If you want a well-priced Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t just meet but exceeds expectations, this is the one we recommend. However, power users and technophiles aside, the Flip 5 has exactly the rich sound quality and feature set that the average Joe is looking for. The speaker’s build quality is also outstanding, and it feels like a well-made piece of equipment. Just keep in mind that the Roam has even less total battery life than the Flip 5, clocking in around 10 hours only. The Flip 5’s possibilities for connection are now limited to more Flip 5s or the Pulse 4, which is a stumbling barrier for individuals who already possess one or more JBL speakers.
You’re also getting AirPlay 2, for increased iOS utility. The Roam offers Wi-Fi playback for better sound quality, it can link up with other Sonos speakers in a group, it can be controlled via voice commands, and even supports wireless (Qi) charging. You can get the JBL Charge 5 for $60 more, which will not only net you 20 hours of battery life, but also comes equipped with a pass-thru charging function that will allow you to charge your phone or tablet off of the speaker itself.Īdditionally, for $50 more you could grab the Sonos Roam and considerably increase your feature utility. With only 12 hours of battery life, the Flip 5’s playback time is good-not-great.
JBL SPEAKER FLIP 5 PORTABLE
Of course, if you want even more utility, there are other options to consider. JBL FLIP 5 Portable Waterproof Speaker With 6 months warranty. While there are a ton of decent Bluetooth speakers available for less cash if you want stellar design and sound quality, the Flip 5 is worth the investment. The Flip 5 does more than just get the job done: it’s intelligently designed, sounds terrific, and is exceedingly easy to use. Should you buy it? Yes-if you just want a Bluetooth speaker that works A dust protection level of 5 or higher can mean increased longevity for your devices.
This isn’t a huge issue, as it’s fairly standard treatment for a lot of Bluetooth speakers, but interested buyers should know that the protective design does have limitations. The Flip 5 can hang with the best of them where waterproofing goes, but it lacks dust resistance.