JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex
If you need a Bluetooth speaker for daily use at home or while hanging out with friends, the SoundLink Flex and Flip 6 are both great options. While they are alike in size and performance, there are important differences that buyers should consider. In this article on Digimigia, we will compare JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex speakers directly to help you decide which one is the better option.
Design and Build quality
One of the JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex specs is about their Design and Build quality. We can not compare JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex waterproof because both speakers are IP67 rated that, is meaning they are waterproof and dustproof, while they are offering excellent protection for water sports. Let us first compare this aspect in this two speakers:
JBL Flip 6 Design
JBL Flip 6 is clearly aimed at hiking and outdoor activities. The JBL Flip is available in nine vibrant colors, catering to a wide range of audiences and age groups. Its lightweight cylindrical design, weighing just 0.5 kg, makes it highly portable. Additionally, the speaker features a convenient thread for easy carrying. The entire speaker is wrapped in a durable mesh fabric, and it is equipped with rubber end caps on both sides to safeguard it from both minor and major impacts.
Bose Sounlink Flex Design
The Bose Soundlink Flex showed no damage when dropped from a height of 4-5 feet, with little to no visible marks on its silicone exterior. Additionally, the silicone surface can be easily cleaned to restore its like-new appearance. Moreover, the speaker features a fabric handle that can be clipped onto a carabiner, making it convenient to carry on outdoor adventures. Weighing just 0.6 kg, the Bose Soundlink Flex is designed for easy portability.
Sound Performance
Let’s compare JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex sound quality, which is the primary and most crucial factor to take into account.
JBL Flip 6 Audio Quality
The JBL Flip 6 is equipped with a two-way speaker system that produces powerful, loud, and clear sound. Its racetrack-shaped subwoofer enhances low and midrange frequencies, while the tweeter delivers sharper high frequencies. Additionally, dual passive radiators, optimized with a sophisticated algorithm, support the subwoofer for deeper bass. This results in a well-balanced sound across all frequency ranges. The JBL Flip 6 offers 30 watts of output power and a frequency response range of 63Hz to 20kHz, showcasing its capability to accurately reproduce audio. If you love music and value strong bass, the JBL Flip 6 might be the perfect choice for you since it features a subwoofer.
Bose Soundlink Flex Audio Quality
The Bose SoundLink Flex speaker features advanced engineering, including a specially designed 60mm transducer and a dual passive radiator. These components produce powerful, clear audio with deep bass that you can feel. Custom algorithms, proprietary software, and digital signal processing (DSP) technologies work together to ensure the best sound quality in any setting. You can use this speaker in various positions, whether lying down or standing up. Additionally, the Bose SoundLink Flex includes PositionIQ Technology, which optimizes and balances audio by adjusting EQ levels based on how the speaker is positioned. Therefore, for the best overall audio quality with reliable optimization, the Bose SoundLink Flex is the superior option. Its advanced technologies, including PositionIQ and stereo speakers, guarantee that every track sounds exceptional.
Features and Connectivity
What features and connectivity issues do these speakers use to enhance their sound quality? First, each speaker comes with its own features. Both speakers allow you to connect with several devices at once.
JBL Flip 6 Features
The JBL Flip 6 works with the JBL Portable app. Through this app, you can access product support and updates, enhance the sound, unlock additional features, and adjust the bass to your preference. With the PartyBoost feature, you can connect the JBL Flip 6 to another PartyBoost-compatible speaker for stereo sound. You can also stream music and podcasts via Bluetooth 5.1. This makes you sure of faster data transfering and a range of up to 40 feet.
Bose Soundlink Flex Features
The Bose SoundLink Flex, in contrast, makes use of the Bose Connect app. This app offers product updates, unlockable features, audio tips, and options for customization. The Bose SoundLink Flex allows you to connect with other speakers using either Party Mode or Stereo Mode through the app. In Party Mode, you can link your speaker with another Bose Bluetooth speaker from the SoundLink series for synchronized playback. Alternatively, Stereo Mode lets you pair it with another Bose SoundLink speaker for a stereo sound experience. Streaming is also done using Bluetooth 4.2, While it is providing a range of up to 30 feet.
Battery Life
Bose Soundlink Flex vs JBL Flip 6 wins this round. Although both the Flip 6 and the SoundLink Flex claim to offer 12 hours of playback on one charge, our tests, which mimic real-world usage, showed that the SoundLink Flex lasted nearly 11 hours and 59 minutes. In contrast, the Flip 6 only reached 9 hours and 25 minutes. While that’s still a good runtime, it doesn’t match the advertised figure.
Apps Performance
When you compare JBL Flip 6 and Bose Soundlink Flex, downloading and installing either speaker’s companion app has its benefits, but it is definitely not necessary for everyday use. The JBL Portable app provides a 3-band EQ to customize the sound of your Flip 6, which I have always liked. Unfortunately, the Bose Connect app lacks this feature, which is a letdown. To adjust the sound of your SoundLink Flex speaker, you will need to rely on your streaming service’s EQ or a third-party solution. Both applications let you connect a second identical speaker for stereo sound, link with other similar speakers, and check for any firmware updates that are available.
Control Button
The SoundLink Flex has a single row of controls with a small white LED light next to the power and Bluetooth button. The buttons feel quite mushy, lacking the satisfying click you experience with JBL, which confirms your command. Although there are small raised bumps to help you locate the multi-function button for playing, pausing, and skipping tracks, they could be more noticeable. It’s easy to accidentally press the nearby volume buttons instead. One advantage of Bose SoundLink vs JBL Flip 6 in terms of controls is the ability to access your voice assistant. By holding down the middle multi-function button, you can reach Siri, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa, depending on your preference.
The playback buttons of JBL Flip 6 are easily recognizable due to their shape and elevated design. The power and Bluetooth buttons are set back and well-lit on the back of the device, making them simple to locate.
Conclusion
When choosing between the JBL Flip vs Bose SoundLink Flex, both portable speakers promise an excellent listening experience. However, there are some key differences that we consider in this blog on Digimigia. The JBL Flip 6 vs Bose SoundLink Flex battery life is more and faster. It also enhances your music with deeper bass and has broader speaker pairing options. Whereas, the Bose SoundLink Flex is equipped with superior audio technology and it features a slightly more robust design.