Flip 5. The Charge 4 has 20 hours of capacity compared to the Flip 5’s 12 hours, and the Charge 4 can also serve as a battery to charge your other devices – devices like the Flip 5, ironically. If you plan to party outdoors all day, these benefits can make a huge difference. However, the Flip 5 can be charged almost twice as fast as the Charge 4.
The Charge 4 is also capable of being much louder than the Flip 5, thanks to its 30-watt output, although while its bass is powerful, some have complained that it’s worse in the high frequencies. The high end is where the Flip 5 shines, but as you would expect from a smaller speaker, it has a little weak bass.
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What’s better to buy: JBL Flip 5 or JBL Charge 4?
By comparing the properties of the two presented devices, we can conclude which of the speakers will be more preferable for purchase: JBL Flip 5 or Charge 4. The latter has more weight but works much longer in standalone mode.
In addition, it has a wider range of features and additional options that are missing from the Flip 5. For example, it can be used as an external recharger for gadgets, when the ability to communicate with the world becomes more important than the extra minutes of music. However, the increased weight and price of the Charge 4 may incline the choice in favor of the Flip 5 for those who value the lightness and accessibility of a portable speaker.
Whichever JBL portable Bluetooth speaker you choose, you’ll get a great device. It all comes down to which features are more important to you. Power versus portability is the most important decision you need to make. For us, it all comes down to power. You just get more for your money with the Charge 4, with a louder sound, deeper bass, longer battery life, and power distribution.
