JBL Flip Essential Vs. Flip 5: Buying The Best Bluetooth Speaker

JBL has long been one of the top names in portable Bluetooth speakers, with their Flip series being among their most popular lines. Two of the latest models in this series are the JBL Flip Essential and the Flip 5.

While both deliver JBL’s signature sound, there are some key differences between these two speakers that are worth examining before deciding which one best fits your needs.

A Brief Comparison Table

SpecsJBL Flip EssentialJBL Flip 5
Driver Size40mm44mm
Rated Power5W20W
Battery LifeUp to 10 hoursUp to 12 hours
Waterproof RatingIPX7IPX7
Bluetooth Version5.15.1
Audio TypeMonoStereo
Extra FeaturesNonePair multiple speakers
Weight1.05 lbs1.23 lbs
Price$80-$100$120-$150

Overview Of The JBL Flip Essential

The JBL Flip Essential is one of JBL’s more affordable Bluetooth speaker options, typically priced under $100. As an “essential” model, it delivers solid performance without a lot of bonus features.

 JBL Flip Essential
JBL Flip Essential

Here is an overview of the key specs and characteristics of the Flip Essential:

  • Driver size: 40mm
  • Rated power: 5W
  • Battery life: up to 10 hours
  • IPX7 waterproof rating
  • Bluetooth 5.1
  • Mono speaker (non-stereo)
  • Lightweight and compact size
  • Available colors: black, blue, red, white

The drivers on the Flip Essential are on the smaller side at 40mm in diameter. But the speaker still puts out a respectable 5W of power, enough for personal listening in a small to medium-sized space. Battery life reaches up to 10 hours, letting you listen for a full day of use between charges.

Like most JBL speakers, the Flip Essential has an IPX7 waterproof rating. This means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. The latest Bluetooth 5.1 provides a reliable wireless connection to your phone or tablet.

Design-wise, the Flip Essential has JBL’s cylindrical shape that’s easy to grab and go. At just 460g, it won’t weigh you down in a backpack or beach bag either. This model only includes a single mono speaker rather than stereo, so the sound is evenly distributed instead of having directional separation.

Overall, the Flip Essential delivers JBL’s signature audio in an affordable and portable package. It’s a great option for casual listening and making the most of your budget.

Overview Of The JBL Flip 5

Moving up a step in JBL’s lineup, the Flip 5 usually sells for around $130-$150. It adds some enhanced features and audio performance over the Essential version.

Here are the key specs and features of the JBL Flip 5:

JBL Flip 5
JBL Flip 5
  • Driver size: 44mm
  • Rated power: 20W
  • Battery life: up to 12 hours
  • IPX7 waterproof
  • Bluetooth 5.1
  • Stereo audio
  • Connect multiple speakers
  • Available colors: black, blue, red, white, pink, yellow

Right away you’ll notice the Flip 5 has larger 44mm driver units compared to the Flip Essential’s 40mm drivers. This allows the Flip 5 to produce up to 20W of audio power, a big jump over the 5W from the Essential. The battery gets a bump up to 12 hours of playtime as well.

The Flip 5 retains the same IPX7 waterproof rating and Bluetooth 5.1 as the Essential. Where it really differentiates itself is with proper stereo audio. Dual drivers give genuine left and right channel separation, creating a wider soundstage.

Another advantage of the Flip 5 is the ability to connect multiple speakers together for synchronized playback. This lets you pair two Flip 5 units in party mode, or connect a Flip 5 to other compatible JBL speakers. More color options are available too like pink and yellow.

Overall, the JBL Flip 5 builds on the Essential version by packing more power, better audio quality, and some nice bonus features. It’s a great mid-range choice in JBL’s Bluetooth speaker lineup.

Sound Quality Comparison

When it comes to audio, the Flip 5 definitely outperforms the more affordable Flip Essential. The Essential still sounds good for the price, but the Flip 5 can simply output higher volumes with richer sound.

The Essential’s 40mm drivers don’t produce a tremendous amount of bass. You’ll get some thump on the low end, but the bass impact won’t rumble or shake the room. Mids sound decent though slightly hollow at high volumes. Highs come through with acceptable crispness but aren’t incredibly detailed.

In comparison, the Flip 5’s larger 44mm drivers deliver fuller bass, clearer mids, and brighter treble. You can really crank up the volume without as much distortion as the Essential model. Thanks to its stereo separation, the Flip 5 also creates a wider and more immersive soundstage than the Essential can.

Both speakers have JBL’s familiar sonic signature that emphasizes the lows and highs. But the Flip 5 executes this sound profile with better balance and clarity across the frequency ranges. For portable listening, the Flip 5 provides an impressive audio experience.

Also Read: Differences Between Bose And Sony Speakers.

Durability Comparison

With both the Flip Essential and Flip 5 having the same IPX7 waterproof rating, you can expect excellent water and dust resistance from either speaker. They can be brought to the pool, beach, or park without worrying about splashes, rain, and dirt.

In terms of build quality, the Flip 5 seems a bit more sturdily constructed. Its rubber housing feels thicker and higher quality compared to the lighter Essential version. And while neither speaker has a rugged design, the Flip 5’s larger size may allow it to better withstand accidental bumps and drops.

Over extended use, the Flip 5 is likely to hold up better over time and withstand more wear and tear. But both speakers should provide good durability with their waterproofing and solid build quality. Just don’t expect either model to survive excessive abuse, as they’re not designed to be indestructible.

Portability Comparison

When judging portable Bluetooth speakers, size and weight are very important factors alongside sound quality. In the portability department, the Flip Essential gets an edge over the Flip 5.

The Flip Essential measures in at 7.1 x 2.6 x 2.6 inches and just over a pound at 1.05 lbs. Compared to the Flip 5 at 8.7 x 2.7 x 2.9 inches and 1.23 lbs, the Essential is noticeably more compact and lightweight. While the Flip 5 isn’t huge, the smaller Essential has an easier time fitting in bags, backpacks, bike mounts, and other mounting locations.

Both speakers still have an easy-to-grip cylindrical shape. But you’ll notice the Flip Essential’s reduced bulk if you’re regularly traveling with a speaker. The Flip 5 is still reasonably portable at 1.23 pounds, just not quite as effortless to transport as the Essential version.

Ease Of Use Comparison

When it comes to user-friendliness, the Flip Essential and Flip 5 are both simple to operate. Like most Bluetooth speakers, they can be paired with just a few button presses. Playback and volume controls are straightforward as well.

The one advantage of the Flip 5 is speaker pairing. After pairing the first Flip 5 to your phone, you can press the Bluetooth button again to link up a second Flip 5. The Essential doesn’t support connecting multiple speakers.

But otherwise, both speakers offer uncomplicated functionality. The cylindrical shape lacks any complicated ports or openings outside of the charging cable input. And only a few buttons allow you to control on/off, Bluetooth, volume, and playback. Just about anyone can get the speakers up and running without frustration.

Also Read: Comparison Between Jabra And JBL Headphones & Earbuds

Price Comparison

MSRP pricing has the JBL Flip Essential around $100 and the Flip 5 at $150. However, both speakers can be commonly found for lower prices from major retailers.

The Flip Essential usually sells for $80-$90 from third-party sellers. At the same time, it’s easy to find the Flip 5 priced between $120-$130, and sometimes lower during sales.

At those price points, the Flip Essential offers excellent value at under $100. But the Flip 5 provides noticeably better sound and features for just $30-$40 more. Unless you have a very tight budget, most buyers are better served spending a little more for the Flip 5.

Also watch the video!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between the JBL Charge 5 and the JBL Flip Essential?

The JBL Charge 5 is a higher-end model, while the Flip Essential is a more affordable version. Key differences include:
The Charge 5 has a larger driver size (50mm Vs. 40mm), more power (30W Vs. 5W), deeper bass, and stereo sound compared to the mono Flip Essential.
Battery life is 20+ hours on the Charge 5, Vs. 10 hours for the Flip Essential.
The Charge 5 can charge devices like smartphones via its USB-A port. The Flip Essential lacks USB-out charging ability.
The Charge 5 has an LED battery indicator and supports PartyBoost (connect 100+ JBL speakers). The Flip Essential has neither feature.
Charging time is 4.5 hours on the Charge 5 Vs. 3.5 hours for the Essential.
IP67 waterproof on Charge 5 Vs. IPX7 on the Essential. Both can handle submersion, but IP67 is slightly higher rated.
Overall, the Charge 5 is much more powerful and feature-filled, while the Flip Essential provides good value at a budget price point.

What does “essential” mean in JBL speakers?

JBL’s Essential series of speakers (like the Flip Essential) signify more affordable models aimed at budget buyers. Essential speakers still deliver JBL’s recognizable sound, but in a more basic package with lower power, smaller drivers, and lighter materials compared to the premium models.
They retain necessary features like Bluetooth and waterproofing, but lack extras like stereo sound and speaker pairing. Essential models are ideal for price-conscious shoppers looking for good value on a budget.

Should I buy the JBL Flip Essential?

The Flip Essential is a good value pick if you want a waterproof, portable, entry-level speaker for under $100. Sound quality is decent though it lacks bass power and stereo separation compared to pricier models. Battery life is a modest 10 hours and the build, while still solid, isn’t as premium-feeling as the Flip series above it.
The Flip Essential makes sense for light, casual listening but audiophiles will want a more powerful speaker. For its low price it’s a recommended starter speaker, but spending $30-$50 more for the Flip 5 nets noticeably better features and audio.

Does the JBL Flip Essential have good bass?

The 40mm drivers and 5W power rating on the Flip Essential limit its bass potential compared to higher-end models. It definitely produces audible low-end and can reach down to 50Hz, so you’ll get thump on tracks with deep bass. But the bass impact won’t be incredibly deep or rumbling.
For the size and price it provides decent bass, but the Essential won’t rattle a room like larger, costlier Bluetooth speakers can. Listeners who want really powerful bass boom will need to look at pricier options like the JBL Charge 5 or higher-tier Boombox models.

Also Read: Differences Between JBL PartyBox 300 And 310.

The Verdict

At the end of this JBL Flip Essential Vs. Flip 5 comparison, the Flip 5 emerges as the preferable choice for buyers who can afford its higher price point.

The better stereo sound, improved bass impact, speaker pairing, and slightly more durable build make the Flip 5 a worthwhile step up over the Essential. And while the Essential is smaller, the Flip 5 remains highly portable at around 1 pound.

However, budget-conscious shoppers who simply want a basic Bluetooth speaker for casual use can save money with the Flip Essential. It still delivers decent sound quality for personal listening in a super compact form.

But if you’re willing to spend around $120-$130, the JBL Flip 5 is arguably the best value Bluetooth speaker you can find. It punches well above its weight, providing audio performance and features that rival $200+ speakers. Unless size is your top priority, the Flip 5 takes the win over the Flip Essential for most buyers.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.