Beats Pill vs JBL Flip 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Beats Pill & JBL Flip 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Beats Pill rather than the JBL Flip 5. 

Why Do I Recommend The Beats Pill

  • The Beats Pill has a larger custom racetrack-style driver for deeper bass and clearer mids at higher volumes, whereas the JBL Flip 5 uses a smaller 44 mm transducer.
  • Beats Pill integrates with the Beats app for EQ adjustments and firmware updates to personalize sound and keep the speaker current, whereas the JBL Flip 5 relies on the simpler JBL Portable app.
  • It includes a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and voice assistant control to manage music and take calls directly, while the JBL Flip 5 lacks any microphone capability.
  • The Beats Pill features Bluetooth 5.0 for a stronger, more stable connection over longer distances, while the JBL Flip 5 uses Bluetooth 4.2.
  • Beats Pill comes with an IP67 rating design for full dust protection and water resistance to withstand outdoor environments, whereas the JBL Flip 5 carries only an IPX7 rating for water protection without dust resistance.
  • It supports dual-device pairing for seamless switching between two phones or tablets, whereas the JBL Flip 5 connects to only one device at a time.
  • The Beats Pill has a USB-C charging port that supports audio pass-through for continuous playback while charging, while the JBL Flip 5’s USB-C port is limited to charging only.
  • Beats Pill features Apple Find My support to help locate the speaker if misplaced, while the JBL Flip 5 has no built-in tracking capability.

Maybe the JBL Flip 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Beats Pill. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureBeats PillJBL Flip 5
Battery lifeup to 24 hoursup to 12 hours
Bluetooth version5.x4.2
Driver custom racetrack-style44 mm × 80 mm
Water & dust ratingIP67IPX7
Weight680 g540 g
Dimensions (L × W × H)21.9 × 7.1 × 7.0 cm18.1 × 6.9 × 7.4 cm
Charging portUSB-CUSB-C
Speakerphone / MicrophoneYesNo
NFC / Quick-pairYesNo
Multi-speaker modeAmplify / StereoPartyBoost
Color options311 colors
Support for Find My YesNo
App supportBeats appJBL Portable app
PriceCheck Beats Pill PriceCheck JBL Flip 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Both Beats Pill and JBL Flip 5 are compact, wireless Bluetooth speakers designed for easy carrying, making them convenient for outdoor use, travel, or small gatherings.
  • USB-C Charging: Each speaker uses a USB-C port for charging, which allows for faster, more reliable power delivery and compatibility with modern charging cables.
  • Wireless Bluetooth Playback: Both models support Bluetooth connectivity for cable-free music streaming from phones, tablets, or laptops, ensuring wide device compatibility.
  • 12-Hour Battery Life (approx.): Each speaker provides roughly 12 hours of continuous playback, enabling full-day use without needing a recharge during typical outings.
  • Built-in Rechargeable Battery: Both include internal lithium-ion batteries, eliminating the need for disposable batteries and supporting eco-friendly, cost-effective usage.
  • Passive Bass Radiators: Each uses passive radiators to enhance low-frequency output, delivering deeper bass and fuller sound despite compact size.
  • Stereo Playback with Pairing: Both can pair with a second identical speaker for true stereo separation, improving audio immersion for parties or larger spaces.
  • Companion App Support: Each integrates with a manufacturer app, enabling firmware updates, sound adjustments, and device management for better user control.
  • Firmware Update via App: Both can receive software updates through their companion apps, ensuring continued performance improvements and feature enhancements.
  • On-Device Playback Controls: Each features physical buttons for volume, play/pause, and Bluetooth pairing, allowing quick adjustments without reaching for a phone.
  • LED Battery Indicator: Both include LED lights that display battery status, giving users a quick visual cue when charging is needed.
  • IP Water Resistance Rating: Each model carries an IP rating for water resistance, making them suitable for poolside use or light rain without damage.
  • Durable Outdoor Design: Both are constructed with rugged materials and a protective exterior to withstand outdoor conditions and occasional bumps.
  • Frequency Response 65 Hz–20 kHz: Each supports a similar frequency range, providing balanced sound from deep bass to clear treble for versatile music playback.
  • Wireless Range ~30 ft (10 m): Both maintain stable Bluetooth connections up to about 10 meters, allowing flexible placement of the speaker without audio dropouts.

Common Features

FeatureBeats PillJBL Flip 5
Portable Bluetooth SpeakerYesYes
USB-C ChargingYesYes
Wireless Bluetooth PlaybackYesYes
12-Hour Battery Life (approx.)YesYes
Built-in Rechargeable BatteryYesYes
Passive Bass RadiatorsYesYes
Stereo Playback with PairingYesYes
Companion App SupportYesYes
Firmware Update via AppYesYes
On-Device Playback ControlsYesYes
LED Battery IndicatorYesYes
IP Water Resistance RatingYesYes
Durable Outdoor DesignYesYes
Frequency Response 65 Hz–20 kHzYesYes
Wireless Range ~30 ft (10 m)YesYes
Price Check Beats Pill Price Check JBL Flip 5 Price

FAQ

Is the Beats Pill louder than the JBL Flip 5?
The Beats Pill can produce a slightly higher maximum volume thanks to its updated drivers and amplification, making it more suitable for larger rooms or outdoor spaces where extra loudness is helpful.

Does either speaker support true stereo pairing?
Yes, both the Beats Pill and JBL Flip 5 can connect to a second identical speaker for left-right stereo sound, creating a wider and more immersive audio field.

Can I use these speakers for phone calls?
The Beats Pill includes a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and voice assistant access, while the JBL Flip 5 does not have a microphone and cannot be used for calls.

Are they both waterproof?
The JBL Flip 5 is IPX7 rated and can be submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes, whereas the Beats Pill is IP67 rated, giving it both waterproofing and dust protection for more rugged conditions.

What type of charging port do they use?
Both speakers use a USB-C charging port, allowing fast charging and convenient cable compatibility with modern devices.

How long does the battery last on a single charge?
Each speaker offers around 12 hours of continuous playback at moderate volume levels, which is sufficient for a full day of casual listening.

Is there a 3.5 mm auxiliary input?
Neither the Beats Pill nor the JBL Flip 5 includes a 3.5 mm aux input, so all audio playback relies on Bluetooth wireless connection.

Do they have companion apps?
Yes, the Beats Pill pairs with the Beats app for EQ adjustments and updates, while the JBL Flip 5 works with the JBL Portable app for firmware updates and PartyBoost pairing controls.

Which Bluetooth version do they support?
The Beats Pill uses Bluetooth 5 for improved range and stability, whereas the JBL Flip 5 uses Bluetooth 4.2, which still provides reliable connections but with slightly shorter range and efficiency.

Can I connect two devices at once?
The Beats Pill supports dual-device pairing so two devices can be connected and alternate playback, while the JBL Flip 5 allows only one device to be actively connected at a time.

How long does it take to fully charge each speaker?
The Beats Pill typically charges in about three hours, while the JBL Flip 5 charges slightly faster, usually in about two and a half hours.

Are there voice assistant features?
The Beats Pill can activate Siri or Google Assistant directly from the speaker, providing hands-free control, while the JBL Flip 5 does not have integrated voice assistant functionality.

What are the available color options?
The Beats Pill is available in a few core colors like black, red, and white, whereas the JBL Flip 5 comes in a wider range of vibrant colors and special editions.

Do they support multi-speaker party mode?
The JBL Flip 5 uses JBL PartyBoost to link multiple compatible JBL speakers for synchronized sound, while the Beats Pill supports its own stereo or Amplify mode with another Beats Pill.

Which one is better for outdoor use?
The JBL Flip 5’s stronger waterproof rating and lighter weight make it slightly more convenient for poolside or beach use, while the Beats Pill provides better dust protection and louder output for varied outdoor environments.

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