JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5 – Bluetooth Boxes in Comparison

Question 1

In this article, we compare JBL's two Bluetooth speakers, the Charge 5 with the smaller Flip 5, and clarify which model is suitable for whom.

Question 2

JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5 comparison

In this article, we compare the two Bluetooth speakers of the JBL brand, Charge 5 and Flip 5. The JBL is a US-based, global manufacturer of audio systems and accessories. American audio engineer James Bullough Lansing founded the JBL speaker manufacturer in 1946. Since 1969, JBL has been part of the Harman International Group, an international group of audio accessory manufacturers that also includes Harman/Kardon and Infinity. Since 2017, when Samsung Group acquired Harman, JBL has been part of Samsung Electronics.

JBL speaker Charge 5

JBL speaker Flip 5

Technical data: Comparison of the JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

	JBL Charge 5	JBL Flip 5
Type	Wireless Bluetooth Speaker	Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Control	Buttons, app control	Buttons, app control
Connectivity technology	Bluetooth	Bluetooth
Bluetooth range	11 m	11 m
Battery	1 lithium-ion battery (included)	1 lithium-ion battery (included)
Battery capacity	7,500 mAh	4,800 mAh
Battery life	20 h	12 h
Battery charging time	4 h	2,5 h
Charging port	Charging via USB-C cable (included); integrated powerbank	Charging via USB-C cable (included)
Battery status	LED battery level indicator	LED battery level indicator
Pairing	yes, via party boost mode	yes, via party boost mode
IP classification	IP67	IPX7
Volume	approx. 80 dB	approx. 83 dB
Frequency range	65 Hz to 20 kHz	65 Hz to 20 kHz
Watt	40 W	20 W
Optics	cylindrical, 9 different color designs	cylindrical, 11 different color designs
Dimensions	37,4 x 86,6 x 36,6 cm	18,1 x 6,9 x 7,4 cm
Weight	930 g	540 g
Price range	approx. 160 to 190 €	approx. 60 to 110 €
Current price	174,90 €	91,90 €
Offer	[url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08VDNCZT9?tag=monstec-21&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_DE",name="Zum Angebot",title=""]	[url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08VDSL596?tag=monstec-21"linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_DE",name="To the offer",title=""]

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Sound and sound quality JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

The Speaker Charge 5 has a 20 millimeter tweeter intended for treble performance. There is also a 52 x 90 millimeter full-range driver. Passive bass radiators at the ends of the Bluetooth box support the pair of drivers. Mids and highs are sharply pronounced. Bass-driven tracks are clearly defined. The speaker works out voices as well as instrumental details well. But in smaller rooms, the powerful lows might overshadow the other frequency ranges at higher volumes, which could lead to a somewhat undifferentiated, spongy sound image. But up to a volume of about 70 percent, distortions are hardly noticeable.

Structure of the JBL Charge 5

The Flip 5 has a rich sound with defined bass tones, treble and bass. The jukebox plays loud and relatively clear. The sound is bass-heavy, but not too pronounced, so voices are still clearly defined. In addition to the two bass radiators, it only has one 44 x 80 mm broadband driver in Racetrack optics. Thus, it lacks the two-way system, which makes the sound seem less clear compared to the Charge 5.

Structure of the JBL Flip 5.

Controls and connections JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

Both soundboxes have a USB-C input for charging, but no jack plug. Without an AUX input, hands-free functionality or wired music listening with headphones is not possible. The speakers can be controlled manually at the touch of a button or via the JBL Portable app. You can connect the JBL speakers with other Bluetooth speakers from JBL. In stereo mode, two compatible speakers can be paired. Party mode allows pairing with up to 100 compatible music speakers. All JBL speakers are currently divided into four different categories that indicate which models are compatible with each other. The Charge 5, just like the Flip 5, belongs to the "Party Boost" category. That means the two JBL music speakers are not compatible with the "Connect", "Connect " or "TWS" classes. The Charge 5 also has an integrated power bank. It also has a regular USB port, protected by a rubber tab, which you can use to charge your smartphone or tablet, for example.

Battery and protection class JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

The battery of the Charge 5 speaker runs about eight hours longer than the battery of the Flip 5. However, the Charge 5 needs more power and has a longer battery charging time. With an IP67 rating, the Charge 5 is better protected than the Flip 5 with its IPX7 rating. The "7" of both classifications indicates that the Bluetooth speakers are conditionally waterproof and can survive temporary submersion in water. The "X" at IPX7 indicates that there are no meaningful tests regarding the Flip 5′s dust resistance so far. The "6" at IP67 indicates that the Charge 5 is absolutely dust-proof.

Design and dimensions JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

Both JBL speakers feature a cylindrical design and are available in different colors. Both soundboxes are sturdy and well-made, designed for outdoor use. The Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker is equipped with a rubberized stand to prevent the soundbox from accidentally rolling away. The case is encased in a fine-mesh grille that protects the sensitive technology from bumps and knocks as well as dirt and water. In addition, the edges of the speaker are rubberized for extra protection in case of possible drops. The Charge 5 is a bit heavier and larger in design than the Flip 5, and unlike the Charge 5, the Flip 5 still fits comfortably in a handbag. The case of the Flip 5 is mostly made of hard rubber, and the speaker membrane is covered with a plastic mesh. This plastic mesh keeps the speaker well protected without compromising sound quality.

Conclusion JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

The Flip 5 uses less power, while the Charge 5′s battery is stronger and runs longer. However, it also takes longer to charge. Both JBL speakers have a similar build, but the dimensions differ. For carrying around on trips to the beach, camping trips, or extended travel, the smaller and lighter Flip 5 is much better. With its sharp highs, mids, and booming bass, the Charge 5 is the better choice for piercing, room-filling sound for parties. But for smaller rooms, the less expensive Flip 5, with its defined but not overly pronounced bass sound, is adequate.

[asin="B08VDNCZT9",type="standard"][asin="B08VDSL596",type="standard"]

Answer 1

JBL Charge 5 vs Flip 5 comparison

In this article, we compare the two Bluetooth speakers of the JBL brand, Charge 5 and Flip 5. The JBL is a US-based, global manufacturer of audio systems and accessories. American audio engineer James Bullough Lansing founded the JBL speaker manufacturer in 1946. Since 1969, JBL has been part of the Harman International Group, an international group of audio accessory manufacturers that also includes Harman/Kardon and Infinity. Since 2017, when Samsung Group acquired Harman, JBL has been part of Samsung Electronics.

JBL speaker Charge 5

JBL speaker Flip 5

Technical data: Comparison of the JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

	JBL Charge 5	JBL Flip 5
Type	Wireless Bluetooth Speaker	Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Control	Buttons, app control	Buttons, app control
Connectivity technology	Bluetooth	Bluetooth
Bluetooth range	11 m	11 m
Battery	1 lithium-ion battery (included)	1 lithium-ion battery (included)
Battery capacity	7,500 mAh	4,800 mAh
Battery life	20 h	12 h
Battery charging time	4 h	2,5 h
Charging port	Charging via USB-C cable (included); integrated powerbank	Charging via USB-C cable (included)
Battery status	LED battery level indicator	LED battery level indicator
Pairing	yes, via party boost mode	yes, via party boost mode
IP classification	IP67	IPX7
Volume	approx. 80 dB	approx. 83 dB
Frequency range	65 Hz to 20 kHz	65 Hz to 20 kHz
Watt	40 W	20 W
Optics	cylindrical, 9 different color designs	cylindrical, 11 different color designs
Dimensions	37,4 x 86,6 x 36,6 cm	18,1 x 6,9 x 7,4 cm
Weight	930 g	540 g
Price range	approx. 160 to 190 €	approx. 60 to 110 €
Current price	174,90 €	91,90 €
Offer	[url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08VDNCZT9?tag=monstec-21&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_DE",name="Zum Angebot",title=""]	[url="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08VDSL596?tag=monstec-21"linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&language=en_DE",name="To the offer",title=""]

[topdeals]

Sound and sound quality JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

The Speaker Charge 5 has a 20 millimeter tweeter intended for treble performance. There is also a 52 x 90 millimeter full-range driver. Passive bass radiators at the ends of the Bluetooth box support the pair of drivers. Mids and highs are sharply pronounced. Bass-driven tracks are clearly defined. The speaker works out voices as well as instrumental details well. But in smaller rooms, the powerful lows might overshadow the other frequency ranges at higher volumes, which could lead to a somewhat undifferentiated, spongy sound image. But up to a volume of about 70 percent, distortions are hardly noticeable.

Structure of the JBL Charge 5

The Flip 5 has a rich sound with defined bass tones, treble and bass. The jukebox plays loud and relatively clear. The sound is bass-heavy, but not too pronounced, so voices are still clearly defined. In addition to the two bass radiators, it only has one 44 x 80 mm broadband driver in Racetrack optics. Thus, it lacks the two-way system, which makes the sound seem less clear compared to the Charge 5.

Structure of the JBL Flip 5.

Controls and connections JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

Both soundboxes have a USB-C input for charging, but no jack plug. Without an AUX input, hands-free functionality or wired music listening with headphones is not possible. The speakers can be controlled manually at the touch of a button or via the JBL Portable app. You can connect the JBL speakers with other Bluetooth speakers from JBL. In stereo mode, two compatible speakers can be paired. Party mode allows pairing with up to 100 compatible music speakers. All JBL speakers are currently divided into four different categories that indicate which models are compatible with each other. The Charge 5, just like the Flip 5, belongs to the "Party Boost" category. That means the two JBL music speakers are not compatible with the "Connect", "Connect " or "TWS" classes. The Charge 5 also has an integrated power bank. It also has a regular USB port, protected by a rubber tab, which you can use to charge your smartphone or tablet, for example.

Battery and protection class JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

The battery of the Charge 5 speaker runs about eight hours longer than the battery of the Flip 5. However, the Charge 5 needs more power and has a longer battery charging time. With an IP67 rating, the Charge 5 is better protected than the Flip 5 with its IPX7 rating. The "7" of both classifications indicates that the Bluetooth speakers are conditionally waterproof and can survive temporary submersion in water. The "X" at IPX7 indicates that there are no meaningful tests regarding the Flip 5′s dust resistance so far. The "6" at IP67 indicates that the Charge 5 is absolutely dust-proof.

Design and dimensions JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

Both JBL speakers feature a cylindrical design and are available in different colors. Both soundboxes are sturdy and well-made, designed for outdoor use. The Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker is equipped with a rubberized stand to prevent the soundbox from accidentally rolling away. The case is encased in a fine-mesh grille that protects the sensitive technology from bumps and knocks as well as dirt and water. In addition, the edges of the speaker are rubberized for extra protection in case of possible drops. The Charge 5 is a bit heavier and larger in design than the Flip 5, and unlike the Charge 5, the Flip 5 still fits comfortably in a handbag. The case of the Flip 5 is mostly made of hard rubber, and the speaker membrane is covered with a plastic mesh. This plastic mesh keeps the speaker well protected without compromising sound quality.

Conclusion JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 5

The Flip 5 uses less power, while the Charge 5′s battery is stronger and runs longer. However, it also takes longer to charge. Both JBL speakers have a similar build, but the dimensions differ. For carrying around on trips to the beach, camping trips, or extended travel, the smaller and lighter Flip 5 is much better. With its sharp highs, mids, and booming bass, the Charge 5 is the better choice for piercing, room-filling sound for parties. But for smaller rooms, the less expensive Flip 5, with its defined but not overly pronounced bass sound, is adequate.

[asin="B08VDNCZT9",type="standard"][asin="B08VDSL596",type="standard"]