JBL Flip 5
$129
The JBL Flip 5 offers powerful stereo sound, a durable waterproof design, and 12 hours of playtime. It's perfect for taking your music anywhere.
Our take
Waterproof sound you can take anywhere.
Alright, so the JBL Flip 5 is one of those Bluetooth speakers that you might grab if you're looking for something portable but with a bit of punch. The sound quality is pretty impressive for its size; it's got a solid bass and clear mids, which makes it great for most music genres. It can get surprisingly loud for such a small speaker, so it works well for both indoor and outdoor use. But, if you’re expecting it to fill up a big room, you might want to keep your expectations in check.
The design is simple, which is nice because it doesn’t try too hard. It’s got a rugged look, and it's water-resistant, rated at IPX7. So, if you're like me and tend to spill drinks or knock things over, this thing can survive a little splash or even a dunk in the pool. It’s not indestructible, but it’s definitely built to handle some abuse. However, it doesn’t have the dustproof feature, so maybe keep it away from your next desert party.
Battery life is another biggie. It runs for about 12 hours on a full charge, which is decent, but it might not last through a super long day out. Charging it up is easy enough with the USB-C port, which is a nice touch since it's becoming more standard. Just don’t expect any fancy features like a power bank option to charge your phone, ‘cause this one doesn’t have it.
One thing that’s a bit of a letdown is the lack of a built-in microphone. So, if you like to take calls on your speaker, this might be a bummer. You’ll have to switch back to your phone for that. Also, it doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack for wired connections, which is kind of annoying if you have devices that aren’t Bluetooth-friendly. It’s like JBL decided to cut back on extras and just focus on the basics.
Overall, the JBL Flip 5 is a solid choice if you need something portable with good sound quality and durability. It’s perfect for casual listeners who want hassle-free music on the go. Just remember, it’s all about keeping it simple here, so don’t expect bells and whistles. If you’re cool with that, you’ll probably find it to be a trusty little companion for your adventures.
