Design and build:

JBL Flip 5 and Flip 6 are mostly made of plastic. Build quality of these speakers are similar and very good.

Similarities:

JBL Flip 5 and 6 both are similar sized speaker that have rugged design. They have a cylindrical shape and are available with several color options. If you love to show off, then JBL is best for you. Both these speaker drivers are protected by wraparound tight fabric grille. They are durable and has rugged design. Both Flip 5 and Flip 6 have same weight. The size is also similar with slight changes.

Differences:

JBL Flip 5 and 6 almost have similar look and design. None of the speakers have any cover for the USB-C port. The Flip 6 has 10 color variations whereas the Flip 5 has 14 different color options. Between JBL Flip 5 and Flip 6, the Flip 5 has IPX7 rating that means it is resistant against water only. The Flip 6 has IP67 which means it has protection against both dust and water. With rubber body, the speakers are unlikely to slip and fall.

Performance:

Is JBL Flip 6 better than Flip 5? JBL Flip 5 and 6 speakers do not sound the same. They differ in terms of driver and power. The Flip 5 is an older model and there are other Flip models like the Flip 4. Comparing JBL Flip 4 vs Flip 5 vs Flip 6, the Flip 4 is a compact speaker that comes with small drivers. With JBL Flip 5 and 6, the driver size and sound quality increases.

Similarities:

The Flip 5 and 6 JBL Bluetooth speakers have excellent clarity. They show huge details as you play music. Loudness is enjoyable and adequate for partying. Both these speakers have 2 bass radiators on each side.

Differences:

JBL Flip 6 vs Flip5, the Flip 6 has an additional tweeter driver that is missing in the Flip 5. This means the highs are more prominent, clear and rich. This speaker has an output power of 30W whereas Flip 5 has 20 W. This means the Flip 6 can be louder and powerful. Comparing the Flip 5 vs Flip 6 JBL speakers, the Flip 5 has good bass performance.

The out of the box accuracy of Flip 6 sounds like it needs tweaking. Since it gives you the graphic EQ, changing the settings allow Flip 6 to deliver better bass.  You can change bass, mid and treble frequencies as per you taste. Listening to the Flip 5 JBL Bluetooth speaker, you will hear powerful and ‘weighty’ sound with a good touch of openness.

On the other hand, JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker sounds amazing with adequate bass. They have better dynamics compared to the Flip 5 and can get louder while delivering clear sound. Another major difference between them is, the JBL Flip 6 comes with graphic EQ settings that you can use to adjust bass and treble.

Features:

JBL Flip 6 and Flip 5 are packed with features. They are quite versatile with the Bluetooth option.

Connectivity:

JBL Flip 5 and 6 are wireless speakers with only wireless connectivity. You will not get any aux port, nor do they support any voice assistant. Comparing JBL Flip 5 vs 6, the Flip 6 has upgraded Bluetooth version, 5.1 but the Bluetooth latency is lower is the 5. The Flip 5 JBL speaker showed better stable connection. Both the Bluetooth wireless speakers can connect 2 devices at once.

Multi-device pairing:

In case you feel the JBL Bluetooth speaker sounds weak, you can use the PartyBoost feature. With this you can connect from two to up to 100 JBL speakers. If you want stereo sound, then you need to pair identical JBL models to each other. While connecting 100 speakers is not feasible, you can connect two to three easily.

Use case:

JBL Flip 5 and Flip 6 are highly portable. They are designed to be used as outdoor speakers by the pool or beach. You can take them on hiking, running, jogging, or simply to party with friends. Simply put it in your bag and you are ready to go. That said, they are also suitable for indoor use on your backyard, porch or dining room.

Ease of use:

Since these models are wireless Bluetooth speakers, they are very easy to use and control.

Battery life:

Comparing JBL Flip 5 vs JBL Flip 6, they both are said to have 12 hours of battery life. However, in real life scenario, it varies widely. Users reported to get a battery lifetime of around 8 hours on JBL Flip 5 and 6 on the Flip 6. In most cases, the Flip 5 lasted longer than the Flip 6.

Control options:

It is very easy and convenient to control the JBL Flip 5 and 6 with JBL Connect app. Physical control options are easy to press and understand. It has music play/pause, volume up/down buttons along with PartyBoost pairing button. You can only do ‘forward track’ and there is no rewind option.

Portability:

JBL Flip 5 and 6 are highly portable. They are lightweight and can be carried with one hand. Keep it in your car or move with it in your backpack. With the included strap, you can hang both JBL Flip 5 and 6 from anything like a tree, waist, door, etc.

Cost:

JBL Flip 5 versus Flip 6, which one is more affordable? If you are on a tight budget, then the JBL Flip 5 is the best option for you. The Flip 6 is also affordable but the Flip 5 is just cheaper.

FAQ:

What is the best alternative to JBL Flip 5 speakers?

Sonos One is the best alternative to JBL Flip 5. It comes with wide varieties of connection ports including aux in and Wi-Fi. It acts as a power bank and control options include voice assistant.

 JBL Flip 5 versus JBL Flip 6, which is better for movies?

While none of these speakers are meant for movies, the JBL Flip 5 shows slightly better performance. You can play movies from your smartphone through these speakers. With JBL Flip 5, the latency is minimal but the Flip 6 might show some noticeable delay. In terms of sound, it is loud, decent and enjoyable.