JBL Flip 5: The Ultimate Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

In the world of portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL has been a household name for quite some time. The company’s latest offering, the JBL Flip 5, is an impressive upgrade to its predecessor, featuring significant improvements in design, sound quality, and battery life. With its sleek and rugged design, the JBL Flip 5 is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable Bluetooth speaker that can withstand the elements.

Design and Build

The JBL Flip 5 boasts a striking new design that’s both compact and robust. Measuring 8.9 x 2.8 x 4.1 inches and weighing just 1.3 pounds, this speaker is easy to carry around, making it perfect for beach trips, camping excursions, or backyard BBQs. The device features an IPX7 rating, ensuring that it can withstand immersion in water up to 3.3 feet deep for up to 30 minutes.

The Flip 5’s rugged build quality is evident from the first glance, with a durable rubberized exterior and a sturdy metal grille protecting the drivers. The speaker’s waterproof design also includes a drainage system to prevent water from accumulating inside.

Sound Quality

One of the most significant upgrades in the JBL Flip 5 is its improved sound quality. With two 40mm drivers and a dedicated bass radiator, this speaker delivers rich, clear audio with excellent low-end response. The soundstage is surprisingly wide for a device of this size, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings or backyard parties.

The Flip 5 also features JBL’s proprietary PartyBoost technology, which allows you to connect multiple speakers wirelessly for an immersive listening experience. Additionally, the speaker supports Bluetooth 5.0 and has a maximum range of around 33 feet (10 meters).

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 12 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, making it perfect for extended outdoor events or beach trips.

In our testing, we achieved around 10-11 hours of mixed usage, which is still quite respectable considering the speaker’s compact size and rugged build quality. The Flip 5 also supports USB-C fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery in a matter of minutes.

Additional Features

The JBL Flip 5 comes with several additional features that enhance its usability and convenience. These include:

  • Voice Assistant Compatibility: Supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control
  • Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 with up to 33 feet (10 meters) range
  • PartyBoost: Connect multiple speakers wirelessly for an immersive listening experience
  • USB-C Fast Charging: Top up the battery in a matter of minutes

Conclusion

The JBL Flip 5 is an impressive waterproof Bluetooth speaker that checks most of the right boxes. Its sleek and rugged design, improved sound quality, and generous battery life make it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable device that can withstand the elements.

With its competitive pricing starting at $99 (base model) and going up to $149 (high-end configuration), the JBL Flip 5 is an attractive option for those in search of a high-quality portable Bluetooth speaker. Whether you’re planning a beach trip, camping excursion, or backyard BBQ, this speaker is sure to deliver impressive audio and unparalleled durability.

Technical Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 8.9 x 2.8 x 4.1 inches
  • Weight: 1.3 pounds
  • Waterproof Rating: IPX7 (immersion in water up to 3.3 feet deep for up to 30 minutes)
  • Drivers: Two 40mm drivers with dedicated bass radiator
  • Bluetooth Version: 5.0
  • Battery Life: Up to 12 hours continuous playback
  • Charging: USB-C fast charging with up to 10W output