JBL Flip Essential 2 vs Flip 5
Are you unsure whether to choose the JBL Flip Essential 2 or the JBL Flip 5? If you already own a JBL Flip Essential 2, you might be wondering if upgrading to the JBL Flip 5 is a good idea. This article on Digimigia provides a detailed comparison of JBL Flip Essential 2 vs Flip 5 in order to help you to decide. You can further compare the full specifications of both speakers below.
Design and Build Quality
Let start the comparison of JBL Flip Essential 2 vs Flip 5 in their design and build quality to check which one is better according to your prefrences.
JBL Flip Essential 2
Bring your music with you using the JBL Flip Essential 2. This portable Bluetooth speaker is easy to carry anywhere. JBL Flip Essential 2 is a compact and robust portable speaker designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It has a cylindrical shape measuring 17.5 x 6.8 x 7 cm, weighing around 520 gr. It aalso features a fabric mesh covering the speaker area and rubberized ends for added protection. The JBL Flip Essential 2 certified with an IPX7 rating, making it suitable for poolside or beach use.
JBL Flip 5
The JBL Flip series is famous for its toughness. It began as splashproof and has evolved to be fully waterproof, as seen in the JBL Flip 5. This model features a strong fabric with an IPX7 rating, allowing it to be submerged in water up to one meter deep. Additionally, it has sturdy rubber on both ends to protect the bass radiators. At the back of the JBL Flip 5, you will see the power and Bluetooth pairing buttons, along with the USB-C port for charging. Each button has a light that indicates when the speaker is powered on and connected to a device.
Audio Performance
The other Jbl flip essential 2 vs flip 5 specs that you must take into account is about their audio quality. Let us compare Jbl flip essential 2 vs flip 5 sound quality for you one by one in the following.
JBL Flip Essential 2
The Flip Essential 2 delivers a balanced sound profile with clear mids and highs, making it suitable for most music genres. It has surprisingly punchy bass for its size because of its dual passive radiators. While it is not as deep as larger speakers, but the low end is satisfying for casual listening. The JBL Flip Essential 2 has an output power that is rated 20W RMS; therefore, it is powerful enough to fill a small to medium room or outdoor area without distortion.
JBL Flip 5
The bass response of the JBL Flip 5 seems to be more pronounced this time compared to the JBL Flip 4, but it still isn’t the best sound you’ve ever experienced. The difference is slight, and if you’re outside or at the beach, you’re likely using a lower-quality service like Spotify. If you’re not focused on the details of the bass, you probably won’t notice them. The highs are quite subtle, so you might need to adjust the levels now and then. JBL improved the Flip 5 driver for a richer bass, and it seems to work well. Typically, JBL’s wireless speakers enhance bass notes from middle-C and below by 2-8 dB. The Flip 5 continues this pattern, and you can enjoy from the sound without needing to fiddle with any equalizers or similar settings. However, the JBL Flip 5 has a power output of 20 Watts, while it provides strong bass and balanced mids, making it great for various audio types.
Connectivity and Compatibility
One of the other differences between JBL Essential 2 and flip 5 is in their connectivity and compatibility that we will compare them for you in the following.
JBL Flip Essential 2
The JBL Flip Essential 2 provides dependable connectivity and compatibility with many devices. It features Bluetooth 5.1, which offers better range, stability, and energy efficiency than previous models. The Essential 2 supports A2DP 1.3 and AVRCP 1.6, making it compatible with a variety of Bluetooth-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
JBL Flip 5
If you prefer a 1/8-inch AUX connection, you might be disappointed that the JBL Flip 5 doesn’t have this wired options. It uses Bluetooth 4.2 instead of the newer 5.0. You cannot use old and new flips with PartyBoost. The new wireless technology is compatible only with JBL’s latest Bluetooth speakers. The free JBL app for iOS or Android allows you to connect two Flip 5s as a stereo pair.
Conclusion
As we compared JBL Flip Essential 2 vs Flip 5 in this study on Digimigia, each speaker offers distinct advantages that is suitable for different user needs. If you prefer superior sound quality and additional features, the JBL Flip 5 is the better choice. However, for budget conscious users seeking portability, the flip Essential 2 is a solid option.