OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

JBL Flip 3 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Audio output power:16.00 WBattery life:10 hoursIP rating:IPX5Bluetooth version:4.1Weight:450 g

JBL Flip 3 Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

JBL Flip 3
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

80%

5.8

Technical score

20%

9.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 60% of portable speakers
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–²Better than 50%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components

32%

5.8

Audio

20%

5.6

Battery

18%

5.5

Durability

16%

5.6

Connectivity

8%

6.0

Controls

3%

9.1

Design

3%

7.5

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 88%
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 94%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Flip 3

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Score components:

32%

5.8

Audio

20%

5.6

Battery

18%

5.5

Durability

16%

5.6

Connectivity

8%

6.0

Controls

3%

9.1

Design

3%

7.5

Smart features

5.8
User score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components

70%

9.1

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.4
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
JBL Flip 3 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than 92% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.6
Audio output power
16 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 16 W which is lower than that of 54.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.6% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
40 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 40 mm which is smaller than that of 76.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 13.2% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
85 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 85 Hz which is higher than that of 78.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.1
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.1 which is older than that of 71.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.9% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
10 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 10 hours which is shorter than that of 53.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 12.9% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
3,000 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 3,000 mAh which is larger than that of 58.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.8% of portable speakers.
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
5 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 5 W which is lower than that of 58.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 38.5% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
IPX5
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IPX5 which provides worse ingress protection than 62.3% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 15.3% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
Not waterproof m
This portable speaker is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of portable speakers have a native waterproof depth rating.
Drop resistance
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
side
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
450 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 450 g which is lighter than that of 70.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Height
6.4 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 6.4 cm which is shorter than that of 85.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.6% of portable speakers.
Width
16.9 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 16.9 cm which is narrower than that of 54.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
6.4 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 6.4 cm which is shallower than that of 70.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Carry options
strap
Show more
Companion app name
JBL Portable
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
App
Voice assistant support
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

JBL Flip 3 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    3 vs 1
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • 350 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (450 g vs 800 g).
    450 g vs 800 g
  • 17.2% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL Flip 3
    the average portable speaker
    JBL Flip 3 has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (9.37 vs 8).
    9.37 vs 8
  • 2.38x more popular
    JBL Flip 3 is more popular than the average portable speaker (10 vs 4.21).
    10 vs 4.21
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    3 vs 1
  • 400 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    3,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
    45 °C vs 40 °C
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • 350 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (450 g vs 800 g).
    450 g vs 800 g
  • 6 cm shorter
    This portable speaker is shorter than the average portable speaker (6.4 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    6.4 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 25 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (85 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    85 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50 mm).
    40 mm vs 50 mm
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    5 W vs 10 W
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    5 °C vs 0 °C
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 5 fewer paired devices remembered
    This portable speaker remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (3 vs 8).
    3 vs 8
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
    10 hours vs 12 hours
  • 25 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (85 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    85 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 10 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (40 mm vs 50 mm).
    40 mm vs 50 mm
  • 2 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    90 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 4 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (16 W vs 20 W).
    16 W vs 20 W
  • 0.9 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.1 vs 5).
    4.1 vs 5
  • 5 fewer paired devices remembered
    This portable speaker remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (3 vs 8).
    3 vs 8
  • 5 W lower charging input power
    This portable speaker has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 10 W).
    5 W vs 10 W
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
    10 hours vs 12 hours
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    5 °C vs 0 °C
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 4 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2015 vs 2019).
    2015 vs 2019

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

W
whathifi.com
19/02/2016
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 review
S
soundguys.com
12/02/2019
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 review - SoundGuys What Hi-Fi?
A
androidheadlines.com
07/10/2015
Summary of the review
Featured Review: JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth Speaker
N
nikktech.com
03/01/2016
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review
P
pcmag.com
01/09/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip3 Review
C
cnet.com
07/09/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 review: A top portable Bluetooth speaker for every occasion
T
tomsguide.com
01/10/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 Review: JBL Flips on the Bass
M
modernhifi.de
24/09/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 Review: Bluetooth Speaker - Modernhifi
(Translated)Show original
M
modernhifi.de
20/07/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3: waterproof Bluetooth speaker - Modernhifi
(Translated)Show original
A
areadvd.de
24/08/2015
Summary of the review
REVIEW: JBL Flip 3 – Robust Bluetooth speaker in eight different colors
(Translated)Show original
S
sonntagmorgen.com
2026 Aktualisiert
Summary of the review
The JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth Speaker Review 2026 - Sonntagmorgen
(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
05/08/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3, a very good portable speaker for the beach or the pool
(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
28/07/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 Review: Improved Durability and Battery Life
(Translated)Show original
C
cnetfrance.fr
25/09/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 - CNET France Les Numériques +2
(Translated)Show original
E
enceintesbluetooth.fr
08/10/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 | REVIEW | The best value for money? Les Numériques
(Translated)Show original
M
macitynet.it
13/10/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 Review: The Fearless Bluetooth Speaker
(Translated)Show original
S
seremailragno.com
02/07/2018
Summary of the review
JBL FLIP 3 - Portable Bluetooth Speaker - SEREMAILRAGNO
(Translated)Show original
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
24/06/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3: Small Speaker, Big Quality Sound!
(Translated)Show original
T
techgirl.nl
08/10/2015
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 as the ideal outdoor speaker
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
27/02/2016
Summary of the review
JBL Flip 3 Blue - Jeejem - Product reviews - Tweakers
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about JBL Flip 3

  • Surprisingly powerful and loud room-filling sound for its compact size
  • Dual external passive radiators deliver punchy, rich bass response
  • Rugged, durable design wrapped in a protective fabric mesh housing
  • Splashproof material protects it from rain, spills, and damp environments
  • Commendable battery life offering up to 10 hours of continuous music playback
  • JBL Connect feature allows multiple compatible speakers to link together wirelessly
  • Includes a built-in microphone with noise and echo cancellation for clear speakerphone calls
  • Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity allows pairing up to three smartphones or tablets at once

What customers don't like about JBL Flip 3

  • Audio can experience noticeable distortion on deep bass tracks at maximum volume
  • High frequencies can become somewhat harsh and screechy when pushed to the top volume level
  • Water-resistant splashproof design is not fully waterproof and cannot be safely submerged in water
  • Lacks integrated playback controls to skip, pause, or repeat tracks directly from the speaker
  • Cylindrical body design lacks a flat baseline, causing the speaker to roll away easily on smooth surfaces
  • Does not include a protective carrying case or a wall adapter in the retail packaging
  • Relies on an older micro-USB charging port rather than a modern, faster USB-C standard
  • Soundstage feels more closed-in and less expressive compared to some rival portable options

Verdict

The JBL Flip 3 is an ultra-compact portable Bluetooth 4.1 speaker featuring dual 40mm drivers that deliver 16W of total output power, an 85Hz to 20kHz frequency response, and dual external passive radiators for enhanced bass performance. Its key advantages include a durable splashproof fabric housing, a 3,000mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery providing up to 10 hours of playtime, a built-in noise-canceling speakerphone, and JBL Connect technology to wirelessly link multiple compatible speakers together. However, it suffers from noticeable audio distortion at maximum volume levels, lacks integrated track navigation controls for skipping songs, and cannot be completely submerged in water due to its limited splashproof rating rather than full waterproofing.

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