The JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker is the latest model in the range: the portable speaker has been updated and has received not only visual but also technical upgrades.
But is it worth buying or should you go for the cheaper JBL Flip 5? I explain the (small) differences.
JBL Flip 6: The differences
The new JBL Flip 6 comes with only minimal changes on the outside and inside.
As with its predecessor, two passive diaphragms, a powerful woofer in racetrack form and a new, separate tweeter are installed.
The Flip 5 still had a single full-range speaker that reproduced both high and low tones. As with the Sonos Roam, there are now two separate membranes.
My impression: The sound is somewhat more detailed as a result, especially when reproducing speech and podcasts. But whether this innovation is worth the extra cost is up to you to decide.
In addition, the JBL Flip 6 is a little bit louder than the previous model in direct comparison.
As with the Flip 5, the PartyBoost function allows multiple speakers to be connected together for even more powerful sound.
JBL Flip: Battery and water protection
Thanks to its IP67 water and dust protection rating, the portable speaker is suitable for indoor or outdoor parties.
However, the predecessor also had this feature – albeit with a lower protection class.
With 12 hours of playtime, the JBL Flip 6 lasts just as long as the JBL Flip 5.
JBL Flip 6: Colors and availability
The latest model comes in a total of nine colors to choose from: Dusty Pink, Grey Stone, River Teal, Fiesta Red, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black, Steel White, Forest Green or Squad.
The JBL Flip 5 is now only available in black, white, gray and blue in the official JBL store.
Conclusion: Which is the best flip?
The only real innovation is the separate tweeter, which makes the sound a little clearer and speech easier to understand. The maximum volume is also slightly higher on the 6 model.
In my opinion, the JBL Flip is not a hi-fi speaker but a small Bluetooth speaker, perfect for traveling, for the balcony or the children’s room.
If you want really high-quality sound, you should go for products like the Sonos Move.
I love the flips from JBL because the workmanship on all models is absolutely high quality and robust. An older model has accompanied me on all my travels for more than five years.
If you want to save some money, you can confidently go for the 5 model. If particularly clear sound for speech and podcasts is important to you, you should buy the 6 model.
If you prefer something even smaller but still robust, you should take a closer look at my review of the JBL Go 3.
If you need more volume and power, check out the comparison between the JBL Xtreme and JBL Charge. The latter is now also available with WiFi. Alternatively, there is also the JBL tuner with integrated DAB radio.
Lars Grudzinski has been working as a sound and lighting technician since the 90s, was a DJ for electronic music, has a large collection of vintage speakers, and has been working for various radio stations in Germany for 20 years. At home, he enjoys high-quality home theater products such as soundbars and projectors and has installed an extensive Sonos system in his own home.