JBL’s Charge and Flip speaker lines are two of the company’s most popular portable Bluetooth models. The Charge 4 and Flip 6 represent the latest iterations in each series. Both deliver JBL’s signature sound with robust bass in a compact, waterproof form.
But how do these two speakers actually stack up? Read on for a detailed look at the JBL Charge 4 Vs. Flip 6 to see which is better for your listening needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | JBL Charge 4 | JBL Flip 6 |
| Driver Size | 2 x 28mm | 2 x 48mm |
| Output Power | 30W | 40W |
| Battery Life | 20 hours | 12 hours |
| IPX Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Wireless Pairing | JBL PartyBoost | JBL PartyBoost |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz–20kHz | 63Hz–20kHz |
| Dimensions | 213 x 87 x 88.5mm | 169 x 69 x 74mm |
| Weight | 960g | 550g |
Overview of the JBL Charge 4
The JBL Charge 4 is a medium-sized cylindrical Bluetooth speaker with a fun, bold design. Offering improved sound and battery life over the Charge 3, it’s ideal for anyone who wants punchy audio and extended playtime from their portable speaker.
Key features of the Charge 4:
- Sound Quality: Dual 28mm drivers and separate tweeter deliver loud, clear audio with thumping bass. Signature JBL sound perfect for pop, rock, hip-hop, and EDM.
- Battery Life: Massive 20 hour battery life allows all-day listening. Can also charge devices with the built-in USB port.
- Design: Cylindrical shape with exposed drivers. Durable fabric coating protects against dents and scratches. Available in 7 vibrant color options.
- Waterproof: Carry it to the beach or pool without worry – the Charge 4 has an IPX7 waterproof rating. Even floats on water.
- Wireless: Stream music over Bluetooth or connect multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers for boosted sound.
- Controls: Media controls built into the top. Speakerphone for attending calls. Connect to voice assistants like Siri or Google Now.
Overview of the JBL Flip 6
The Flip 6 is JBL’s newest update to the popular Flip series of compact, portable Bluetooth speakers. With the Flip 6, you get powerful sound and fun features in a grab-and-go design.
What you need to know about the Flip 6:
- Driver Configuration: Dual 48mm drivers deliver bold JBL sound with thumping bass in a small package. Improved over the Flip 5.
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours of playtime per charge. Quick charging capabilities give you 1 hour of use from just 10 minutes of charging.
- Design: Cylindrical shape is easy to grab and go. Waterproof fabric material available in 8 colors. Integrated strap for toting.
- IPX7 Waterproof: No need to worry about getting the Flip 6 wet whether by the pool or in the rain. It can be submerged in water and keep playing.
- PartyBoost: Pair two PartyBoost compatible speakers together for stereo sound or link multiple JBL speakers to amplify the audio.
- Controls: Media controls up top. Built-in mic for speakerphone. Voice assistant access. USB-C charging port.
Also Read: Comparison Between Jabra And JBL Headphones & Earbuds
Key Differences Between the JBL Charge 4 and Flip 6
BL has been a leader in the audio industry for years, producing quality sound devices that consumers trust. Two of their most popular portable speakers are the Charge 4 and the Flip 6.
While both speakers offer signature JBL sound and a rugged design suitable for outdoor use, they have distinct differences worth noting.
This comparison will delve deeper into their differences to help consumers make an informed decision.
- Sound Quality
Charge 4: The JBL Charge 4, being larger, naturally boasts a higher maximum volume and an ability to produce richer bass. This can be largely attributed to its size and design which gives it more room for a bigger resonance chamber.
Flip 6: Even though the Flip 6 is more compact, it doesn’t fall far behind in terms of audio power. Thanks to efficient design and technology, it still manages to produce a sound that is clear, crisp, and loud enough for most scenarios, be it a small gathering or a beach party.
- Battery Life
Charge 4: A standout feature of the Charge 4 is its impressive battery life. It can deliver up to 20 hours of playtime on a full charge. This is especially handy for those who love outdoor activities, trips, or simply don’t want the hassle of charging their speaker frequently.
Flip 6: While the Flip 6 offers a shorter battery life of 12 hours, it’s still more than enough for a full day of usage for most people. Given its smaller size, this is a commendable battery duration.
- Size and Portability
Charge 4: With dimensions of 213 x 87 mm, the Charge 4 is undoubtedly the bulkier of the two. Its cylindrical design is a tad heavy, which might make it less ideal for those on the go.
Flip 6: Measuring at 169 x 69 mm, the Flip 6 is a clear winner in terms of portability. It can easily fit in a backpack or even a large pocket, making it perfect for travelers or those who prefer a lightweight speaker.
- Driver Size
Charge 4: The Charge 4 is equipped with two 28mm drivers. While smaller, these drivers, in conjunction with the design of the speaker, are efficient in delivering quality sound.
Flip 6: Surprisingly, the smaller Flip 6 houses two larger 48mm drivers. This perhaps compensates for its compact design, ensuring that the sound output remains robust and dynamic.
- Charging and Connectivity
Charge 4: The Charge 4 employs the older micro USB standard for charging. While it’s a tried-and-true method, it’s slowly becoming outdated. However, a notable feature is its USB-A port which can be used to charge other devices, acting as a power bank.
Flip 6: Embracing modern standards, the Flip 6 utilizes USB-C for charging, which offers faster charging times and is becoming the norm in many modern devices. Like the Charge 4, it also comes with a USB-A port for device charging.
- Color Varieties
Charge 4: One of the aesthetic advantages of the Charge 4 is the array of color options available. Consumers have a wider choice to pick a color that aligns with their personal style.
Flip 6: While the Flip 6 offers fewer color options compared to the Charge 4, it still comes in various fun and vibrant colors that can appeal to a broad audience.
Also Watch This Review Video:
- Price
Charge 4: Typically, the Charge 4 retails at a higher price point, usually around $30-50 more than its counterpart, the Flip 6. The pricing reflects its larger size, battery life, and sound capabilities.
Flip 6: Being the more budget-friendly option doesn’t mean compromises on quality. The Flip 6 offers great value for its price, especially for those looking for a compact yet powerful speaker.
In conclusion, both the JBL Charge 4 and Flip 6 have their unique strengths and appeal to different consumer needs. Whether it’s extended battery life, sound quality, portability, or price, both speakers uphold JBL’s reputation for quality and performance.
Also Read: Differences Between Jbl Charge 5 And Jbl Xtreme 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For portable use, the Flip 6 may be the better choice thanks to its ultra compact and lightweight design. But the Charge 4 is the way to go if you want louder, more powerful audio with all-day battery life for extended listening sessions.
In general, the Charge speakers offer more volume, bass, and battery life while the Flip models are smaller and more easily portable. The Charge line is best for gatherings or extended playtime while the Flips are ideal portable, on-the-go speakers to quickly grab out of your bag.
The Charge 4 is the overall better speaker with superior audio power, punchier bass, and 8 extra hours of battery life compared to the Flip 4. But the Flip 4 is still a great compact speaker choice if you want a small footprint.
The Charge 4 remains the audio powerhouse, with louder sound than the Flip 5. It also gives you a few more hours of battery life. The Flip 5 compensates with its ultra compact, fun design in a range of color options. Pick the Charge 4 if sound matters most, or the Flip 5 for maximum portability.
Also Read: Comparison Between the PartyBox 310 and 710
Final Thoughts
With the Charge 4 and Flip 6, JBL offers two fantastic Bluetooth speaker options with great sound, rugged builds, and useful features like waterproofing.
The extra volume and battery life from the Charge 4 make it the pick for times when audio power matters. But the Flip 6’s ultra compact form factor gives it an edge for portability and convenience when you want great sound in a small package.
Ultimately, choosing between these two excellent JBL speakers comes down to weighing your preferences for maximum sound versus maximum portability. With their latest models in each series, you can’t go wrong with either one as the life of the party indoor or out.
