This 2025 review provides an honest, two-year assessment of the JBL Flip 5 portable Bluetooth speaker. Having endured daily use and even accidental submersion, we evaluate its durability, sound quality, connectivity, and battery life after extended use. We'll delve into the pros and cons, comparing its performance against competitors like the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, to determine if this popular speaker still holds up against newer models and whether it remains a worthwhile investment in 2025.This in-depth review covers all key aspects of the JBL Flip 5, from its robust build quality and impressive water resistance to its signature sound profile and convenient features. We examine the longevity of its battery life, the ease of connectivity, and the overall user experience after two years of ownership. Our honest evaluation will help you determine if the JBL Flip 5 is the right portable speaker for your needs, considering its current market price and the availability of alternative options.
Pros And Cons
- Waterproof (IPX7 rating)
- Durable build quality (withstands rough use)
- Good sound quality with balanced highs, mids, and bass
- Punchy bass even after two years of use
- No distortion even at maximum volume
- Good stereo sound from a single 20-watt speaker
- Easy Bluetooth connectivity (despite older 4.3 version)
- Instant pairing button
- Battery indicator light
- App support for EQ customization
- Color may fade over time
- Battery life less than advertised (6-7 hours at 60-70% volume)
- Battery life decreased over two years of use
- Older Bluetooth version
- Only one Type-C charging port; no AUX, USB, or memory card ports
- No microphone
- Loudness reduced slightly after two years
Read more: Top 5 Best Bluetooth Speakers 2025: Ultimate Guide & Reviews
Durability and Water Resistance
The JBL Flip 5 boasts impressive durability, surviving a two-year test that included accidental submersion in water. Its IPX7 waterproof rating ensures resilience against water damage, making it perfect for outdoor adventures or accidental spills.
The speaker's exterior showed only minor scratches after two years of rigorous use, a testament to its robust construction. The fabric mesh and bass radiators remained in excellent condition, even after exposure to various surfaces and elements.
The silicone rubber on the back exhibited some light scratches from use on rough surfaces. Overall, the build quality remains exceptional, showcasing the speaker's lasting resilience.
Sound Quality and Performance
The JBL Flip 5 delivers a balanced sound profile with crisp highs, clear mids, and punchy bass. The bass is particularly noteworthy, maintaining its depth and impact even after extended use.
JBL's signature sound is evident, providing a well-rounded audio experience suitable for various genres of music. Vocal clarity remains strong, even at high volumes, and the absence of distortion is impressive.
Compared to other speakers, including the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, the JBL Flip 5’s sound, particularly the bass, stands out as next-level. The overall listening experience remains exceptional despite the speaker's age.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 4.3, an older standard but still reliable for most devices. An instant pairing button simplifies the connection process. It pairs easily to multiple devices, although occasional connection delays were noted.
The battery life has decreased slightly over time, from the advertised 12 hours to around 6-7 hours at higher volumes (70-100%). Daily use of about 30 minutes a day resulted in 4-5 days of battery life.
Charging takes approximately 3-3.5 hours via the Type-C port. While battery performance is not as initially promised, it still provides decent usage for most applications. A power bank is recommended for extended use at events.
Additional Features and Conclusion
The JBL Flip 5 includes several additional features, including IPX7 waterproof rating, JBL Portable app support for EQ customization, and the party boost feature to connect with other JBL party boost speakers.
Considering its age, the JBL Flip 5 still provides a remarkable audio experience and a robust build, with some minor compromises in battery life. The lack of an aux input or microphone may be limiting factors for some users.
At a discounted price of around $60-$65, the JBL Flip 5 remains a worthwhile purchase for users prioritizing premium sound quality and durability. However, other alternatives such as the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, with its more advanced features, at a similar price point should also be considered.