Testing the JBL Flip 6: barely better than its predecessor

What distinguishes the JBL Flip 6 from the Flip 5? In terms of specs, it's the slightly different dimensions, a newer Bluetooth protocol and a dust resistance certification in addition to water resistance. I was a huge fan of the Flip 5 back when I tested it around two and a half years ago.

Setup and operation

Briefly press the Bluetooth button on the back of the Flip 6, and the speaker is already in pairing mode. I go into the Bluetooth settings on my phone. The speaker is immediately recognised, and I connect to it without issue.

On the top side of the Flip 6, there are four buttons: play/pause, volume up, volume down and «PartyBoost». The latter allows me to connect multiple JBL speakers for synchronous playback. But because I’m flying solo with my speaker, this function remains purely theoretical for me.

PartyBoost can also be established using the «JBL Portable» app (for Android / for iOS). In addition, the app displays the charge level of the Flip 6 (also found on the back of the speaker), lets me turn off the feedback sound, and includes an equaliser. I can adjust the bass, mids and treble in five levels each.

Sounds as good as the predecessor

The JBL Flip 6 features a 2-way speaker system. A woofer provides low frequencies and the midrange. There’s a separate tweeter for high frequencies, while the bass is provided by dual passive radiators – the things that are often installed in the trunks of tuned cars, only smaller. The JBL Flip 6 offers great sound for its size. The bass is booming, but it doesn’t overpower the trebles or mids. Even at the highest volume (which I expect the neighbours would take issue with), sound is clear and speech intelligible.

However, I already find it too bass-heavy at room volume with the default settings. So, I turn mids and highs up a notch in the app. I like that much better. I could also turn the bass down a notch, but then I find it too weak.

Here’s the problem: the JBL Flip 5 also offers good sound – and it’s currently cheaper. However, I don’t have both speakers in front of me for comparison, so I’m relying on my memory.

Digression: Bluetooth 5.1 vs 4.2

In terms of technology, the Bluetooth version is the most important difference between the Flip 6 and its predecessor. While the Flip 5 relies on the older Bluetooth 4.2, the Flip 6 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.1. Its advantages are a greater range, higher transmission speed and less power consumption.

However, the power consumption of Bluetooth doesn’t matter in a speaker of this size and with this battery capacity. The same goes for the transmission speed, which was already fast enough for music before. This leaves only the longer range. In theory, the connection between a speaker and smartphone – both with Bluetooth 5.1 – has four times the range as with Bluetooth 4.2. Namely, indoors up to 40 metres, outdoors up to 240 metres. But the range is also dependent on local conditions – thick walls, underfloor heating and so on. So, in reality, it’s lower.

Bluetooth 5.1 also enables more accurate device location. However, this seems less relevant for a speaker than for something like the Apple AirTag or another Bluetooth tracker.

As for the Bluetooth profiles, they’re identical on the Flip 5 and Flip 6: A2DP 1.3 and AVRCP 1.6.

Waterproof, dustproof and long battery life

Another nominal upgrade in the Flip 6 is the IP certification. The Flip 6 is protected against dust and temporary immersion in water according to IP67. The Flip 5, on the other hand, is only water resistant according to JBL – which means IPX7. But I assume that if something is waterproof, it’s also dust-proof.

Battery life, on the other hand, remains unchanged at twelve hours. It takes about two and a half hours for the 4,800 mAh battery to fully charge over the USB-C port. Only a USB-A to USB-C charging cable is included. The assumption is that you already own a suitable power supply.

The JBL Flip is portable; it’s easy to carry around, and its loop allows for it to be attached to other objects. But you do notice its weight of 550 grammes after a while.

Verdict: Good, but barely better

The JBL Flip 6 is a good or even very good Bluetooth speaker: it's portable and easy to use, with good sound and a long battery life. I don’t expect anything more from it. Its price also holds up against the competition.

However, its predecessor, the Flip 5, is still on the market, and is inferior in only a few small details. I’m inclined to recommend you go for that one. It’s cheaper – and, in my opinion, the only real argument for the Flip 6 is the potentially longer Bluetooth range.