The IPX7-rated JBL Flip 4 is a fine choice for outdoor use courtesy of its 9.4-hour battery, loud volume output and well-balanced sound quality. However, its app doesn’t offer a graphic equalizer for in-depth sound customization.
The JBL Flip 4 is a mid-range Bluetooth speaker first announced in early 2017. Weighing only 1.1 lbs, it is one of the best speakers to carry with you easily, and it also offers versatile connectivity since its Bluetooth connection supports multi-device pairing for up to two devices.
The speaker’s battery also lasts up to 9.4 hours, and though this might not be as long as some of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market, it offers good sound quality and is well-built to withstand water splashes courtesy of an IPX7 water resistance rating.
Consensus
our Verdict
The JBL Flip 4 is a lightweight, portable speaker with good sound quality, clear vocals, instrumentals, and mids. Unfortunately, it doesn’t deliver a deep bass range, but it does get louder than the average Bluetooth speaker, with a max volume output of 88 dB that makes it slightly above average compared to other speakers in our verified, tested list. It also has excellent build quality and is rated IPX7 for water resistance.
The Flip 4 has a 9.4-hour battery and takes 3.5 hours to charge. If you’d rather have a slightly longer 12-hour playtime, then check out our Bushnell Wingman review. The speaker also supports multi-device 4.2 Bluetooth connectivity, as it can handle two Bluetooth devices, and also has a super low 36ms and 50ms Bluetooth latency on iOS and Android. It also has a decent range of connectivity, averaging 180.4 ft, but is limited to only one AUX input.
Reason to Buy
Good sound quality
The JBL Flip 4’s sound quality is well-balanced out-of-the-box. The vocals and instrumentals are clear.
The speaker also gets louder than the average Bluetooth speaker, with a volume output of up to 88 dB. This makes it above average compared to other alternatives in its category.
Decent battery life
The JBL Flip 4 lasts a tested 9.4 hours, and this performance ranks it in the top 40% of speakers on our certified, tested list.
Great build quality
The JBL Flip 4 feels solid all-round, and its IPX7 rating makes it immune to submersion in water.
Reason to Avoid
No graphic equalizer or presets on its app
The Flip 4’s companion app doesn’t allow for sound customization, as it doesn’t have any graphic equalizer or presets.
JBL Flip 4 Specs
Battery Charge Time
3.5 hrs
Battery Life
12 hrs
Built In Microphone
Yes
Depth
2.8"
Height
2.7"
IPX Rating
IPX7
Size
6.9"(w) x 2.7"(h) x 2.8"(d)
Smart App
JBL Portable
Speaker Pairing
Yes
Water Resistant
Yes
Wattage
16W
Width
6.9"
Wireless Range
10 m / 32 ft
All Specs
Test Results
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The JBL Flip 4 is a mid-range Bluetooth speaker first announced in early 2017. Weighing only 1.1 lbs, it is one of the best speakers…
The JBL Flip 4 is a mid-range Bluetooth speaker first announced in early 2017. Weighing only 1.1 lbs, it is one of the best speakers to carry with you easily, and it also offers versatile connectivity since its Bluetooth connection supports multi-device pairing for up to two devices.
The speaker’s battery also lasts up to 9.4 hours, and though this might not be as long as some of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market, it offers good sound quality and is well-built to withstand water splashes courtesy of an IPX7 water resistance rating.
The JBL Flip 4 supports use as a speakerphone and is also voice assistant compatible, while the JBL Authentics 500 is only voice assistant compatible…
The JBL Flip 4 supports use as a speakerphone and is also voice assistant compatible, while the JBL Authentics 500 is only voice assistant compatible but cannot be used as a speakerphone. This makes the Flip 4 more versatile when connected to a smartphone. The Flip 4 is also the more portable pick between the two, as it is battery-powered, while the Authentics 500 relies on a power connection to work. To learn more about it, read our JBL Authentic 500 review, but note that it is significantly more expensive than the Flip 4.
Given its smaller size, the JBL Flip 4 is much more portable than the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential, and it also has a higher IPx7…
Given its smaller size, the JBL Flip 4 is much more portable than the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential, and it also has a higher IPx7 resistance compared to the Encore Essential, rated at IPX4. This means the Flip 4 is water submersible, while the Encore Essential is only resistant to water splashes, making the Flip 4 the safer option for use in a beach or pool setting. The Flip 4 is more affordable and also offers better smartphone versatility, as it can be used as a speakerphone and supports and is compatible with voice assistants. The Encore Essential is not, but if you’re still interested in it, check out our JBL Partybox Encore Essential review.
Unfortunately, the JBL Flip 4’s companion app misses out on a graphic equalizer and presets for more in-depth sound customization. However, the Anker Soundcore Motion…
Unfortunately, the JBL Flip 4’s companion app misses out on a graphic equalizer and presets for more in-depth sound customization. However, the Anker Soundcore Motion X600 has this feature, despite being a bit more expensive than the Flip 4. However, the Flip 4 allows for multi-device connectivity, while the X600 does not. This means owners of the Flip 4 will be able to pair it with two devices at once Here’s our Anker Soundcore Motion X600 review for more details on what else it offers.
