The JBL Flip 5 is a highly anticipated update to the popular JBL Flip series, and it’s clear that JBL has made significant improvements in various areas. As a portable waterproof speaker, the JBL Flip 5 offers an impressive combination of sound quality, battery life, and durability, making it an attractive option for users who need a reliable and feature-rich speaker for outdoor activities or travel.

Design and Build

The JBL Flip 5 features a sleek and rugged design that’s perfect for withstanding the elements. The speaker is IPX7-rated, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. The device also boasts a durable rubberized exterior that provides excellent grip and protection against scratches.

The JBL Flip 5 measures 6.9 x 2.8 x 3.5 inches (17.5 x 7.1 x 8.9 cm) and weighs approximately 1.1 pounds (0.5 kg), making it easy to carry around in a backpack or purse. The device also features a built-in carabiner that allows you to clip the speaker to your belt or bag.

Sound Quality

The JBL Flip 5 is equipped with two 40mm drivers and a passive radiator, producing an impressive 12W of output power. The speaker delivers clear and balanced sound across the frequency spectrum, with good bass response and decent treble clarity. The device also features JBL’s proprietary PartyBoost technology, which allows you to connect multiple speakers together for a more immersive listening experience.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the JBL Flip 5 is its impressive battery life. According to JBL, users can expect up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge. In our testing, we achieved around 18-20 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable.

Connectivity and Controls

The JBL Flip 5 features Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, allowing you to pair the speaker with your device in seconds. The device also supports NFC pairing for seamless connectivity with compatible devices. The speaker has a range of controls on top, including volume buttons, a play/pause button, and a button for activating PartyBoost.

Additional Features

The JBL Flip 5 comes with a number of additional features that enhance the user experience. These include:

• Waterproofing: As mentioned earlier, the JBL Flip 5 is IPX7-rated, making it perfect for use in the shower, pool, or beach.
• Durability: The speaker’s rugged design and durable materials make it resistant to scratches and drops.
• Portability: The device’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around.
• Multiple color options: The JBL Flip 5 is available in a range of colors, including black, blue, green, red, and yellow.

Conclusion

The JBL Flip 5 is an excellent portable waterproof speaker that delivers impressive sound quality, battery life, and durability. Its rugged design, waterproofing, and compact size make it perfect for use in various environments, from the beach to the pool or shower.

While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, the JBL Flip 5’s feature-rich design, excellent performance, and durable build quality make it an attractive choice for users who want a reliable and high-quality speaker that can withstand the elements.

Technical Specifications:

• Dimensions: 6.9 x 2.8 x 3.5 inches (17.5 x 7.1 x 8.9 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 1.1 pounds (0.5 kg)
• Drivers: Two 40mm drivers and a passive radiator
• Output Power: 12W
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours playback on a single charge
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2, NFC pairing
• Waterproofing: IPX7-rated, can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes
• Additional Features: PartyBoost technology, rugged design, durable materials, multiple color options