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

JBL Charge 5 & 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 JBL Charge 5 rather than the JBL Flip 5. 

Table Of Contents hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The JBL Charge 5?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The JBL Charge 5? 

  • The JBL Charge 5 features a two-way speaker system with a dedicated woofer and tweeter for clearer highs and deeper lows, while the JBL Flip 5 uses a single full-range racetrack driver.
  • JBL Charge 5 has a 7,500 mAh battery for up to 20 hours of continuous playback, whereas the JBL Flip 5 has a 4,800 mAh battery for up to 12 hours of use.
  • It supports Bluetooth 5.1 for more stable connections and improved energy efficiency, while the JBL Flip 5 uses Bluetooth 4.2.
  • The JBL Charge 5 includes a USB-A power bank port to recharge phones and small devices during travel, whereas the JBL Flip 5 lacks any power-out capability.
  • JBL Charge 5 comes with an IP67 rating design for complete dustproof and waterproof protection, while the JBL Flip 5 carries only an IPX7 rating without dust resistance.
  • It provides higher 40 watts output power for louder sound and better coverage in outdoor spaces, whereas the JBL Flip 5 delivers roughly 20 watts.
  • The JBL Charge 5 uses a larger passive radiator design to enhance low-frequency response for stronger bass impact, while the JBL Flip 5 relies on smaller passive radiators with less bass extension.
  • JBL Charge 5 includes a front-facing battery level indicator for quick visual checks of remaining power, whereas the JBL Flip 5 places its battery indicator near the charging port.

Maybe the JBL Flip 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the JBL Charge 5. 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.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureJBL Charge 5JBL Flip 5
Output configurationTwo-waySingle racetrack full-range driver
Output power~40 W total~20 W
Bluetooth versionBluetooth 5.1Bluetooth 4.2
Battery capacity7,500 mAh4,800 mAh
Maximum runtimeUp to ~20 hoursUp to ~12 hours
Charging timeLongerShorter
Power bank / pass-through chargingHas USB-A output to charge other devicesNo USB output
WeightHeavierLighter
Button & control placementTop-mounted controls, front battery indicatorBack or side control placement, indicator near charging port
Driver sizesBass driver ~52 × 90 mm + 20 mm tweeterSingle racetrack driver
Sound tuning & bass reachDeeper low-end extensionLess sub-bass depth, stronger upper bass punch
Distortion handling at high volumeCleaner at higher levels, more headroomMore prone to midrange harshness when pushed
Dust protectionFully sealed from dust ingressLacks dust sealing
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What Common Both Can Do?

  • Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Both the JBL Charge 5 and JBL Flip 5 are compact wireless speakers designed for easy portability, making them ideal for travel, outdoor activities, and casual home use.
  • Wireless Streaming: Each model streams audio via Bluetooth, allowing users to play music from smartphones, tablets, or laptops without any wired connections.
  • Waterproof Rating: Both carry at least an IPX7 water-resistance rating, enabling them to withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, which is valuable for poolside parties or rainy environments.
  • JBL PartyBoost: The two speakers support JBL’s PartyBoost feature, letting users link multiple compatible speakers for a louder and wider soundstage during gatherings.
  • USB-C Charging Port: A modern USB-C charging interface is present on both models, providing faster and more convenient charging compared to older micro-USB ports.
  • Built-in Rechargeable Battery: Each speaker houses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, eliminating the need for disposable batteries and allowing for multiple hours of continuous playback.
  • Fabric & Rubber Exterior: Both use durable fabric mesh with rubberized end caps, protecting against bumps and scratches while offering a firm grip.
  • Cylindrical Design for 360° Placement: The cylindrical shape of both speakers helps distribute sound evenly and allows them to be placed horizontally or vertically depending on space.
  • Frequency Response: Both have a similar frequency response range of roughly 65 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring comparable coverage of low and high audio frequencies.
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Each speaker maintains a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 80 dB, meaning background hiss is minimal and audio playback remains clean.
  • On-Speaker Controls: Physical buttons on the body of both speakers let users adjust volume, play or pause tracks, and manage Bluetooth connections without needing a phone.
  • Multiple Color Options: JBL offers both the Charge 5 and Flip 5 in a variety of colors, so users can choose a style that matches their preferences.
  • Passive Radiators for Bass: Each speaker includes dual passive radiators that enhance low-end performance, adding depth and punch to music despite their small size.
  • Wireless Daisy-Chain via PartyBoost: Both can wirelessly link with additional PartyBoost-compatible JBL speakers, allowing multi-speaker setups without complicated wiring.
  • Automatic Pairing Memory: Each model remembers previously paired devices, reconnecting automatically for convenience when turned on again.
  • Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery Chemistry: Both use reliable lithium-ion cells, providing efficient power delivery, consistent playtime, and a long overall battery lifespan.

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Common Features

FeatureJBL Charge 5JBL Flip 5
Portable Bluetooth SpeakerYesYes
Wireless StreamingBluetoothBluetooth
Waterproof RatingIPX7 or higherIPX7
JBL PartyBoostYesYes
USB-C Charging PortYesYes
Built-in Rechargeable BatteryYesYes
Fabric & Rubber ExteriorYesYes
Cylindrical Design for 360° PlacementYesYes
Frequency Response65 Hz – 20 kHz65 Hz – 20 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio≥80 dB≥80 dB
On-Speaker ControlsYesYes
Multiple Color OptionsYesYes
Passive Radiators for BassDualDual
Wireless Daisy-Chain via PartyBoostYesYes
Automatic Pairing MemoryYesYes
Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery ChemistryYesYes
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FAQ

Can the JBL Charge 5 and JBL Flip 5 both float on water?
Yes, both speakers can safely float when accidentally dropped in water because of their sealed waterproof construction, making them suitable for pool or beach use.

Do the JBL Charge 5 and JBL Flip 5 support stereo pairing?
Yes, each speaker supports JBL PartyBoost, which allows two compatible speakers to pair for true left and right stereo sound.

Is there an auxiliary (AUX) input on either speaker?
No, neither the Charge 5 nor the Flip 5 includes a 3.5 mm AUX input, so all playback must be through Bluetooth or a PartyBoost connection.

Can I use the JBL Charge 5 or JBL Flip 5 as a speakerphone?
No, neither model includes a built-in microphone for calls, so they cannot be used as speakerphones.

What is the Bluetooth range for both speakers?
Both have a stable Bluetooth connection of up to about 10 meters (33 feet) in an open area without obstructions.

Are firmware updates available for these speakers?
Yes, JBL provides updates through the JBL Portable app, allowing you to keep the firmware current for improved performance and features.

Can the speakers play while charging?
Yes, both models can continue to play music while plugged in, so you can enjoy uninterrupted listening even as they recharge.

Do the JBL Charge 5 and JBL Flip 5 have voice assistant integration?
No, they do not have direct voice assistant features such as Siri or Google Assistant built in.

Are both speakers dust resistant?
The JBL Charge 5 is rated IP67, meaning it is fully dustproof, while the JBL Flip 5 is rated IPX7 and lacks a dust resistance certification.

Can I connect more than two speakers at once?
Yes, PartyBoost lets you connect multiple compatible JBL speakers simultaneously to fill larger spaces with sound.

How long does it take to fully charge each speaker?
The JBL Charge 5 typically requires around four hours to fully charge because of its larger battery, while the JBL Flip 5 charges in about two and a half hours.

Do they both have passive radiators for bass enhancement?
Yes, each model features dual passive radiators to deliver stronger bass response despite their compact sizes.

Is there any difference in the app controls between the two?
No, both use the JBL Portable app for firmware updates and PartyBoost linking, and the interface is essentially the same for each.

Can I use either speaker outdoors in extreme temperatures?
Both speakers can handle a wide temperature range, but for optimal battery life it is best to keep them within typical outdoor conditions and avoid prolonged direct sunlight or freezing weather.

Are replacement parts or battery services available?
Yes, JBL provides authorized service centers and replacement parts such as batteries, allowing users to extend the lifespan of either speaker when needed.

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