Product test
Speaker review: the Teufel Rockster Neo delivers gut-punching sound
by Florian Bodoky
Testing the JBL Flip 6: barely better than its predecessor
23.2.2022
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
The Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker from JBL looks quite familiar – probably because there are only a few changes compared to the 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.
Sounds as good as the predecessor
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.
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.
Jan Johannsen
Senior Editor
Jan.Johannsen@galaxus.deWhen I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
