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 5 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Audio output power:20.00 WBattery life:12 hoursIP rating:IPX7Bluetooth version:4.2Weight:540 g

JBL Flip 5 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 5
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

6.3

Technical score

20%

9.7

User score

▲Better than 65% of portable speakers
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

▲Better than 68%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

32%

5.5

Audio

20%

7.5

Battery

18%

7.0

Durability

16%

4.9

Connectivity

8%

6.5

Controls

3%

8.9

Design

3%

5.1

Smart features

▼Worse than 69%
9.7

User score

User score
9.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.6

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 99%
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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 5

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

32%

5.5

Audio

20%

7.5

Battery

18%

7.0

Durability

16%

4.9

Connectivity

8%

6.5

Controls

3%

8.9

Design

3%

5.1

Smart features

6.3
User score
User score
9.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.6

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.7
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
JBL Flip 5 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than 92% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.8
Audio output power
20 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 20 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
44 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 44 mm which is smaller than that of 69.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.7% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
1
This portable speaker has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
65 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 65 Hz which is higher than that of 57.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.6% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 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
12 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 12 hours which is longer than that of 47.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 15.7% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
4,800 mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 4,800 mAh which is larger than that of 78.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.5% of portable speakers.
Charging time
2 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 2 hours which is shorter than that of 72.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 22.6% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
15 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 15 W which is higher than that of 73.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.5% 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
IPX7
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IPX7 which provides better ingress protection than 47.6% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 25.2% 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
1 m
This portable speaker has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
Drop resistance
?
Show more
On-device controls placement
top; side; rear
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
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
540 g
This portable speaker weighs 540 g which is lighter than that of 63.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Height
7.4 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 7.4 cm which is shorter than that of 76.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Width
18.1 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 18.1 cm which is narrower than that of 49.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.6% of portable speakers.
Depth
6.9 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 6.9 cm which is shallower than that of 65.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% 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
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% 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 5 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • 2,200 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,800 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    4,800 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
    2 hours vs 3 hours
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 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.
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 5 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (15 W vs 10 W).
    15 W vs 10 W
  • 21.2% higher user score
    User score
    9.7/ 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
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL Flip 5
    the average portable speaker
    JBL Flip 5 has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (9.7 vs 8).
    9.7 vs 8
  • 2.38x more popular
    JBL Flip 5 is more popular than the average portable speaker (10 vs 4.21).
    10 vs 4.21
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • 2,200 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,800 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    4,800 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    This portable speaker has a shorter charging time than the average portable speaker (2 hours vs 3 hours).
    2 hours vs 3 hours
  • 5 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (15 W vs 10 W).
    15 W vs 10 W
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 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 fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 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.
  • 5 cm shorter
    This portable speaker is shorter than the average portable speaker (7.4 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    7.4 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 260 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (540 g vs 800 g).
    540 g vs 800 g
  • 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.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 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
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • 6 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (44 mm vs 50 mm).
    44 mm vs 50 mm
  • 1 fewer multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has fewer multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • 6 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (44 mm vs 50 mm).
    44 mm vs 50 mm
  • 5 Hz less deep bass extension
    This portable speaker has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (65 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    65 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 1 fewer multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has fewer multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 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

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

R
rtings.com
15/01/2024
Summary of the review
W
whathifi.com
26/06/2023
Summary of the review
S
soundguys.com
13/06/2022
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
15/11/2019
Summary of the review
T
trustedreviews.com
01/10/2021
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
17/02/2020
Summary of the review
T
techgearlab.com
20/04/2023
Summary of the review
P
pocket-lint.com
20/12/2019
Summary of the review
P
popsci.com
12/01/2022
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
15/11/2019
Summary of the review
S
seriousinsights.net
24/07/2020
Summary of the review
A
au.pcmag.com
16/11/2019
Summary of the review
G
galaxus.at
30/09/2019
Summary of the review
G
galaxus.de
30/09/2019
Summary of the review
W
welt.de
07/11/2019
Summary of the review
C
chip.de
05/05/2020
Summary of the review
H
heise.de
09/01/2021
Summary of the review
S
stereoguide.de
09/04/2021
Summary of the review
A
audiovision.de
15/04/2021
Summary of the review
H
hifi.de
19/11/2021
Summary of the review

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 5

  • Impressive, clear, and powerful sound quality for its compact size.
  • Highly portable, lightweight, and easy to carry anywhere.
  • Rugged and durable build quality that withstands wear and tear.
  • IPX7 waterproof rating makes it excellent for outdoor use, pools, and showers.
  • Good battery life providing up to 12 hours of playtime.
  • Fast and convenient charging via an exposed USB-C port.
  • PartyBoost feature allows connecting multiple compatible JBL speakers together.

What customers don't like about JBL Flip 5

  • Lacks a built-in microphone, meaning it cannot be used for hands-free phone calls or voice assistants.
  • No 3.5mm analog aux input port for wired audio connections.
  • Downgraded to a mono speaker setup unlike its stereo predecessor, the Flip 4.
  • Uses older Bluetooth 4.2 technology rather than Bluetooth 5.0 or newer.
  • No customizable graphic EQ or sound presets available via the basic companion app.
  • Deep sub-bass is limited and can feel lacking due to its small physical size.
  • Incompatible with older JBL speakers that use the older Connect+ pairing standard.

Verdict

The JBL Flip 5 is a compact, cylindrical portable Bluetooth speaker equipped with a 44x80mm racetrack-shaped driver and dual passive radiators that deliver a 20W RMS output power and a 65Hz to 20kHz frequency response range. Weighing 540 grams and featuring a rugged fabric housing with an IPX7 waterproof rating, it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Its 4800mAh rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery provides up to 12 hours of continuous music playing time and fully recharges in 2.5 hours via a modern USB-C port, while its PartyBoost functionality allows users to link multiple compatible speakers for enhanced mono or stereo sound. Main pros include a highly durable, travel-friendly design, punchy bass performance for its size, and fast charging capabilities. However, its notable cons include a reliance on the older Bluetooth 4.2 standard, a lack of an adjustable native equalizer, mono-only sound delivery from a single unit, and the complete omission of a built-in microphone for speakerphone calls and a 3.5mm auxiliary input.

Compare JBL Flip 5 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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