The JBL Flip 5 is a highly anticipated update to the popular JBL Flip series of waterproof Bluetooth speakers. With its compact design, impressive battery life, and robust feature set, this speaker has quickly become one of the most sought-after options for outdoor enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

Design and Build Quality

The JBL Flip 5 boasts a sleek and rugged design that’s designed to withstand rough handling and harsh environments. The speaker features a durable rubberized exterior with a matte finish, which provides a secure grip even when wet or in sandy conditions. Weighing in at just over 1 pound (450g), the Flip 5 is incredibly portable, making it easy to toss into a backpack or purse.

The speaker’s dimensions measure 6.89 x 2.99 x 3.54 inches (175 x 76 x 90 mm), allowing for comfortable placement on a beach towel, poolside lounge chair, or hiking trail. The Flip 5 is also waterproof with an IPX7 rating, ensuring that it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes.

Sound Quality

The JBL Flip 5 delivers surprisingly robust sound quality considering its compact size. With two 3-inch (76mm) drivers and a passive radiator, the speaker produces clear and balanced audio with decent bass response. The speaker’s frequency range spans from 60 Hz to 20 kHz, providing an immersive listening experience for music, podcasts, or audiobooks.

The Flip 5 also features JBL’s proprietary PartyBoost technology, which allows users to connect multiple speakers together for a more epic sound experience. This feature is particularly useful for parties or outdoor gatherings where you want to create a larger sound system without breaking the bank.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the JBL Flip 5 is its impressive battery life. According to JBL, users can expect up to 20 hours of playback time on a single charge, which is significantly longer than many other waterproof Bluetooth speakers in this class. In our testing, we achieved around 18-19 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable.

The speaker features a USB-C port for recharging and also supports wireless charging via the Flip 5’s Qi-compatible charging pad (sold separately).

Connectivity and Controls

The JBL Flip 5 connects easily to devices via Bluetooth 4.2, allowing users to stream music from their smartphones or tablets. The speaker also features a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and voice commands with Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa.

Controls are simple and intuitive, featuring a set of raised buttons on the top of the speaker for volume adjustment, playback control, and track navigation. A small LED light strip on the bottom of the speaker indicates battery life, connectivity status, and other useful information.

Conclusion

The JBL Flip 5 is an excellent waterproof Bluetooth speaker that offers impressive sound quality, robust features, and a rugged design. Its long battery life, compact size, and affordable price make it an attractive option for outdoor enthusiasts, music lovers, or anyone who wants a reliable and portable speaker for their daily activities.

Technical Specifications:

• Dimensions: 6.89 x 2.99 x 3.54 inches (175 x 76 x 90 mm)
• Weight: 1.15 pounds (520g)
• Drivers: Two 3-inch (76mm) drivers with a passive radiator
• Frequency Range: 60 Hz to 20 kHz
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours playback time on a single charge
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C port for recharging
• Water Resistance: IPX7 rating, waterproof up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes
• Color Options: Black, Navy Blue, Sand, and Oak