In this piece, we review the JBL Flip 5, model number JBLFLIP5BCAMOAM. Covers the performance, and accessories. Indeed, Flip 5 sounds great and can play quite loud. Plus, even when playing at max volume, the built-in lithium ion battery lasts up to twelve hours per charge. And the Bluetooth range is great. Here, we can move the speaker well over 33 feet from the source device without loss of signal.
The only major drawback is that they expose the bass radiators at each end. But it appears that they’re stronger since the last speaker version. So this isn’t as much of a concern for us in this model. In fact, bass radiators at each end of the unit seems to be “the style” these days. Who knows? Maybe this improves the bass response.
Other than that though, the 5 is a decent buy for under a hundred and twenty US dollars. So, we explore its great and not-so-great points below. We think that you’ll also feel that this portable speaker an excellent choice over all.
JBL Flip 5 Review: Advantages, Benefits, Pros, and Features
As we’d expect from JBL, the Flip 5 has way more advantages than disadvantages. Next, we list just some of the many impressive features.
Lots of Useful Controls
This fifth version of the JBL flip BT speaker has six buttons. These include Power, Play-Pause, Volume, Connect, and Pairing.
Lighted Power Button
Note the glowing white power button on this Flip JBL 5 speaker in the picture above. When you turn the speaker on, this button lights white, meaning that the speaker is running.
Splash Proof and Waterproof
This JBL splash proof speaker can take a few drops of water, and can even be submerged in water for short periods without damage. Just be sure you have the charge port door completely snapped shut. Otherwise, water might get inside and damage BT speaker electronics. IPX7 rated. Rain will not hurt it. If you drop it into a chlorinated swimming pool, just rinse the speaker off in fresh tap water when the party is over.
JBL Flip 5 Review: The Rechargeable Battery
The 4,800 MaH battery inside fully charges in under three hours with an adequate charger. And using medium play volumes, it lasts roughly twelve hours per charge.
USB-C Charge Port
This speaker has a USB-C charge port, as pictured above. This port has no cover, unlike in the earlier versions of this speaker. Apparently, JBL feels that this port is water tight enough on its own. So they do not place it behind a seal in this model. So, no need to fuss with prying open stuck port doors just so you can charge the speaker.
Connect the Flip 5 JBL with any 3.0 amp or higher USB charger with the included charging cord. (USB 2 chargers will still work, but you may notice longer times to full charge with them).
Then, plug the adapter into AC power, and let charge for about two and a half hours. This is roughly an hour less than its predecessor, the Flip 4.
Charging Cable Included
The JBL Flip 5 comes with a short USB-C charging cable. The cord we received is black in color, is about forty inches long, and is quite flexible.
High Excursion Speaker Radiators
You can actually see the ends of this speaker (the passive radiators) moving while playing high-bass music. And this speaker’s bass is somewhat deeper and fuller than the last version. This is due to the larger single driver inside. This thing really pumps, albeit in mono though !
JBL Flip 5 Review: Monophonic Sound
You get 20 watts of audio power from the single audio channel. But you can also connect this unit to other compatible JBL speakers to form a stereo pair. Do this in the in the JBL Portables app.
The PartyBoost Mode
Or, connect them in party mode. This way, each speaker plays the same content. You can join between two to over a hundred units to the PartyBoost group.
Auto Power OFF
When the music stops, or pairing ends, the speaker shuts off after a short time. This helps to conserve battery power.
Multiple Bluetooth Sources
Supports as many as two 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 over this JBL 4 wireless speaker.
JBL Connect+ Support
You can stream to more than one speaker at the same time with speakers that support the JBL Connect+ protocol. This is like Google Chromecast or Amazon’s Multi Room Music feature. Both of these allow streaming the same content to multiple speakers together.
JBL Flip 5 Review: Comes in Many Attractive Colors
You can buy this speaker in aqua, red, cyan, yellow, and numerous other colors. Plus, if you buy direct from the JBL web site, you can customize the colors. And these can make good company favors. Why? Because you can also customize patterns they imprint on the speaker, for a modest extra charge.
Comes with a Minimal Case
JBL Flip 5 Review: Disadvantages, Cons, Problems, Drawbacks, and Limitations
Cannot Act as a Speakerphone
When paired with a smart phone, you can answer calls with buttons on the JBL Flip 5. They’re quite clear too, owing to the built in noise reduction circuits.
Does Not Support Siri and Google Assistants
When paired with phones that support these voice assistants, you can access them through the speaker with a button press.
Cloth Grill can Easily get Dirty
No Stand
The Flip 4, when laid horizontally, can roll. The button panel on it often does not stop this rolling. Plus, the fabric covering can get dirty resting right on the ground. JBL might attach feet to future Flip series models, to keep the speaker more clean and to prevent rolling.
JBL Flip 5 Review: No USB Charger
No AC power supply included, although they do provide a short USB-A to USB-C charging cord.
Does Not Have an Auxiliary (AUX) Input Port
Unlike earlier versions, the JBL Flip 5 has no 3.5mm stereo input. So the only way to send audio content to play on this speaker, is via Bluetooth.
JBL Flip 5 Review: Our Rating
We find the JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth speaker a decent value. You get a bit more audio output watts than the last version and heavier bass. So this is a quite solid wireless speaker. Indeed it never crashes or goes out. Furthermore, it has a lot of range and works well, even when close to strong radio sources.
Over all, we like the workmanship and thoughtful designing that went into this product. Its wide excursion radiators and acoustic design make it a high fidelity speaker. This being in spite of its small size and mono output. So we rate it at 94 out of 100.
Where to Buy the JBL Flip 5
We picked up ours at Walmart for roughly $120. But you can also find it for sale on Amazon, eBay, and Best Buy among other outlets. The price ranges from around $100 to $130.
JBL Flip 5 Review: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the JBL Flip 5 charge your phone?
No.
Is JBL Flip 5 compatible with iPhone?
Yes. You can pair the Flip 5 to an iPhone just as you would pair any other Bluetooth device. However, you cannot charge a phone from the Flip 5, as it is not a power bank.
Can you connect JBL Flip 5 to Charge 3?
Yes. In fact, you can charge your Flip 5 from the Charge 3. Do so by connecting a micro USB to A cable between the two. Then, if the battery in the Charge 3 has enough power, the Flip 5 will indeed charge.
Does The Flip 5 Turn OFF Automatically?
Yes. Without any pairing or streaming requests coming in for several minutes, the unit does indeed power down.
Does It work with Alexa?
Yes. So this speaker can pair with all Bluetooth capable Amazon Alexa Echo products.
Why Does It Cut Out, or Make Crackling Noises?
Try moving the speaker closer to the Bluetooth source device (your phone or tablet). This choppy play can occur due to weak signal from the source device. Or, interference from other Bluetooth or WiFi devices can create cracking sounds through the speaker. To solve this, try moving your speaker and mobile device to a different location.
Why Won’t My JBL Flip 5 Turn ON?
The speaker’s internal battery may be dead. Try recharging it for several hours. Be sure that the charger used is working.
Why Does It Die So Fast?
This Flip 5 can go dead quickly if the following conditions exist. It either did not have a full charge. Or its battery needs replacing. Or you play the Flip 5 at very loud volumes. Finally the louder you play it, the shorter the play time per recharge will be.