If you’re on the hunt for a solid Bluetooth speaker that won’t embarrass you at the next beach party, chances are you’ve already stumbled upon JBL. They practically dominate the portable speaker game, and two of their best options are the JBL Charge 5 and the JBL Flip 6.
At first glance, they might seem like siblings from the same cool family—both rugged, waterproof, and loud. But make no mistake, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. So, should you go with the slightly bigger and pricier Charge 5 or the more compact, budget-friendly Flip 6? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 6: The Verdict
Best Overall: JBL Charge 5
If you want bigger sound, more bass, and a longer battery life, the Charge 5 is the way to go. It’s got a built-in power bank, meaning you can charge your phone while playing music. Handy, right?
Best by Price: JBL Flip 6
If you’re on a budget but still want that classic JBL sound, the Flip 6 delivers. It doesn’t have the extra battery perks of the Charge 5, but it still sounds great for its size and costs significantly less.
Best for Portability: JBL Flip 6
The Flip 6 is lighter and easier to carry, making it the better choice if you need something ultra-portable. If you’re always on the move, this one is your best bet.
Best for Outdoor Use: JBL Charge 5
While both are IP67 waterproof and dustproof, the Charge 5 gets louder and lasts longer—great for outdoor adventures or backyard BBQs.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details.
JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 6: Detailed Comparison
| Feature | JBL Charge 5 | JBL Flip 6 |
| Sound Quality | Larger driver (52mm x 90mm), separate tweeter (20mm), dual passive bass radiators for deeper bass and louder output. | Single driver (45mm x 80mm), separate tweeter (16mm), passive bass radiator for balanced sound but less bass depth. |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours, includes power bank functionality for charging devices. | Up to 12 hours, no power bank functionality. |
| Portability | Heavier at 960g (2.1 lbs) and larger dimensions (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm), less portable. | Lighter at 550g (1.2 lbs) and smaller dimensions (178 x 68 x 72 mm), very portable. |
| Durability | IP67 rated (waterproof and dustproof). | IP67 rated (waterproof and dustproof). |
| Connectivity & Features | Bluetooth 5.1, supports JBL PartyBoost for connecting multiple speakers. | Bluetooth 5.1, supports JBL PartyBoost for connecting multiple speakers. |
| Price | Priced around $180 – $200, higher cost but more features. | Priced around $110 – $130, more affordable option. |
| Best For | Bass-heavy music, outdoor parties, longer battery life. | Casual listening, portability, budget-friendly option. |
| Winner | JBL Charge 5 for sound quality and battery life. | JBL Flip 6 for portability and value. |
1. Sound Quality – Which One Sounds Better?
Both speakers come with JBL’s Signature Pro Sound, ensuring clear highs, rich mids, and a punchy bass. However, their sound performance differs significantly due to their internal hardware.
JBL Charge 5: Bigger, Better, and Bassier
- Equipped with a larger 52mm x 90mm racetrack-shaped driver, which delivers a fuller and more powerful sound.
- Includes a separate tweeter (20mm) and dual passive bass radiators, significantly enhancing clarity and bass response.
- The bass is deeper and more pronounced, making it ideal for bass-heavy music genres like EDM, hip-hop, and rock.
- Louder overall volume output thanks to its bigger size and higher power handling.
- More immersive listening experience, perfect for outdoor parties and larger gatherings.
JBL Flip 6: Balanced but Less Powerful
- Features a single 45mm x 80mm driver and a separate tweeter (16mm), delivering a crisp and balanced sound.
- Also includes a passive bass radiator, but the bass isn’t as deep as the Charge 5.
- Sounds clear and precise, making it ideal for podcasts, acoustic music, and general listening.
- Less powerful and bass-heavy, but still offers an enjoyable sound experience, especially for smaller rooms and casual use.
Verdict: JBL Charge 5 Wins
If you prioritize loudness, depth, and a thumping bass, the Charge 5 is the better option. The Flip 6 is a solid alternative for those who prefer a more balanced, less bass-heavy sound.
2. Battery Life – Which One Lasts Longer?
Battery life is crucial, especially for those who need a speaker that can last through long events or trips.
JBL Charge 5: Long-Lasting + Power Bank
- Rated for 20 hours of continuous playback on a full charge.
- Features a built-in power bank, meaning you can charge your phone or other devices via its USB-A output while playing music.
- Takes around 4 hours to fully charge via USB-C.
JBL Flip 6: Decent But Shorter Lifespan
- Offers up to 12 hours of battery life, which is sufficient for most users but falls short compared to the Charge 5.
- Lacks power bank functionality, so it can’t be used to charge other devices.
- Charges fully in 2.5 hours via USB-C.
Verdict: JBL Charge 5 Wins
With 8 more hours of playtime and the ability to charge your phone, the Charge 5 is the clear winner for those who need all-day playback.
3. Portability & Size – Which One is Easier to Carry?
If you’re frequently on the move, size and weight matter.
JBL Charge 5: Bulkier but Still Portable
- Weight: 960g (2.1 lbs) – nearly twice as heavy as the Flip 6.
- Dimensions: 223 x 96.5 x 94 mm – larger, but still compact enough to fit in a backpack.
- Better suited for carrying in a bag or setting up in one location rather than frequent travel.
JBL Flip 6: Ultra-Portable & Travel-Friendly
- Weight: 550g (1.2 lbs) – much lighter than the Charge 5.
- Dimensions: 178 x 68 x 72 mm – slim and compact, making it easier to toss into a bag.
- Best for portability, ideal for travel, hiking, biking, and casual use on the go.
Verdict: JBL Flip 6 Wins
If portability is your priority, the Flip 6 is significantly lighter and easier to carry around.
4. Durability & Water Resistance – Which One Can Handle More?
Both speakers are built for rugged use and outdoor adventures.
IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof – A Tie
- Both the Charge 5 and Flip 6 come with an IP67 rating.
- This means they are fully dustproof and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- Both are built with durable materials and can withstand splashes, dirt, and minor drops.
Verdict: Tie
Both are designed for outdoor use, making them equally durable and resistant to elements.
5. Connectivity & Features – Which One is Smarter?
Modern Bluetooth speakers come with additional features beyond just playing music.
JBL Charge 5 & JBL Flip 6: Shared Features
- Bluetooth 5.1 ensures a stable and reliable wireless connection up to 33 feet (10 meters) away.
- Both support JBL PartyBoost, meaning you can wirelessly link multiple JBL speakers together for an expanded soundstage.
- Neither has an AUX input, which means you can only connect via Bluetooth—bad news if you prefer wired connections.
- No built-in voice assistant support—so no Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant features.
Verdict: Tie
Both speakers offer the same wireless features and PartyBoost functionality, making this category a draw.
6. Price – Which One Offers Better Value?
Price is a crucial factor when deciding between these two speakers.
JBL Charge 5: Higher Price, More Features
- Priced around $180 – $200, depending on seasonal discounts.
- Costs more but provides better sound, battery life, and power bank functionality.
JBL Flip 6: More Affordable
- Priced around $110 – $130, making it the cheaper option.
- Delivers great performance for the price, especially if you don’t need extra bass or long battery life.
Verdict: JBL Flip 6 Wins
If you’re on a budget, the Flip 6 provides excellent value at nearly half the price of the Charge 5.
Alternatives to JBL Charge 5 and Flip 6 That Might Fit Your Needs
Maybe neither the Charge 5 nor the Flip 6 is exactly what you’re looking for. Maybe you want something a little more unique. No worries—I’ve got you covered with some killer alternatives.
1. HomeClick – Your Complete Home Entertainment Solution
HomeClick isn’t just a Bluetooth speaker; it’s an all-in-one home entertainment device.
If you want rich sound plus smart features like voice control and home automation, this is the one to consider.
Think of it as a speaker on steroids—ideal for anyone looking for more than just music.
2. Bose SoundLink Flex – Premium Sound in a Small Package
Bose is known for top-tier audio quality, and the SoundLink Flex proves it.
The PositionIQ technology auto-adjusts sound based on how you place it, ensuring you get the best listening experience.
It’s also IP67-rated, making it just as durable as JBL’s options, but with a more refined, balanced sound—perfect if you want clarity over booming bass.
3. Sony SRS-XB33 – A Bass Monster That Keeps Going
Love bass? Sony’s Extra Bass mode makes sure every beat hits hard.
This speaker also outlasts JBL Charge 5, offering up to 24 hours of battery life—so your party doesn’t die before you do.
With Live Sound mode, it creates a festival-like experience, making it a top pick for anyone who wants their music to feel alive.
Conclusion
So, which JBL speaker should you go for?
- If you want more power, battery life, and deep bass, go for the JBL Charge 5.
- If you want a more portable and budget-friendly speaker, the JBL Flip 6 is the winner.
But if you’re open to thinking outside the box, the HomeClick, BeatBomb, and HomeBuddy all offer something fresh and different.
At the end of the day, the best speaker is the one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re vibing at home, hitting the beach, or turning your desk into a speaker, there’s an option for you.
So, what’s it gonna be?
Yours truly,
S, XOXO
