JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth speaker, view of the buttons panel.
In this piece, we review the JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth speaker. We cover this wireless splash proof model’s performance, and accessories. This JBL speaker sounds none too shabby, and goes pretty loud besides. Plus, even at top volume, the built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to ten hours of play per full charge.
The only big drawback we found, is that the bass drivers are exposed at each end of the cylinder. The instructions warn against touching or pressing them. But especially for outdoor, waterside use, we feel that JBL should have covered the radiators with a protective grill if a touch could indeed damage them.
That aside though, this JBL 3 Bluetooth speaker is an excellent buy for under a hundred US dollars. So, we examine here its benefits and drawbacks. Based on our tests, we believe that should you get to hear the Flip 3 for yourself, you’ll agree. It is a splendid portable speaker. So get one this spring to take to the swimming hole. You’ll love it!
As we expect from JBL, this Bluetooth speaker has far more advantages than disadvantages. Next, we tackle a little of that good list of features.
This third version of the JBL Flip wireless speaker has six buttons. These include Power, Play-Pause, Volume UP and DOWN, Connect, and Pairing.
Note the glowing white power button on this Flip JBL 3 speaker in the picture above. When you turn the unit on, this button lights white. This means that the speaker is running, but not currently paired. But when successful pairing occurs, this button turns bright blue, as shown next.
This JBL splash proof speaker can take a few drops of water. Do not submerge it any part of it however. Also, be sure you have the charge port door completely snapped shut. Otherwise, water might get inside and damage the electronics. Rain will not hurt it thus.
You get 8 watts of power per channel, for 16 watts total audio output from a single Flip 3. Furthermore, connect two JBL Flip speakers as a stereo pair with the JBL Connect+ app. From there, instantly reassign left and right channels from your mobile device.
The built in battery fully charges in under four hours. With medium play volumes, it lasts roughly twelve hours per charge.
How to charge JBL Flip 3? The Flip 3 has a port cover, as pictured next. Open this cover by prying with a coin or key, and find the USB power port inside. Connect the BT speaker with any 1.0 amp or higher USB charger with the included USB cable. Plug the adapter into AC power, and let charge for about three and a half hours.
The Flip Three comes with a micro USB charging cable. The cable we found in our box is bright orange, and is around forty inches long. Bends easily too. Not stiff.
When paired with a smart phone, answer calls with buttons on the JBL Flip 3. The calls are quite clear too, owing to the built in noise reduction circuits.
When paired with phones that support these voice assistants, you can access them through the speaker with a button press.
You can actually see the ends of this speaker (the drivers) moving while playing bassy music and spoken word recordings.
Connect multiple Flip 3 units in party mode so that each speaker plays the same content (mono sound from all so connected speakers).
Supports as many as three streaming mobile devices paired at the same time. This allows quick playing music from two different libraries. Or, two people can take turns playing their favorite songs.
Stream to more than one BT speaker at the same time with speakers that support the JBL Connect+ system. Similar to Google Chromecast or Amazon’s Multi Room Music feature. Both allow streaming the same program to multiple speakers together.
The JBL Flip 3 comes in black, gray, blue, aqua, pink, red, orange, and yellow. This list of colors may change though, without notice.
The Flip 3, when laid on its side, can roll. The button panel on it often does not stop this rolling.
Plus, the fabric covering can get dirty from laying right on the ground. JBL might attach feet to future Flip series models, to keep the speaker more clean and to stop the rolling.
We find the JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth speaker a truly great value. It’s advanced, yes. Quite advanced indeed. Yet this is a very solid wireless speaker. It never crashes or goes out. It has a lot of range, and works well even when nearby radio sources are strong.
Over all, we appreciate the workmanship and thoughtful designing that went into this JBL product. Its wide excursion speakers and acoustic design make it a high fidelity speaker in spite of its small size. So we rate the Flip 3 by JBL at 97 out of 100.
We bought our JBL Flip Bluetooth speaker at Walmart for roughly $90. But you can also find it for sale on Amazon, eBay, and Crutchfield among other outlets. JBL Flip 3 price ranges from around $70 to $150.
No.
Yes. Pair the Flip 3 to an iPhone, just as you would pair it to any other BT speaker.
No. But JBL does send along a micro USB charging cable in the Flip 3 box. Use this cord along with most any 10 watt or better USB charger.
Yes. In fact, you can charge your Flip 3 from the Charge 3. Do this by connecting a micro USB to A cable to the A connector on the Charge 3. Then, connect the other end of that cable to the micro USB power input port on the Flip 3. Finally, if the battery in the Charge speaker has enough power, your Flip 3 will recharge. Perhaps not to full. But enough to get a couple more hours of music time.
Yes. When not paired with any device, the unit shuts off after a little while. Or when paired but with silence coming through, same thing happens.
No. The Flip 3 is not a “powerbank” unit. For this, try the JBL Charge series BT speakers. The Charge and Xtreme models do indeed charge your mobile phone.
Yes.
Try moving the Flip 3 closer to the paired Bluetooth source device (your phone, tablet, or other mobile device). This spotty play might happen because of weak signal from the source device. Or, interference from other Bluetooth or WiFi devices can generate crackling noises on your Flip 3. To resolve this, try moving the 3 and mobile device to a new location.
Yes. The Flip 3 has Bluetooth pairing mode. You start this mode by pressing the Bluetooth button on the speaker. Then, you discover this Flip 3 while scanning on other Bluetooth devices.
The speaker’s internal battery may be dead. Try recharging it for several hours. Be sure that the charger used is working.
See our JBL Flip 3 Buttons Layout, What Each Button Does and When to Use Them post for a complete description of all buttons on this speaker.
The Flip 3 goes dead more quickly if…
We've enjoyed hot instant coffee and tea for more than a score now. So these…
Why would you need to perform Honeywell RTH8580WF wireless setup for this common thermostat ? …
We've brewed several tens of pots of coffee in our Farberware automatic coffee maker. We've…
We've brewed several tens of pots of coffee in our Farberware automatic coffee pot. We've…
Why would you need to perform Honeywell RTH8580WF WiFi setup for this common thermostat ? …
Gives a safe routine to defrost a freezer fast with a heat gun. now a…
