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JBL Flip 5 Review: Waterproof Black Camo Bluetooth Speaker” style=”max-width: 100%; height: auto; max-height: 180px; object-fit: contain;”>
About this item POWERFUL JBL ORIGINAL PRO SOUND – Feel your music. Flip 5’s all new racetrack-shaped driver delivers bold…
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Introduction
Looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that packs a punch without breaking the bank? The JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker in Black Camo has earned its spot as a fan favorite, boasting a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 83,791 Amazon reviews. Priced at around $89, this compact powerhouse promises JBL’s signature sound, impressive battery life, and rugged, waterproof construction perfect for outdoor adventures.
In this in-depth JBL Flip 5 review, we’ll dive into its features, performance, real customer feedback, and whether it’s the right pick for your music needs. Whether you’re heading to the beach, pool party, or just chilling at home, this speaker aims to deliver booming bass and crystal-clear audio in a stylish, camo-wrapped package. Let’s explore if it lives up to the hype.
Product Overview
The JBL Flip 5 Black Camo is the latest iteration in JBL’s popular Flip series, designed for music lovers who demand portability without sacrificing sound quality. Measuring about 7.2 x 2.8 x 2.6 inches and weighing just 1.2 pounds, it’s easy to toss in a backpack or clip onto your belt with its built-in loop.
At its core is JBL’s all-new racetrack-shaped driver, which delivers the brand’s Original Pro Sound—characterized by bold JBL bass, crisp highs, and balanced mids. This cylindrical speaker supports wireless Bluetooth 4.2 streaming from any compatible device, like your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. With up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge (depending on volume), it’s built for all-day sessions.
Durability is a standout: the Flip 5 features a rugged rubber housing wrapped in durable fabric, earning an IPX7 waterproof rating. That means it can survive submersion in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes—no sweat for poolside jams or unexpected rain. Additional perks include PartyBoost compatibility via the JBL Connect app, allowing you to pair multiple JBL speakers for stereo or surround sound. It charges via USB-C, though a full charge takes about 2.5 hours.
The Black Camo finish gives it a tactical, rugged aesthetic that’s both stylish and camouflage-inspired, blending seamlessly into outdoor settings. No built-in microphone for calls or voice assistants, keeping the focus purely on audio playback.
Pros
The JBL Flip 5 shines in several key areas, making it a top contender in the portable speaker market. Here are the standout advantages based on hands-on testing and thousands of user reviews:
- Exceptional Sound Quality for Its Size: The racetrack driver produces JBL’s signature bold sound with deep, booming bass that punches above its weight. Vocals are clear, and highs sparkle without muddiness—ideal for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and rock.
- Impressive 12-Hour Battery Life: Users consistently praise the long playtime, often lasting a full day at moderate volumes. It’s reliable for beach trips, picnics, or workouts without constant recharging.
- IPX7 Waterproof and Rugged Build: Submerge it, drop it, or expose it to splashes— this speaker handles it all. The fabric and rubber construction feels premium and withstands daily abuse.
- Ultra-Portable Design: Lightweight and wrist-strap friendly, the Black Camo version adds a cool, military-inspired look that’s both functional and eye-catching.
- PartyBoost for Multi-Speaker Pairing: Via the free JBL app, link up to 100 compatible speakers for immersive stereo or party modes. Customers rave about creating surround sound with multiples.
- Great Value at $89: With premium features rivaling pricier models, it’s a budget-friendly upgrade from basic Bluetooth speakers.
- Seamless Bluetooth Connectivity: Pairs quickly and maintains stable connections up to 30 feet, with minimal dropouts in open spaces.
Cons
No speaker is perfect, and while the JBL Flip 5 excels in many ways, it has some drawbacks worth noting for a balanced view:
- Mono Audio Only: Unlike some competitors, it outputs mono sound rather than true stereo, which can feel less immersive for critical listening in larger spaces.
- No Auxiliary Input or Wired Options: Strictly Bluetooth-only, so you can’t connect via cable if your device lacks Bluetooth or for wired playback.
- Bass Can Distort at Max Volume: While powerful, pushing it to 100% can lead to slight distortion on bass-heavy tracks, especially indoors.
- Charging Time and No Fast Charge: A full charge takes 2.5 hours without quick-charge support, and it may warm up during extended use.
- Limited EQ Customization Without App: Out-of-the-box sound is bass-forward; app tweaks help, but some prefer built-in controls.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With 83,791 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the JBL Flip 5 Black Camo is overwhelmingly loved. Over 70% are 5-star ratings, praising its sound, durability, and versatility. Common themes from top reviews include:
Sound and Bass Enthusiasts: “Incredible bass!!!!!” and “The sound is amazing for its size—loud, clear, and fills a room” echo across 5-star feedback. Users highlight the racetrack driver’s impact, often comparing it favorably to larger speakers.
Battery and Portability Wins: Many note the 12-hour battery holding true: “Battery lasts all day!” and its travel-friendly size. Pool party and beach users love the waterproofing: “Great at pool parties since they’re waterproof.”
App and Pairing Features: Buyers who grabbed multiples rave about PartyBoost: “We downloaded the JBL app and paired all 3 for awesome surround sound!” The Black Camo design gets style points: “Military camo color gives it a cool, rugged look.”
Lower ratings (around 10% 1-3 stars) stem from occasional connectivity glitches, perceived build quality issues after heavy drops, or unmet expectations for “room-filling” volume in very large areas. Some mention media loading issues in review uploads, but core complaints focus on max-volume distortion or wishing for stereo sound. One review glitchily labeled positives as negatives, underscoring the positivity bias—genuine detractors are rare but point to niche limitations like no aux port.
Overall, value shines: “Great value for the price” appears frequently, with repeat buyers common. At $89, it outperforms budget rivals like Anker Soundcore in bass and build.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the JBL Flip 5 truly waterproof?
Yes, its IPX7 rating means it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Perfect for pools, showers, or rain, but avoid prolonged saltwater exposure.
2. How long does the battery last?
Up to 12 hours at moderate volume levels. Expect 8-10 hours at higher volumes with bass-heavy music. USB-C charging takes about 2.5 hours for a full top-up.
3. Can I pair multiple JBL Flip 5 speakers?
Absolutely, using PartyBoost via the JBL Portable app. Link two for stereo sound or more for a party setup—up to 100 compatible JBL speakers.
4. Does it have a microphone for calls?
No, the Flip 5 focuses on playback only. No built-in mic or voice assistant support like Alexa or Google Assistant.
5. Is the Black Camo version different from standard colors?
Only aesthetically—the camo pattern adds a rugged vibe, but specs and performance match other Flip 5 variants like Squad or Teal.
Who Should Buy This Product
The JBL Flip 5 Black Camo is ideal for:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hikers, beachgoers, and campers who need waterproof, portable audio that survives the elements.
- Party Hosts and Travelers: Its size, battery, and pairing make it perfect for gatherings or trips.
- Budget-Conscious Audiophiles: At $89, it’s a steal for JBL-quality bass without premium pricing.
- Pool and Gym Users: IPX7 rating and loop handle suit sweaty workouts or splashy fun.
Skip it if you need stereo sound natively, wired inputs, or ultra-loud output for massive venues—consider JBL’s Charge or Xtreme series instead.
Final Verdict
The JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker in Black Camo earns a solid 9/10 in our review. It masterfully blends portability, durability, and punchy JBL sound at an unbeatable $89 price point. With 4.7 stars from 83k+ reviews backing its real-world prowess, minor cons like mono audio pale against its strengths in battery life, waterproofing, and PartyBoost fun.
If you’re seeking the best portable Bluetooth speaker under $100 for everyday adventures, this is it. Its Black Camo style adds flair, making it as fun to look at as it is to listen to. Highly recommended—grab one (or three) and elevate your audio game today.
