Portable Bluetooth speakers are a convenient way to take your music on the go. Two popular options are the Bose SoundLink Flex and the JBL Flip 6. But which one is right for you?
This in-depth comparison looks at the key features and performance of the Bose SoundLink Flex and JBL Flip 6 to help you decide.
We’ll compare sound quality, battery life, design, durability, connectivity, voice assistants, and more. Read on to see which portable Bluetooth speaker is the better pick.
A Brief Comparison Table
Feature | Bose SoundLink Flex | JBL Flip 6 |
Size and Weight | 6.7 x 2.1 x 2.4 inches, 1.25 lbs | 8.7 x 3.4 x 3.6 inches, 1.21 lbs |
Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 12 hours |
Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
Speaker Configuration | Mono | Stereo |
Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
Voice Assistant Support | Yes, access Siri and Google Assistant | No |
Durability | Rubber exterior, can withstand drops | Durable, rubber housing |
Extra Features | PositionIQ auto-adjusts sound based on orientation, Party Mode | PartyBoost mode to connect multiple JBL speakers |
Overview of the Bose SoundLink Flex
The Bose SoundLink Flex is a compact, cylindrical Bluetooth speaker. Despite its small size, it delivers full, immersive audio with deep bass thanks to Bose’s acoustic technology.
Some standout features of the SoundLink Flex include:
- Sleek, portable design: Weighing just 1.25 lbs, the SoundLink Flex has a tapered cylindrical shape that easily fits into bags and backpacks. It comes in three stylish colors: black, white smoke, and stone blue.
- Waterproof and durable: With an IP67 rating, the SoundLink Flex is fully waterproof and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Its soft silicone exterior protects against bumps, scratches and drops.
- Long battery life: Get up to 12 hours of playtime from a full charge. The battery level is conveniently visible on the speaker’s exterior.
- PositionIQ auto-adjusts sound: A unique feature of the SoundLink Flex is Bose’s PositionIQ technology, which automatically detects the speaker’s orientation and adjusts sound to deliver optimal audio. This ensures you get great sound whether the speaker is placed horizontally or vertically.
- Voice assistant access: You can access Siri or Google Assistant at the press of a button to make calls, play music, get information and more, hands-free.
- Stereo pairing: Pair two SoundLink Flex speakers together for wider, more immersive stereo sound.
Overview of the JBL Flip 6
The JBL Flip 6 is a popular tubular Bluetooth speaker known for delivering bold, bass-heavy sound. Key details include:
- Punchy stereo sound: Dual 40mm drivers and a racetrack-shaped woofer deliver loud, dynamic stereo audio with thumping bass.
- Rugged, waterproof build: With an IP67 rating, the Flip 6 can be submerged in water and is dustproof and sandproof. Its durable fabric covering protects against drops and scratches.
- 12 hour battery: On a full 2.5 hour charge, expect up to 12 hours of continuous playtime. The battery status is shown via an LED indicator.
- PartyBoost mode: Connect multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together to amplify sound.
- Bluetooth 5.1: Stream music wirelessly over Bluetooth with extended range and fewer dropouts.
- USB-C charging: The Flip 6 charges via a Type C USB port for faster, more convenient charging.
- Vibrant colors: Available in 11 fun colors like squad (black), blue, pink, red and more to match your style.
Also Read: Differences Between Jbl Charge 5 And Jbl Xtreme 3.
Key Differences Between Bose SoundLink Flex Vs. JBL Flip 6
Now, let’s dive deeper into how the Bose SoundLink Flex and JBL Flip 6 compare across important criteria:
- Sound Quality
When it comes to audio performance, both speakers sound great – but there are some clear differences.
The Bose SoundLink Flex produces rich, full-bodied audio with punchy bass thanks to Bose’s proprietary acoustic technology. The sound has depth and spaciousness you wouldn’t expect from such a compact speaker. The audio remains clear and distortion-free even at high volumes.
Comparatively, the JBL Flip 6 delivers loud, bold sound with a pumped up bass response. It has a more energetic, exciting sound profile suited for pop, hip hop and EDM genres. The dual 40mm drivers give the Flip 6 a wider stereo image than the SoundLink Flex. However, the audio can start sounding harsh at max volume.
Overall, the Bose edges out the JBL for more natural, balanced sound quality. But the JBL certainly brings the party with its lively sound and thumping bass.
- Battery Life
Both speakers offer around 12 hours of battery life – impressive for their small size.
In real-world testing, the Bose SoundLink Flex consistently delivers on its 12 hour rating, even at moderate to high volumes. The battery level indicator – which displays in 25% increments – is convenient for gauging remaining playtime.
The JBL Flip 6 also lives up to its 12 hour battery claim, though maxing out volume can decrease life a bit. Its battery indicator light (which blinks red when battery is low) gives a rough estimate of runtime left.
For battery life, it’s essentially a tie between the two. Both offer ample playtime between charges. The Bose wins slightly for having a more accurate visual indicator.
- Durability
With their waterproof, rugged builds, the SoundLink Flex and Flip 6 can withstand wet environments and the occasional drop without issue.
The Bose has a bendable silicone exterior that absorbs shocks from drops. It can be submerged in shallow water and resists dust and dirt well. The speaker feels sturdy.
Similarly, the JBL is swathed in a durable fabric material and has a sturdy rubber base. Its cylindrical form factor helps it withstand occasional drops. The rugged shell enables fully waterproof operation.
Both speakers have excellent durability. For underwater use, the JBL Flip 6 may have a slight edge as its cylindrical shape creates less muffling when fully submerged. But overall the speakers are on par when it comes to ruggedness.
- Connectivity
In the wireless connectivity department, the speakers have comparable performance. Both use Bluetooth 5.0 or above for pairing with your phone, tablet or laptop from up to 30+ feet away. They can remember multiple device pairings.
The JBL Flip 6 has Bluetooth 5.1, so its connection range may be slightly wider. But both speakers maintain a stable connection without dropouts or distortion provided you’re within range.
One advantage of the Bose SoundLink Flex is that two units can be paired together for stereo sound – a feature the Flip 6 lacks. But the Flip 6 can pair with other JBL PartyBoost speakers.
Overall the speakers are well-matched when it comes to wireless connectivity and pairing options.
- Voice Assistant Support
A key difference is voice assistant compatibility. The Bose SoundLink Flex allows hands-free access to Siri and Google Assistant at the push of a button. This lets you make calls, request songs, get weather reports, control smart home devices and more.
The JBL Flip 6 lacks built-in voice assistant support. You’ll have to access voice commands through your phone, which is less convenient.
If having voice assistant access directly through your speaker is important, the Bose SoundLink Flex is the better choice here.
Also watch this review video:
- Portability
As compact speakers designed for mobility, both models are easy to take on the go. The Bose SoundLink measures just 6.7 x 2.1 x 2.4 inches and weighs 1.25 pounds. The Flip 6 is slightly larger at 8.7 x 3.4 x 3.6 inches but weighs the same 1.21 pounds.
The SoundLink Flex’s soft, tapered design may fit a bit more seamlessly into bags. But both speakers are portable enough for travel and outdoor use.
One advantage of the Flip 6 is it has a built-in carrying strap. But portability is a wash between the two overall.
- Price
The Bose SoundLink Flex retails around $149, while the JBL Flip 6 costs approximately $129. So the Flip 6 is a little easier on the wallet.
Considering the better audio quality and inclusion of voice assistant support, the Bose provides excellent value at its moderate price point. But budget is also a factor, in which case the more affordable JBL is appealing.
Also Read: Comaprison Between the Bose Soundlink Flex and Mini 2
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, the JBL Flip 6 plays a few decibels louder than the SoundLink Flex at maximum volume, delivering about 85 dB Vs. 80 dB. Its dual stereo drivers give the JBL an advantage when it comes to loudness.
Overall, Bose makes higher-end audio products and tends to edge out JBL for sound quality, especially refinement, balance and depth. However, JBL is known for delivering great sound at more affordable prices. The choice comes down to budget and audio preferences.
The SoundLink Flex ranks among the top portable Bluetooth speakers for its optimal blend of great sound, ruggedness, compact size and smart features like PositionIQ. It’s considered one of the best speakers Bose makes.
The SoundLink Flex uses a single full-range driver for mono sound. But users can pair two units together wirelessly for left-right stereo separation.
Also Read: Comparison Between Bose S1 Pro and JBL PartyBox 310
Final Thoughts
The Bose SoundLink Flex and JBL Flip 6 both deliver impressive performance for compact, durable Bluetooth speakers.
The Bose wins out for better balanced, natural sound quality and support for voice assistants. Its softer design may also be preferred for portability.
But the JBL produces louder, more excitement-inducing audio and costs less. Its hanging strap is also convenient for mobility.
Overall, the Bose SoundLink Flex is the stronger overall package, justifying its slightly higher cost. But the JBL Flip 6 is great for those who want big, punchy sound on a budget. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these portable, waterproof speakers.