JBL Charge Essential vs Flip 5: Which One Should You Get?

When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL is undoubtedly a leading brand, known for its robust and high-quality audio products. Two popular models in their lineup are the JBL Charge Essential and the JBL Flip 5. Both speakers boast impressive features and deliver excellent sound quality, choosing between them a challenging one. 

Whether you’re a music enthusiast craving a vibrant sound experience or an outdoor adventurer in need of a rugged, waterproof companion, it’s important to understand the unique attributes of each model. In this article, we’ll compare the JBL Charge Essential and Flip 5, giving you an in-depth analysis of their features to help you find the perfect fit for your needs in this comparison guide.

Specification Difference

Design 

Both speakers boast sleek cylindrical designs, meticulously crafted with premium materials. The JBL Flip 5 showcases a robust fabric covering that safeguards the sound drivers against unforeseen mishaps. It offers the flexibility to be positioned either horizontally or vertically and comes equipped with a detachable strap to enhance its portability.

On the other hand, the JBL Charge Essential boasts a rubber housing and mesh fabric that envelops its cylindrical body. Despite being slightly heavier than the Flip 5, it remains highly portable thanks to its lightweight and user-friendly design. The Charge Essential also features a secure seal on its connectivity ports to safeguard them from any mishaps.

Both speakers are IPX7 certified, ensuring water resistance and protection against splashes. However, the Flip 5 takes it one step further with its ability to float in water, making it an ideal choice for pool or beach parties. 

Sound Quality

As anticipated by a speaker from the JBL, both speakers deliver impressive sound quality. The Charge Essential excels in bass response with its built-in dual passive radiators, while the Flip 5 delivers clear and crisp highs with its single driver. Although there are slight differences in sound quality due to their size disparity, the Charge 5 offers a robust low-end and can reach higher volumes without distortion.

The Flip 5 portable speaker excels in bass performance and its lower volume can be beneficial in specific scenarios. Although headphones are usually preferred for private listening, the Flip 5’s convenience at a conservative volume is noteworthy for small speakers. Both offer comparable frequency response while playing music, For us, it was unfair to favor the Charge Essential solely due to its larger size.

However, one notable distinction between the two is the PartyBoost feature. With PartyBoost, you can link multiple JBL speakers together and play your music in sync. The JBL Flip 5 are partyboost-compatible speaker and the Charge 5 Essential does not have it. This can be a significant factor for those looking to expand their sound system beyond one speaker.

Battery Life 

Both speakers boast impressive battery life, with the Charge Essential offering up to 20 hours and the Flip 5 offering up to 12 hours on a single charge. However, the Charge 5’s larger battery capacity also allows it to serve as a power bank for your phone, making it the more practical choice for longer outdoor trips.

While Flip 5 comes with a USB-C port for charging, the Charge Essential uses micro-USB. This may not be a deal-breaker for many, but it’s worth considering if you prefer modern technology.

Waterproof and Durability 

Both speakers provide a waterproof IPX7 rating, meaning they can be submerged in water for 30 minutes and up to 1 meter without any damage. They are also built with durable materials, making them resistant to drops and bumps. However, the Charge 5’s larger size and weight may make it more prone to damage in certain situations. 

The JBL Flip 5 speaker comes with a unique feature – it is designed to float in water. This makes it incredibly useful for those near a pool or beach. Even when submerged, the sound quality remains unaffected, ensuring a clear and enjoyable listening experience.

Bluetooth and Other Connectivity Options: 

The JBL Flip 5 utilizes Bluetooth 4.2, while the Flip Essential employs Bluetooth 4.1. In practical terms, there is no significant disparity between these two Bluetooth versions, despite the advertised differences. Both speakers offer strong and stable connections, making it easy to connect your phone or other devices within a range of up to 30 feet. Both of these speakers do not have AUX input.

App Support 

JBL Flip 5 supports the JBL Connect App(JBL portable app ) while JBL Connect Essential does not. The JBL Connect app gives you more control over your Flip 5, allowing you to customize the sound with an equalizer and update the speaker’s firmware for optimal performance. The app also allows you to connect multiple JBL speakers and add more fun features.

Conclusion 

Ultimately, the choice between these two speakers JBL Flip 5 vs JBL Charge Essential comes down to your specific needs. If you’re looking for a portable and rugged speaker with good battery life, clear sound quality, and the ability to float in water, then the JBL Flip 5 is an excellent option for you. However, if you prefer a larger speaker that doubles as a power bank and offers better bass performance, then the JBL Charge Essential may be the perfect fit. Both speakers possess distinct characteristics and excel in different aspects. Therefore, it is crucial to consider your preferences before deciding on a speaker that best suits your needs, whether you require stereo or mono sound.