JBL Flip 7 vs Charge 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

JBL Charge 5 & JBL Flip 7 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 7. 

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 comes with a 40-watt output for louder volume and fuller sound in outdoor or party settings, whereas the JBL Flip 7 uses a 25-watt woofer and 10-watt tweeter.
  • JBL Charge 5 includes a larger passive radiator system for deeper, room-filling bass response, whereas the JBL Flip 7 uses smaller drivers that produce less low-end impact.
  • It supports JBL PartyBoost pairing for seamless multi-speaker connections with a wide range of existing JBL PartyBoost devices, whereas the JBL Flip 7 uses Auracast.
  • The JBL Charge 5 features a larger battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime for extended listening without frequent recharging, whereas the JBL Flip 7 supports up to 14 hours of playtime.
  • JBL Charge 5 supports a built-in power bank function to charge phones or accessories during travel, while the JBL Flip 7 lacks any power bank capability.
  • It features lower Bluetooth latency for smoother video and gaming audio synchronization, while the JBL Flip 7 has higher latency unless connected through wired USB audio.
  • JBL Charge 5 has a thicker, more stable housing for better acoustic resonance and durability during high-volume playback, while the JBL Flip 7 uses a lighter body that vibrates more at maximum volume.

Maybe the JBL Flip 7 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.

Check JBL Charge 5 Best Price

Check JBL Flip 7 Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureJBL Charge 5JBL Flip 7
Output power (rated)40 W25 W (woofer) + 10 W
Weight (net)~ 0.96 kg~ 0.56 kg
Playtime (standard)Up to ~20 hoursUp to ~14 hours
Wireless multi-speaker protocolPartyBoostAuracast
Power bank function (charging other devices)Yes, USB outputNo
DriverLarger woofer45×80 mm woofer
App EQ depthLimited EQ bands7-band customizable EQ
LatencyLower latency via BluetoothHigher latency via BT
DimensionsLargerMore compact
Multi-pairing compatibilityCompatible with other PartyBoost JBLsNot compatible with older PartyBoost devices
PriceCheck JBL Charge 5 PriceCheck JBL Flip 7 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Bluetooth wireless playback: Both speakers stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled device, letting you enjoy audio without the clutter of cables.
  • Bluetooth range approx. 10 m: Each maintains a stable connection within roughly ten meters, providing flexibility to move around without dropouts.
  • Portable design: Both are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for travel, picnics, or room-to-room use.
  • IP-rated waterproofing: Each model is built to survive splashes or brief immersion, so poolside parties and rainy outings pose no threat.
  • Dust resistance: Both have sealed enclosures that prevent dust intrusion, ensuring reliable operation in sandy or dusty environments.
  • Built-in rechargeable battery: Each contains an internal lithium-ion pack, eliminating disposable batteries and allowing convenient recharging.
  • USB-C charging port: Both use modern USB-C connectors for faster, reversible charging and easy cable compatibility.
  • USB-C cable included: A charging cable is supplied with both speakers, so you can start charging immediately without extra purchases.
  • Party mode / stereo pairing with same protocol family: Both can connect with other JBL speakers of their respective PartyBoost/Auracast family to create wider stereo sound or multi-speaker setups.
  • JBL Portable app control: Each integrates with the JBL Portable app, allowing firmware updates, EQ adjustment, and pairing management.
  • Graphic EQ in app: Both provide a graphic equalizer within the app so you can fine-tune bass, mids, and treble to match your preference.
  • Voice assistant integration (through phone): Both allow quick access to Siri or Google Assistant from a connected phone, enabling hands-free control of music or queries.
  • Speakerphone function: Integrated microphones let either speaker double as a conference call or hands-free phone device.
  • Automatic power-off: To conserve energy, both units power down automatically after a period of inactivity.
  • Firmware update support via app: Each can receive performance improvements or new features over time through app-based firmware updates.
  • Frequency response 65 Hz–20 kHz (approx.): Both reproduce a broad spectrum of sound from deep lows to bright highs, covering typical music playback needs.
  • 360° sound dispersion (horizontal placement): When placed horizontally, both distribute sound evenly around a room, giving listeners a consistent experience from any angle.

Check JBL Charge 5 Best Price

Check JBL Flip 7 Best Price

Common Features

FeatureJBL Charge 5JBL Flip 7
Bluetooth wireless playbackYesYes
Bluetooth range approx. 10 mYesYes
Portable designYesYes
IP-rated waterproofingIP67IP68
Dust resistanceYesYes
Built-in rechargeable batteryYesYes
USB-C charging portYesYes
USB-C cable includedYesYes
Party mode / stereo pairing with same protocol familyYesYes
JBL Portable app controlYesYes
Graphic EQ in appYesYes
Voice assistant integration (through phone)YesYes
Speakerphone functionYesYes
Automatic power-offYesYes
Firmware update support via appYesYes
Frequency response 65 Hz–20 kHz (approx.)YesYes
360° sound dispersion (horizontal placement)YesYes
Price Check JBL Charge 5 Price Check JBL Flip 7 Price

FAQ

Can both speakers charge through USB-C?
Yes, both the JBL Charge 5 and JBL Flip 7 use a USB-C port for charging, ensuring fast and convenient power delivery with a reversible cable connection.

Do these speakers have waterproof protection?
Both speakers are water-resistant, with the JBL Charge 5 rated at IP67 and the JBL Flip 7 rated at IP68. This means they can withstand splashes, rain, and even submersion, with the Flip 7 offering slightly higher water and dust resistance.

Is there a difference in audio power output?
The JBL Charge 5 produces a louder and fuller sound with higher wattage output compared to the Flip 7. This makes the Charge 5 more appropriate for larger rooms or outdoor gatherings where higher volume is important.

Do both support Bluetooth connectivity for wireless playback?
Yes, both models connect via Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from phones, tablets, or laptops, providing an easy and cable-free listening experience.

Can either speaker act as a power bank?
Only the JBL Charge 5 functions as a power bank, allowing you to charge other devices through its USB port, which is helpful when traveling or camping.

Is there a wired audio playback option?
The JBL Flip 7 supports USB-C audio playback for a wired, low-latency connection, while the JBL Charge 5 relies entirely on Bluetooth for music streaming.

Do these speakers support pairing with other JBL speakers?
Both models can pair with additional JBL speakers for stereo or party mode, though the Charge 5 uses the PartyBoost protocol while the Flip 7 uses the newer Auracast system, so they cannot pair directly with each other.

Are both compatible with the JBL Portable app?
Yes, both speakers work with the JBL Portable app, which provides features like firmware updates, EQ adjustments, and pairing management.

Which speaker is easier to carry around?
The JBL Flip 7 is more compact and lighter, making it easier to carry in a backpack or hold in one hand, while the Charge 5 is bulkier and heavier.

Do both speakers include a built-in microphone for calls?
Yes, both the JBL Charge 5 and JBL Flip 7 include an integrated microphone that enables speakerphone functionality for taking calls hands-free.

Can the sound be customized through an equalizer?
Both speakers allow sound customization through the JBL Portable app. The Flip 7 offers a more detailed 7-band EQ for fine-tuning audio preferences.

Are firmware updates available for both models?
Yes, both the JBL Charge 5 and JBL Flip 7 can receive firmware updates through the JBL Portable app to improve performance or add new features over time.

Do they both automatically power off to save energy?
Each speaker has an automatic power-off feature that turns the device off after a period of inactivity to conserve battery life.

Is there a noticeable difference in bass performance?
The JBL Charge 5 delivers deeper and more powerful bass due to its larger driver and passive radiators, while the Flip 7 provides a balanced sound but with slightly less low-end impact.

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