JBL Flip 6 vs Flip 7 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

JBL Flip 7 & JBL Flip 6 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 Flip 7 rather than the JBL Flip 6. 

Why Do I Recommend The JBL Flip 7

  • The JBL Flip 7 features Bluetooth 5.4 for a more stable wireless connection with lower latency and improved power efficiency, while the JBL Flip 6 uses Bluetooth 5.1.
  • JBL Flip 7 supports Auracast multi-speaker technology for broader compatibility with upcoming Bluetooth broadcast devices, whereas the JBL Flip 6 uses the older PartyBoost system.
  • It comes with a USB-C wired audio playback mode for lossless sound quality when connected to a computer or phone, while the JBL Flip 6 uses its USB-C port only for charging.
  • The JBL Flip 7 has a 7-band adjustable EQ in the JBL Portable app for precise tuning of bass, mids, and treble, whereas the JBL Flip 6 includes only a 3-band EQ for limited sound customization.
  • JBL Flip 7 features a larger 35-watt RMS amplifier for higher maximum volume and stronger low-end response, while the JBL Flip 6 uses a roughly 30-watt RMS amplifier.
  • It includes a Playtime Boost mode for extending playback up to about 16 hours at moderate volume, whereas the JBL Flip 6 provides around 12 hours with no extended playback mode.
  • The JBL Flip 7 comes with an IP68 rating for superior dust and water resistance and drop protection up to 1 meter, while the JBL Flip 6 has an IP67 rating without a drop-proof specification.
  • JBL Flip 7 features a detachable PushLock strap and integrated carabiner system for flexible carrying options and easier attachment to bags or bikes, whereas the JBL Flip 6 includes a fixed rope strap with no quick-release mechanism.

Maybe the JBL Flip 6 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the JBL Flip 7. 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

FeatureJBL Flip 7JBL Flip 6
Bluetooth version5.45.1
Wireless multi-speaker linkAuracastPartyBoost
USB-C audio playbackSupports lossless wired playbackCharging only, no audio input
EQ control in app7-band custom EQ3-band EQ
Rated playtimeUp to 14 hoursUp to 12 hours
Playtime Boost modeYes, extends to about 16 hoursNot available
Output power (RMS)35 W totalAround 30 W total
Waterproof / dust ratingIP68IP67
Drop protectionRated drop-proof from 1 mNo drop rating
Charging time2.5 hours at 5 V/3 A2.5 hours at 5 V/3 A
Strap systemDetachable PushLock strap / carabinerFixed rope sling
Dimensions182.5 × 69.5 × 71.5 mm178 × 68 × 72 mm
Weight560 g550 g
Voice assistant integrationUpdated voice-assistant button layoutStandard single multi-function button
Bluetooth rangeSlightly longer practical range due to 5.4Standard range with 5.1
Firmware updatesSupports faster over-the-air updatesStandard OTA speed
Bass enhancementNew AI-assisted bass tuningConventional DSP bass
Color optionsNew seasonal color palettePrevious generation palette
PriceCheck JBL Flip 7 PriceCheck JBL Flip 6 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Portable Bluetooth Speaker: Both the JBL Flip 7 and Flip 6 are compact wireless speakers that connect easily to phones, tablets, or laptops over Bluetooth, making them convenient for travel, outdoor use, or room-to-room listening.
  • Cylindrical Design: Each speaker uses a horizontal cylinder shape, allowing stable placement on surfaces and even sound dispersion whether standing upright or laid on its side.
  • Dual Passive Bass Radiators: Both models feature two passive radiators on each end that vibrate to reinforce low-frequency output, producing stronger bass without increasing size or power consumption.
  • Separate Tweeter and Woofer: Each unit houses a dedicated woofer for mid-bass and a tweeter for high frequencies, giving clearer, more balanced audio across the spectrum compared to single-driver speakers.
  • Frequency Response Top End 20 kHz: Both reach up to 20 kHz in frequency response, ensuring they can reproduce the full range of treble detail present in high-quality recordings.
  • USB-C Charging Port: The two speakers charge via a modern USB-C connector, offering faster and more reliable charging than older micro-USB ports and making it easier to share chargers with other current devices.
  • Built-in Rechargeable Battery: Each model includes an internal lithium-ion battery, so no external power source is needed during playback and users can enjoy hours of music anywhere.
  • IPX Waterproof Construction: Both are designed to handle splashes, rain, or full immersion in water, making them ideal for poolside parties, beach trips, and outdoor adventures without worrying about accidental spills.
  • Dust Resistance: Both speakers are sealed against dust particles, ensuring reliable performance at the beach, on a hike, or in other dusty environments.
  • JBL Portable App Support: The Flip 7 and Flip 6 work with the same JBL Portable app, allowing firmware updates, EQ adjustment (within their respective band limits), and easy management of speaker settings.
  • Built-in Microphone for Calls: Each has an integrated microphone that supports speakerphone calls, enabling hands-free conversations and quick voice assistant interaction.
  • PartyBoost / Multi-Speaker Mode: Both can link with other JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers for synchronized sound across multiple units, creating a larger audio field for parties and gatherings.
  • Speakerphone Function with Echo Cancelling: Each provides echo-cancellation technology during phone calls, which improves voice clarity and reduces background noise for the person on the other end.
  • 360-Degree Sound Projection: Both designs disperse audio in all directions, so music sounds consistent whether listeners are in front, behind, or to the side of the speaker.
  • Music Playback Controls on Speaker: Each model includes physical buttons to play, pause, adjust volume, and skip tracks directly on the speaker, letting users control music without reaching for their phone.
  • Recharge Time Around 2.5 Hours: Both speakers recharge their batteries in about two and a half hours, keeping downtime short between listening sessions.
  • Fabric and Rubber Exterior for Grip: Each uses a rugged fabric mesh and rubber end caps that provide a secure grip, added durability, and a stylish appearance suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Common Features

FeatureJBL Flip 7JBL Flip 6
Portable Bluetooth SpeakerYesYes
Cylindrical DesignYesYes
Dual Passive Bass RadiatorsYesYes
Separate Tweeter and WooferYesYes
Frequency Response Top End 20 kHz20 kHz20 kHz
USB-C Charging PortYesYes
Built-in Rechargeable BatteryYesYes
IPX Waterproof ConstructionYesYes
Dust ResistanceYesYes
JBL Portable App SupportYesYes
Built-in Microphone for CallsYesYes
PartyBoost / Multi-Speaker ModeYesYes
Speakerphone Function with Echo CancellingYesYes
360-Degree Sound ProjectionYesYes
Music Playback Controls on SpeakerYesYes
Recharge Time Around 2.5 Hours2.5 h2.5 h
Fabric and Rubber Exterior for GripYesYes
Price Check JBL Flip 7 Price Check JBL Flip 6 Price

FAQ

What is the Bluetooth range of the JBL Flip 7 and Flip 6?
Both speakers typically provide a stable connection of about 10 meters (33 feet) in open space, allowing users to keep their phone or tablet nearby without dropouts.

How long do the batteries last on a single charge?
The JBL Flip 7 can play for up to 14 hours, with a Playtime Boost mode that can extend to roughly 16 hours at lower bass levels, while the JBL Flip 6 offers around 12 hours of continuous playback.

Are both speakers fully waterproof?
Yes, both models are waterproof and dust resistant, with the Flip 7 rated at IP68 and the Flip 6 at IP67, ensuring they can withstand splashes, rain, and even full submersion in water.

Can I pair either speaker with other JBL speakers for stereo sound?
Yes, both support JBL’s multi-speaker connection technology, letting you link multiple compatible speakers together for a bigger sound field.

Do the Flip 7 and Flip 6 have built-in microphones for calls?
Yes, each has an integrated microphone that supports hands-free calling with echo-cancellation for clearer conversations.

How long does it take to fully charge these speakers?
Both the Flip 7 and Flip 6 require about 2.5 hours to fully recharge when using a standard 5V/3A USB-C charger.

Can I customize the sound using an app?
Yes, both work with the JBL Portable app, which allows EQ adjustments and firmware updates, though the Flip 7 offers a more detailed 7-band EQ compared to the Flip 6’s 3-band EQ.

Is there a difference in output power between the two models?
The Flip 7 delivers up to 35 watts RMS (25 W woofer + 10 W tweeter) while the Flip 6 outputs about 30 watts RMS, giving the Flip 7 slightly higher maximum volume and stronger bass.

Do they both include a USB-C charging cable?
Yes, each model comes with a USB-C charging cable so you can charge it right out of the box.

Are the speakers compatible with voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant?
Yes, both can access your phone’s voice assistant through the built-in microphone when connected via Bluetooth.

Can I use these speakers while they are charging?
Yes, both speakers can play music while plugged in and charging, so you can keep the party going even when the battery is low.

Is there any difference in size or weight?
The Flip 7 is slightly larger and weighs about 560 grams, whereas the Flip 6 weighs roughly 550 grams, making them nearly identical in portability.

Do both speakers support stereo pairing of two identical units?
Yes, you can pair two Flip 7 speakers together or two Flip 6 speakers together to create a true left-right stereo setup.

Can these speakers handle extreme outdoor conditions like sand or dust?
Yes, both have strong dust resistance, with the Flip 7 having the slightly higher IP68 rating for added protection in sandy or dusty environments.

Is there a wired playback option?
The Flip 7 includes USB-C wired audio playback for lossless sound from a computer or other source, while the Flip 6 does not support wired audio and uses its USB-C port only for charging.

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