REASONS TO BUY
Good portability
Sounds the same from most angles
REASONS TO AVOID
Prone to hissing
Not dust proof
JBL Flip 5 Review
A compact, waterproof packable speaker that sounds flat and manufactured
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Elizabeth White ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 29, 2026
Contributions From: Rachael Lamore
RELATED: The Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2026
Our Verdict
The JBL Flip 5 is an older JBL model, and its flat sound quality shows its age. While a bit cheaper than most speakers we tested, we think it's somewhat overpriced given its disappointing sound quality. We also had some connectivity issues, like connecting to the app and slower pairing. All told, if you're in the market for a Bluetooth speaker under $100, there are better options. We also think it's worth buying newer versions of the Flip, which sound far better and are often on sale at a similar price.
Analysis and Test Results
The JBL Flip 5 is a small, lightweight portable speaker with middling sound quality. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Likes
The Flip 5 is one of the smaller models we tested and fits easily in a purse or satchel. It also comes with a sturdy thread lanyard for carrying and is pretty light in-hand at 1.1 lbs, though we feel the size-to-sound quality is pretty mediocre, as other models half the size and weight sound similar.
This speaker is light enough for any kind of travel. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Flip 5 has an IPX7 durability rating, so it can withstand splashes and submersion in water, but it could sustain damage if it gets dirty. It handles drops like a champ in our tests and didn't sustain any damage.
The Flip 5 can survive aggressive drops. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Its battery life lasts up to 12 hours and 40 minutes of listening at 75% volume, which is on par for a speaker of this size and likely to get you through several days of occasional listening.
Dislikes
The Flip 5 sounds about the same as other models at half the price, meaning it's prone to hissing, especially when listening to electronic pop like “Von Dutch” by Charli XCX, where the synth drums and autotune vocals sound ultra-processed. Despite its wraparound speaker design, the soundstage is also disappointingly murky and muffled compared to newer models.
It's also a bit quieter than the other JBLs at this size and sounds a bit messier at higher volumes, though not as overly blown out or distorted as we expected.
It took some patience to connect the Flip 5 to the app, which is a common theme amongst older JBL products. There were also several times when our Bluetooth said we were connected to the Flip 5, but the music was coming out of our phone's speaker, which was a headache.
The music this speaker plays isn't very immersive. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We were unable to connect it to any of the newer JBL speakers, which use “Auracast” to connect to an unlimited number of compatible JBL models. Instead, we can only connect to older models that use “PartyBoost”, which allows us to connect two speakers for stereo sound.
The control buttons are clearly labeled, but also irksome, being some of the hardest to press. We had to use a bit of hand strength, which is frustrating.
Some of the labeled controls are confusing. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the JBL Flip 5?
We wouldn't recommend this model. If you're trying to stay within a budget, there are other options that sound better with slightly better durability and portability in this price range.
What Other Speakers Should You Consider?
We highly recommend the JBL Flip 7 over the Flip 5, which looks exactly the same but sounds infinitely better with more punch and power. The Flip 7 gets much louder by almost 10 decibels, and also comes with Auracast, so we can connect it with an unlimited number of compatible JBL speakers. We appreciate the shorter, more comfortable lanyard and the easy-to-press buttons. Best of all, it can usually be found on sale for around the same price as the Flip 5.
There are better options than the Flip 5 for not much extra. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you're looking for a basstastic speaker in this price range, we recommend the Soundcore Boom 2, which gets exceptionally loud (almost 100 decibels) and is quite powerful and punchy, making it great for both parties and small gatherings. It even comes with a bass boosting feature for extra punchy, energetic sound.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare JBL Flip 5 versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $90 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A compact, waterproof packable speaker that sounds flat and manufactured |
| Pros | Good portability, sounds the same from most angles |
| Cons | Prone to hissing, not dust proof |
| Rating Categories | JBL Flip 5 |
| Sound Quality (35%) | |
| Portability (30%) | |
| Volume (20%) | |
| Drop Test (10%) | |
| Battery (5%) | |
| Specifications | JBL Flip 5 |
| Measured Battery Life | 12.6 hrs |
| Measured Weight | 1.1 lbs |
| Dimensions | 7.3" L x 3.0" W x 3.0" H |
| Water Resistance | IPX7: Protection against solid objects is not rated (X), but the device is protected against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
| Measured Volume | 87 dB |
| Claimed Battery Life | 12.0 hrs |
| Multipoint Pairing | No |
| Speaker Syncing | 100 JBl Party |
| Sound Customization | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | No built-in microphone |
| Measured Bluetooth Range | up to 103 ft |
| Wired Audio Input | None |
| Floatable | No |
| Included Accessories | - Type C USB cable |
—Elizabeth White and Rachael Lamore
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