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JBL Flip Essential 2 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£70
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • Audio output power: 20.00 W
  • Battery life: 10 hours
  • IP rating: IPX7
  • Bluetooth version: 5.1
  • Weight: 520 g

JBL Flip Essential 2 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.

6.8

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

6.1

Technical Score

20.0%

9.4

User score

Good
6.1

Technical Score

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 components:

32.0%

6.1

Audio

20.0%

6.0

Battery

18.0%

7.3

Durability

16.0%

5.7

Connectivity

8.0%

4.5

Controls

3.0%

9.0

Design

3.0%

4.2

Smart features

Good
9.4

User score

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 components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(9729)
amazon
4.6
(1588)
amazon
5.0
(19)
amazon
4.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(9724)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Exceptional
  • 8.0
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    5.7

    IP rating

    20.0%

    9.7

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Battery life

  • 4.5
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    4.0

    Battery life

    15.0%

    9.7

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 4.7
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    3.1

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    9.7

    Weight

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The JBL Flip Essential 2 is a compact, 0.52 kg portable Bluetooth 5.1 speaker featuring a 44 x 80 mm racetrack-shaped driver and dual passive radiators that deliver 20W RMS of audio power across a 65 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. Its core pros include a durable IPX7 waterproof housing making it highly outdoor-ready, powerful Original Pro Sound with rich bass, and a 3250mAh battery providing up to 10 hours of playtime with a 3-hour USB-C recharge time. However, notable cons include its lack of smart features like an in-built microphone for speakerphone use, no compatibility with the JBL Portable companion app for custom EQ adjustments, and the absence of PartyBoost support to link multiple speakers together.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Flip Essential 2

Technical Score

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 components:

32.0%

6.1

Audio

20.0%

6.0

Battery

18.0%

7.3

Durability

16.0%

5.7

Connectivity

8.0%

4.5

Controls

3.0%

9.0

Design

3.0%

4.2

Smart features

6.1
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a technical score of 6.12 points, which is lower than 85.9% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(9729)
amazon
4.6
(1588)
amazon
5.0
(19)
amazon
4.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(9724)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

9.4
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a user score of 9.44 points, which is higher than 92.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
10
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 66.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.7
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 40.7% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

20.00 W
JBL Flip Essential 2 has an audio output power of 20.00 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 20.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

44.00 mm
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a driver unit size of 44.00 mm which is smaller than that of 69.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.7% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 44.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

1
JBL Flip Essential 2 has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 1.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

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Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

65.00 Hz
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a lowest frequency of 65.00 Hz which is higher than that of 57.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.6% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 65.00 Hz.
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Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Flip Essential 2 supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

5.1
JBL Flip Essential 2 supports Bluetooth version 5.1 which is newer than that of 70.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.8% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 5.1.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

10.00 m
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 m.
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

A2DP; AVRCP
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

10 hours
JBL Flip Essential 2 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
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

3,250 mAh
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a battery capacity of 3,250 mAh which is larger than that of 64.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

3 hours
JBL Flip Essential 2 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
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

10 W
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a maximum charging input power of 10 W which is higher than that of 44.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 26.1% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

IPX7
JBL Flip Essential 2 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
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
JBL Flip Essential 2 is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

no
JBL Flip Essential 2 is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

1 m
JBL Flip Essential 2 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
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

top
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Flip Essential 2 does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Flip Essential 2 does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

520 g
JBL Flip Essential 2 weighs 520 g which is lighter than that of 65.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

6.8 cm
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a height of 6.8 cm which is shorter than that of 81.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

17.5 cm
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a width of 17.5 cm which is narrower than that of 52.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

7 cm
JBL Flip Essential 2 has a depth of 7 cm which is shallower than that of 63.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.1% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

strap
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

JBL Portable
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No supported user-accessible firmware update path.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

?
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
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JBL Flip Essential 2 vs the average portable speaker

  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 1 m

    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).1 m vs 0 m
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    Simultaneous Bluetooth devices: 2.
    What it is: The number of source devices that can stay connected at the same time.
    When it matters: When switching between several connected source devices matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    JBL Flip Essential 2 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 app eq bands.
    What it is: The number of adjustable equalizer frequency bands available in the app.
    When it matters: When fine-grained sound adjustment in the companion app matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5 bands

    JBL Flip Essential 2 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).3 vs 0
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Flip Essential 2 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    JBL Flip Essential 2 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.
    What it is: Indicates whether the device uses a USB Type-C connector.
    When it matters: When modern charging and connection compatibility matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
  • Better ingress protection
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
    When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: IP67+

    JBL Flip Essential 2 has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).IPX7 vs IPX5
  • 650 mAh more battery capacity
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,250 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
    When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 5000 mAh

    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,250 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).3250 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
    What it is: The highest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
    When it matters: When reliable use in hot weather or direct sunlight matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 45 °C

    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).45 °C vs 40 °C
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
  • 0.1 Bluetooth levels newer
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a newer Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (5.1 vs 5.0).
  • 650 mAh more battery capacity
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,250 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
  • Better ingress protection
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
  • 5 °C higher maximum operating temperature
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a higher maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (45 °C vs 40 °C).
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
  • 5.6 cm shorter
    JBL Flip Essential 2 is shorter than the average portable speaker (6.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 280 g lighter
    JBL Flip Essential 2 is lighter than the average portable speaker (520 g vs 800 g).

Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 1.
  • 6 mm smaller main driver
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (44 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 44.00 mm.
  • 5 Hz less deep bass extension
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has less deep bass extension than the average portable speaker (65 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 65.00 Hz.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    JBL Flip Essential 2 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.
  • 6 fewer paired devices remembered
    JBL Flip Essential 2 remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (2 vs 8).
    Remembered Bluetooth devices: 2.
  • 2 hours shorter battery life
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (10 hours vs 12 hours).
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    JBL Flip Essential 2 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    JBL Flip Essential 2 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
    What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    JBL Flip Essential 2 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    JBL Flip Essential 2 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
    When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    JBL Flip Essential 2 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.
    What it is: Indicates whether a standard 3.5 mm analog audio socket is present.
    When it matters: When you need a reliable wired analog audio connection.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Flip Essential 2 does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports true wireless speaker-to-speaker pairing.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should pair wirelessly for stereo playback.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    JBL Flip Essential 2 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 6 fewer paired devices remembered
    JBL Flip Essential 2 remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (2 vs 8).
    Remembered Bluetooth devices: 2.
    What it is: The number of previously paired devices the speaker can remember.
    When it matters: When many household devices reconnect to the speaker regularly.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 8

    JBL Flip Essential 2 remembers fewer paired devices than the average portable speaker (2 vs 8).2 vs 8
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    JBL Flip Essential 2 has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 1.
    What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
    When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    JBL Flip Essential 2 has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).1 vs 2
Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls

Graphic comparison of JBL Flip Essential 2 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
9729 Reviews
amazon
4.6
1588 Reviews
amazon
5.0
19 Reviews
amazon
4.0
1 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
9724 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about JBL Flip Essential 2?

  • Excellent sound quality with clear mids and sharp highs for its size
  • Impressive, punchy bass performance driven by dual passive radiators
  • Compact, lightweight, and highly portable design
  • Robust IPX7 waterproof rating ideal for pools, beaches, and outdoor use
  • Sturdy build quality with a tough protective fabric and rubberized ends
  • Quick and seamless Bluetooth pairing with smartphones and tablets

What customers dislike about JBL Flip Essential 2?

  • Average battery life (around 10 hours) that falls short of some competitor speakers
  • Lacks compatibility with JBL's PartyBoost feature to link with other JBL speakers
  • Relatively slow battery charging time (takes about 3 hours)
  • Can experience issues pairing with specific smart devices like Alexa
  • No built-in microphone for speakerphone hands-free calls
  • Bass emphasis can occasionally feel overwhelming or muddy for certain musical genres

Expert reviews

H
hifi.de
10/07/2023
Summary of the review
JBL Flip Essential 2 Review: A Smart Alternative to the Flip 6?
(Translated)Show original
H
hifi.de
03/09/2023
Summary of the review
JBL Flip Essential 2 vs. JBL Flip 6: Same performance?
(Translated)Show original
H
hifi.de
25/08/2023
Summary of the review
Temu vs. JBL Flip: Comparing the original and the cheap knockoff
(Translated)Show original
H
homeandsmart.de
26/11/2024
Summary of the review
JBL Flip Essential 2 Review – Big Sound for Little Money?
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
31/10/2022
Summary of the review
Lab Test of the JBL FLIP ESSENTIAL 2 - L'Eclaireur Fnac
(Translated)Show original
A
altroconsumo.it
16/11/2022
Summary of the review
JBL Flip Essential 2 Bluetooth Speaker: Review and Test
(Translated)Show original
C
consumentenbond.nl
19/05/2026
Summary of the review
JBL Flip Essential 2 - Test, Reviews & Prices
(Translated)Show original
T
test-aankoop.be
Date unknown
Summary of the review
JBL FLIP ESSENTIAL 2 test and review - Testaankoop
(Translated)Show original

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