JBL produces two excellent models, the JBL Charge 5 and the JBL Flip 6. We tried both speakers a lot and we’re happy to say that the Charge 5 and Flip 6 sound great for the money. It’s not surprising that JBL is a good brand owned by Harman, which usually gives better sound for less money. Now it is the question: Which speaker from JBL is the best for you? You can read our full and honest comparison between JBL Charge 5 and Flip 6 below on Digimigia.
Introduction: JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 6
In the JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 6 review, we got that JBL Charge 5 weighs 960 grams and measures 223 x 96 x 94 mm. With an IP67 rating, it is a portable speaker that can be comfortably transported to the beach, where it emits a considerable volume about its dimensions. The silicone covers the ends and runs along the bottom for extra toughness in JBL Charge 5. During our testing, it was observed that submerging the speaker in water had no impact on its functionality.
The Flip 6 weighs 544g and is 178 x 68 x 72 mm, which makes it smaller and more portable than the Charge 5. It has the same IP67 rating against dust and water as the Charge 5. The Flip 6 ends are made of sturdy plastic instead of the silicone that is on the Charge 5. You get a loop for carrying. The Flip 6 is a good Bluetooth speaker if you like to travel light. Both the JBL Charge 5 and Flip 6 are simple speakers. You don’t get a microphone for phone calls or a line-in port. They remain stationary. Neither speaker has smart capabilities beyond those of your device. They don’t have fast charging, and they don’t have additional technology to tune the speakers according to your location. Therefore, both speakers are lacking in these areas. However, you are buying volume, tuning, battery life, and connectivity with each of them.
JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 6 Sound Quality
We’ve spent countless hours playing with both the Charge and Flip 6, and we’re confident in their abilities, even if there are a few subtle differences. In sound quality JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 6, we understand that an agile sonic performance is delivered by the Charge 5, tracks have plenty of impact, vocals are energized, and feel well-placed in what is an expansive mix for a portable speaker of this size. The Charge 5 can be delicate and nuanced, as well as having oomph and bass. The Flip 6 puts on a fun, zippy, and agile show. The speaker has a lot of power and energy at all frequencies, and it doesn’t seem too big when it’s been set up overnight. The low end sounds very full and powerful, and it shows each band member’s position on the soundstage very well. In general, JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 6 sounds richer and more forgiving at the top end.
JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 6 Battery Life
One nice thing about the Charge 5 is that you can use the USB-A port to charge your other devices. This is important because listening to music for a long time can drain your phone’s battery. The Charge 5 battery lasts 20 hours, and the Flip 6 battery lasts 12 hours. During our testing, the Flip 6 achieved 9 hours and 25 minutes of audio playback at a maximum level of 75 dB/SPL. Each speaker uses the modern USB-C that is standard in order to charge them. It’s really annoying if you find yourself with a dead speaker right before you leave the house. It takes 4 hours for the Charge 5 to fully recharge, and 2.5 hours for the Flip 6.
JBL Charge 5 or Flip 6 Specs
As we checked JBL Charge 5 vs. flip 6 differences, it was revealed that The JBL Charge 5 and the JBL Flip 6 have different features. The Charge 5 can be made louder and have a longer low-bass sound right out of the box. The battery lasts longer, but it depends on how much you use it. The Flip 6 is smaller and has a removable carrying strap, making it more portable than the Charge 5. It is better at directing sound, which makes the sound bigger. Let’s check JBL Charge 5 or flip 6 specs more clearly.
- Battery life: The battery life of JBL Charge 5 is up to 20 hours, while it is up to 12 hours.
- Charging time: Another feature of JBL Flip 6 vs Charge 5 that makes them different is charging time. The charging time of JBL Charge 5 is 3.8 hours, and it is 2.2 hours in JBL Flip 6.
- Bluetooth version: The Bluetooth version of both JBL Charge 5 and Flip 6 is 5.1.
- Water and Dust resistance: Both JBL Charge 5 and Flip 6 IP rating is IP67. It means that they are resistant to dust and water.
- Weight: The JBL Charge 5 is 960 gr, but the JBL Flip 6 is 550 gr.
- Additional features: As comparing JBL Charge 5 vs JBL Flip 6, it is understood that JBL Charge 5 can charge other devices via a USB port. Also, JBL Flip 6 is compact and portable with a carrying loop.
- Output power: JBL Charge 5 has a 30W RMS for the woofer and 10W RMS for the tweeter. On the other hand, JBL Flip 6 has 20W RMS for the woofer and 10W RMS for the tweeter.
Now, check JBL Charge 5 or flip 6 specs to see which is better for your needs.
Which is Better JBL Charge 5 or Flip 6?
If you have the money and space, get the JBL Charge 5. It has a longer battery life and a bigger speaker. For those who prioritize portability over all other measures, the JBL Flip 6 is smaller than most other portable speakers. Both speakers are great picks for pretty much the same tasks, and it’s just a matter of deciding if you’re okay with the extra bulk of the Charge 5 in exchange for the longer battery life and better sound. Maybe you’d rather have good sound from the Flip 6 and sacrifice some battery life for the lighter weight, smaller form factor, and slightly cheaper price.
Conclusion
In this article on Digimigia, we compare JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 6 and conclude. If you can afford two speakers, the Charge 5 is still the best choice. But if you want stereo sound, it might be better to buy Flip 6. Most people think that these JBL speakers have more things in common than differences, like being waterproof and having Bluetooth. It depends on whether you want something portable or something more than just portable.