Design and build:

Comparing JBL Flip 5 vs Charge 4, the Charge 4 is slightly bigger and heavier. The Charge 4 has a flat base that ensures it stays put in one place. JBL Flip 5 is lightweight and more portable compared to the Charge 4. They have a cylindrical body and are available in several color options. They have an IPX7 rating which means the speakers are waterproof.

The speakers are covered with rubber and made of plastic. In Charge 4, you will see a protection for the charging port. Overall, the build quality is great.

Performance:

The JBL Flip 5 and Charge 4 are mono sounding speakers. Inside the Flip 5, you will see one 1.75" x 3.125" driver and 2 1.75" passive radiators. In the Charge 4, there is a 3.5" x 1.9375" driver and 2.25" passive radiator on both sides. Comparing JBL Flip 5 vs Charge 4, the speakers have their own strengths and weaknesses but the Flip 5 shows better performance.

JBL Charge 4 has clear mids, decent highs and adequate bass but we expect better bass at this size. It has an average soundstage but it produces voices and instrumental sounds with accuracy. The Flip 5 has deep, full and extended bass for such a compact size. It has a broad and spacious soundstage with good focus. It uses DSP for precise and detailed sound.

They both can get loud for medium sized rooms but the Flip 5 can be slightly louder. They can be paired with another compatible JBL speaker if you want to create stereo pair. The speakers are best to play at moderate volume levels because you may hear some distortion at high volume.

Connectivity:

Comparing JBL Charge 4 vs Flip 5, the Charge 4 has an aux input and it can also be used as powerbank to charge other speakers. The Flip 5 do not have any of these, it only supports Bluetooth. JBL Charge 4 shows impressive performance over Bluetooth with extremely low latency. This means you can use it to watch videos and movies without any lip sync issues.

Multiple speaker pairing:

Comparing JBL Flip 5 vs Charge 4, the Charge 4 uses Connect+ technology and will pair with JBL Connect+ speakers like the JBL Pulse 3, JBL Boombox, JBL Flip 4 and JBL Charge 3. JBL Flip 5 use PartyBoost technology and will pair with other PartyBoost speakers like the JBL Flip Flip 4, Flip 6, etc.  The PartyBoost is the new technology and found in new JBL speaker models. If you own an older JBL Connect+ speaker, choose the Flip 5 and pair it.

Battery life:

Comparing JBL Flip 5 vs Charge 4, the Charge 4 has longer battery life. As per their website, the Charge 4 should last for 20 hours and the Flip 5 for 12 hours. In real life this time varies and we have seen the Charge 4 to play around 12 to 13 hours and the Flip 5 for 7 to 8 hours. If you party hard, then the Charge 4 is a better option.

Control options:

Physical controls are basic, they both have Bluetooth, play/pause, and volume up/down buttons. The Flip 5 has PartyBoost option whereas the Charge 4 has Connect+ option. They both work with JBL Portable app that you can use to perform basic tasks like pairing multiple speakers. It does not come with graphic EQ that is available in JBL Flip 6.

Cost:

JBL Flip 5 vs Charge 4 comparison shows, the Charge 4 is slightly costlier than the JBL Flip 5. They are both under $150 and quite affordable.  

FAQ:

Do these speakers come with battery indicator?

Yes, both JBL Flip 5 and Charge 4 has battery indicators that glows when you switch on the speaker. While the Charge 4 has multiple lights that indicates the amount battery life, the Flip 5 has a single level. It dims to indicate the battery is low.

How to factory reset the JBL Charge 4?

Follow these steps to factory reset the JBL Charge 4: remove the Charge 4 from the pairing list in the Bluetooth. Then switch on the speakers. Press the Bluetooth and volume up buttons together and wait. Look for the LED light on the speaker to glow, this will reset the speaker. Switch on the speakers and continue pairing.