JBL Flip 6 vs Flip 7
The JBL Flip series has been a key player in the portable Bluetooth speaker market for many years, with each new version offering small but significant enhancements. The JBL Flip 7 is the latest model in JBL’s well-known portable speaker series, offering improvements over the successful Flip 6. Although they have a similar cylindrical shape and look, there are important differences that could affect your choice to upgrade. Let us compare JBL Flip 6 vs Flip 7 in this blog on Digimigia in order to know which one is better.
Comparing JBL Flip 6 vs Flip 7
The JBL Flip 7 may seem almost the same as the JBL Flip 6 at first sight. Both have the well-known cylindrical design typical of the Flip series and have nearly the same measurements. While the Flip 7 is slightly larger and heavier, this difference is hardly noticeable in everyday use. In the following part, we compare JBL Flip 6 vs Flip 7 in some features:
Sound Quality
According to objective testing using the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS), the Flip 7 and Flip 6 provide comparable sound quality. Both speakers deliver JBL’s signature sound, featuring good bass for their size. However, in complex tracks with many layers, different elements can blend together and lose clarity.
The JBL Flip 7 vs Flip 6 has a notable advantage with its 7-band EQ available in the JBL Portable app, while the Flip 6 vs flip 7 sound quality only offers a basic 3-band EQ. This allows Flip 7 users to customize the sound more effectively. Lowering the 1kHz slider on the Flip 7 enhanced the sound for rock music, and increasing the 125Hz slider added more bass, while it is improving the impact of the kick drum and bass guitar.
Battery Life
The Flip 7 is advertised to have a longer battery life of 16 hours, compared to the Flip 6’s 12 hours. However, to achieve those extra two hours on the Flip 7, you need to use the “PlayTime Boost” feature, which lowers the bass to save battery.
In regular use with decent sound quality, the Flip 7 provides about 14 hours of playback at moderate volumes. On the other hand, the JBL Flip 6 vs 7, although rated for 12 hours, usually lasts around 9 to 10 hours in real-life situations, depending on the volume.
Price
According to the JBL Flip 7 review, the costs of it is approximately $150, which is $20 higher than the Flip 6’s original price of $130. JBL Flip 7 introduces several enhancements such as a robust design that is waterproof, dustproof and drop proof. These upgrades may justify the higher price point for users seeking advanced features.
Design
It’s hard to distinguish between the JBL Flip 6 and Flip 7 at first glance. Both models are similar in size and weight, maintaining the classic burrito shape of the series. They feature rugged rubber edges and the familiar passive radiators that react to bass-heavy music. However, the JBL Flip 7 vs Flip 6 has some notable updates. It includes the standard volume controls and a Bluetooth pairing button, along with a new triangle symbol for its Auracast feature, which the Flip 6 lacks. The layout of the Flip 7 vs Flip 6 is more user-friendly, as it avoids a cluttered design. While they may appear similar from some perspectives, the Flip 7 has undergone rigorous testing in wet conditions to enhance its outdoor capabilities. The original Flip had a solid IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, but JBL has improved this in the new model with an impressive IP68 rating. Both speakers are very durable and ready for adventure, but the Flip 7’s higher IP68 rating offers extra protection, as most speakers in this category only reach IP67.
The JBL Flip 6 vs 7 has a built-in adjustable carry loop, while the Flip 7 provides a choice between a small fabric finger loop or a carabiner hook. You can attach or detach accessories easily, similar to clicking a seatbelt – they fit into a port on the bottom and can be removed with a release button. We prefer the Flip 6’s carry loop, but the Flip 7’s three options – carabiner, finger loop, or none – are a great addition. The JBL Flip 6 vs JBL Flip 7 is nice, but the new version is sturdier and more user-friendly, making it even better.
Conclusion
In this blog on Digimigia, we compared JBL Flip 6 vs Flip 7 in order to help you decide which one you should buy in accordance with If you want the most durable option, appreciate having better sound control with the 7-band EQ, and you desire the ability to enjoy lossless audio through USB-C, JBL Flip 7 is more suggested. However, if you already own the Flip 6, upgrading to the Flip 7 is not necessary unless you want features like the enhanced carrying system or lossless audio. The differences in sound quality likely don’t warrant the upgrade. For those considering a new purchase, the Flip 7 provides a more future-ready option because of its updated connection standard and slightly improved overall features. However, if the price is much higher in your area, the Flip 6 is still a great option.