JBL Flip 5 in the test overview
With the JBL Flip 5, the popular Bluetooth speaker JBL Flip 4 has received a successor. The sound experts at JBL were able to improve the sound of the 360-degree loudspeaker again, as our review overview shows. But JBL has also made changes in other areas and omitted a popular detail.
You can read our detailed test here.
Design and hardware equipment of the Bluetooth box
With the JBL Flip 5, JBL has sent a successor to the popular JBL Flip 4 into the race for the best Bluetooth speaker. The Bluetooth speaker shines with some improvements: The battery is larger, so the JBL Flip 5, like its predecessor, also manages a maximum of 12 hours of music playback. A longer playing time is not possible despite the larger battery capacity because a higher volume can also be achieved. The Bluetooth loudspeaker now creates 2 x 10 watts, compared to 2 x 8 watts with the predecessor.
The size of the driver has also increased to 7.1 x 2.7 x 2.9 inches. This is easily noticeable in the overall size.
JBL Flip 5 compared to JBL Flip 4 – the differences
Compared to the JBL Flip 4, the JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth speaker no longer supports the JBL Connect+ connection mode, but rather the Party Boost mode. Party Boost is a pairing mode that allows users to support their JBL Flip 5 with other Party Boost-compatible speakers from JBL. That’s a shame because with Connect+ compatible JBL speakers can be connected at the push of a button.
The AUX input of the JBL Flip 4 is no longer exists in the successor model. The AUX input was useful because it avoided latency times that often occur with Bluetooth connections. So if you are looking for a loudspeaker that should be linked to a TV or a projector for the summer cinema on the terrace, you should better use the JBL Flip 4.
Special features and functions
What makes JBL Flip 5 special is its improved sound, which was already a positive surprise with the Flip 4 Bluetooth speaker. JBL has again expanded the audio frequency range in the lower Hz frequency range, which brings out the bass even better.
The water resistance has remained the same with protection class IPX7 compared to the JBL Flip 4. This means that the Bluetooth speaker can withstand up to 30 minutes underwater without being damaged, but only at a water depth of up to one meter.
With the JBL Flip 5, the sound forge has also met the request of many users for a USB-C interface. This allows the JBL Flip 5 to be connected to the smartphone and to charge it. Also, the USB-C interface ensures a faster charging time for the speaker. The Bluetooth box is fully charged in around 2.5 hours and ready for the next outdoor use.
Installation and setup of the JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth speaker
The connection of the Bluetooth speaker with a smartphone is quick:
- Switch on the JBL Flip 5
- Activate Bluetooth on the smartphone
- Press the Bluetooth button on the Flip 5 speaker to put it into pairing mode
- Start the search for new Bluetooth devices on the smartphone
- In the display list of found Bluetooth devices on the mobile phone, press “Flip 5”
Conclusion on the Bluetooth speaker JBL Flip 5 in the test overview
Bigger, louder, and a better sound: If you are a fan of the JBL Signature Sound, you will get your money’s worth with the JBL Flip 5. The bass is a bit more powerful than with the predecessor JBL 4 and the highs are now a little more balanced and embed themselves well into the sound carpet of the speaker even at high volume. That makes JBL Flip 5 the ideal partner for bass-heavy and center-heavy music. Classical lovers, on the other hand, should look for an alternative.
A bit of a shame is the omitted AUX input, with which the predecessor could still be connected to a projector and Co. The JBL Connect + pairing mode, popular because of its ease of use, has given way to the Party Boost mode on the JBL Flip 5. This means that Flip 4 and Flip 5 cannot be paired with each other. So JBL Flip 4 remains up-to-date in its way as a cheap alternative with its special features.
