In a hurry? Here’s our verdict

The JBL Charge 5 and Flip 6 are functionally “quite” similar: they’re both suitable for rugged indoor and outdoor use, both feature Bluetooth 5.1 with app control, and both are JBL PartyBoost compatible for synchronised play. But be aware that they’re not smart speakers. Playback is limited to whatever your connected device can send via BT, and neither has physical inputs.

The main differences are power, size, and battery life, with the Charge 5 expanding all of these in comparison to the Flip 6. The Charge also features a built-in power bank to charge connected devices.

Let’s sum up:

JBL Charge 5 pros and cons

JBL Flip 6 pros and cons

JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 6

Design

If you’re familiar with JBL’s portable speakers, you’ll recognise the mesh-like casing used across the range, from the compact Go 4 and Clip 5 to the chunky Xtreme 4. The Charge 5 and Flip 6 sit in the middle of this lineup, with the same cylindrical shape seen in JBL’s larger outdoor speakers.

This puts them a step above other budget options, and you can feel that in the build quality straight away.

I mean, don’t go tossing them into a jet engine and expect them to come out in one piece, but you also don’t need to baby them. Both are IP67-rated, so they’re fully waterproof and dustproof.

The mesh fabric and bumper ends also add grip and help absorb minor impacts, with a bit more rubberised protection on the Charge 5. The odd bump, scrape, or knock won’t put them out of action.

They’re made for real-life use, like getting wedged between trainers and water bottles in your bag.

The Charge 5 is the larger of the two at 223mm wide and weighs just under a kilogram. It’s less conventionally portable than the Flip 6, but its focus is on bigger sound. The Flip 6 is shorter and more slender – often compared to a burrito – and comes with a removable wrist strap that makes it easy to carry or loop onto your bag.

Controls and usability

As I’ve mentioned earlier, neither the Charge 5 nor the Flip 6 are smart speakers – there’s no Wi-Fi streaming or voice control, just straightforward Bluetooth pairing. If you want something that just works though, that simplicity is a strength.

Both models feature tactile buttons built into the top of the casing for volume, play/pause, power, Bluetooth pairing, and PartyBoost linking. They’re incredibly easy to use, with no learning curve to get started.

For extra control, JBL’s Portable app works with both speakers. It lets you tweak EQ settings, manage connected speakers, and activate PartyBoost from your phone or tablet.

The app itself is fairly intuitive, with basic bass, mid, and treble sliders. I suppose whether that’s positive or negative depends on your experience level and expectations.

Personally, I’d say the app is a positive for speakers at this price point. It’s nothing complex or locked behind menus – just drag a slider and hear the change. And if you don’t like it, the app is largely optional.

Features

That ease of use carries through to the feature set, where both the Charge 5 and Flip 6 lean into practical, well-implemented JBL tech instead of flashy gimmicks.

Both speakers are built around a two-way driver system, featuring separate tweeters and woofers supported by the passive radiators visible at either end. This setup helps deliver more depth and clarity than you’d expect from portable models of this size.

The Charge 5 has a clear advantage in power, with a 52 x 90mm racetrack-style woofer and 20mm tweeter outputting up to 40W RMS. However, the Flip 6 still holds its own, with a slightly smaller woofer and tweeter combination pushing 30W overall.

Battery life is another key difference. The Flip 6 provides around 12 hours on a single charge, which is great for picnics, beach days, or shorter listening sessions. The Charge 5 pushes that to a full 20 hours, better for day-long gatherings, barbecues, or louder environments where stamina matters.

Obviously, these aren’t strict use cases. Don’t let anyone stop you from zipping around a skatepark with the Charge 5 or blasting the Flip 6 to a house party. The possibilities are pretty diverse.

Both speakers also support JBL’s PartyBoost feature, allowing you to wirelessly synchronise multiple compatible models, either for stereo sound or to amplify your audio across a wider area. It’s simple to set up and works across models – more on PartyBoost later.

Charging is done via USB-C, with the Flip 6 taking around 2.5 hours and the Charge 5 being noticeably slower, needing about 4 hours. However, the extra capacity in the Charge 5 also supports the built-in power bank, so you can top up your phone while streaming music on the go.

Overall, the Charge 5 is better suited to extended listening and louder playback, but the Flip 6 offers excellent portability without cutting corners.

Sound quality

When it comes to sound, both the Charge 5 and Flip 6 deliver an output that comfortably meets, if not exceeds, expectations for their size and price. Each uses a two-way driver design: a separate tweeter handles high frequencies, while a dedicated woofer takes care of mids and bass.

The passive radiators visible at either end enhance the low-end response, giving both models surprising punch and depth.

The Charge 5 naturally has the upper hand in overall power and richness, thanks to its larger drivers and 40W output.

It projects sound with more weight, a slightly wider soundstage, and deeper bass, making it ideal for outdoor use or noisier environments. Be aware – you’ll hear it when you use it – the output is slightly more front-facing, so placement matters a little more.

The Flip 6, by comparison, still gets plenty loud, just without the same bass weight. Its tuning feels more balanced, and its sound disperses a bit more evenly, which is handy if it’s sitting in the middle of a group. Both remain clear at higher volumes without too much distortion, which is impressive given their compact designs.

If you want to scale up your setup, both models support JBL’s PartyBoost feature.

This means you can link them with other compatible JBL PartyBoost speakers for synchronised playback – just check they’re compatible first as JBL use a few different wireless connection protocols, like Auracast, on their latest models.

In theory, JBL say you can connect up to 100 PartyBoost speakers at once, which… to me at least, sounds like way more than anyone would ever need. Impressive either way. Two linked speakers already make a big impact, so scaling up to that many practically takes things to festival levels.

For stereo mode, you’ll need two of the same model – so two Flip 6s or two Charge 5s. You won’t be able to stereo-pair a Flip 6 with a Charge 5. Consequently, using a pair of Flip 6s might even offer more versatility than a single Charge 5. You can use one on the go for everyday listening, then link both when you get back home for wider, more immersive stereo sound.

While it’s no replacement for a traditional stereo speaker system or computer setup, it’s perfect for mobile, casual listening, whether that’s sorting out the kitchen, doing some DIY, or just pottering around the house.

JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 6 – How to choose

I’ve already touched on this in the overview, but let’s summarise. It’s less about which one sounds good – they both do – and more about how much sound you need and where you plan to use it.

If your budget can stretch a little further and you’re looking for louder sound, longer battery life, and a few practical extras like a power bank, the Charge 5 is probably the way to go. It’s built to fill bigger spaces, has more low-end presence, and is better suited to long sessions where volume and stamina matter.

On the other hand, if you want something lighter and easier to carry or store, the Flip 6 makes a lot more sense. It’s compact, quicker to charge, and delivers excellent sound for its size. Just because the Charge 5 is louder doesn’t mean the Flip 6 sounds weak – it still holds its own, especially in smaller spaces or for personal listening.

Think about how and where you’ll use it. The Charge 5 fits the bill for garden parties, weekend trips, or anywhere you’ll be playing music for longer stretches. The Flip 6 is more of a grab-and-go speaker – ideal for taking to the park, gym, or beach.

Both are good all-rounders and whichever you go for, you’re getting a well-built, great-sounding speaker with proper waterproofing and reliable Bluetooth, with app-based management and EQ.

JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 6 specification comparison

FAQs

Is the JBL Charge 5 or Flip 6 better?

The JBL Charge 5 is better than the Flip 6 for louder, longer play, with a bassier sound and a power bank. With 40W output and 20 hours of playtime, it suits all-day use, while the smaller Flip 6 trades volume for portability. Both are waterproof and dustproof and excel in their own right.

How much louder is a JBL Charge 5 than a Flip 6?

The JBL Charge 5 is noticeably louder than the Flip 6, with 33% more power output. It delivers 40W total versus 30W in the Flip 6, and while this doesn’t directly translate to 33% more volume, it does mean clearer, weightier sound better suited to larger spaces.

Is the JBL Flip 6 worth buying?

The JBL Flip 6 is still worth buying for its performance, price point, and portability. The fact that the Flip 7 is now out doesn’t take away from the Flip 6’s value as a compact and durable speaker with good sound quality and 12-hour battery life, especially at a lower price point than the new model.

Final thoughts

Hopefully, this JBL Charge 5 vs. Flip 6 comparison has helped you decide which model suits your needs best. Both are excellent portable speakers, just aimed at slightly different types of use.

Still unsure? Our 8 best JBL Bluetooth speakers guide offers a full breakdown of JBL’s lineup, including where the Flip 6 and Charge 5 sit within it. For example, if you’re after more power, the JBL Xtreme 4 could be your next step up from the Charge 5. Check out our full JBL Xtreme 4 review to see what this portable speaker can do.

And if you’re thinking of linking multiple speakers, our guide to connecting JBL speakers covers everything from PartyBoost to pairing tips.

We’re also keeping a close eye on how the new Flip 7 and Charge 6 perform over time. The models we’ve spoken about today were extremely well received, with the Charge 5 taking home WhatHi-Fi?’s 2023 & 2024 award for Best Portable Wireless Speaker Under £200. With the new models featuring JBL’s AI Sound Boost tech, it’ll be interesting to see if they can live up to that standard.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments – are you looking to save money with the tried and tested Charge 5 or Flip 6, or going all in on the new AI-optimised models?