HIGHLY RATED
JBL Flip 5 Squad: Waterproof Portable 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 JBL…
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Introduction
Looking for a portable Bluetooth speaker that packs a punch without weighing you down? The JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Squad edition) has become a fan favorite among music lovers who demand quality sound on the go. With a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from over 83,791 customer reviews on Amazon and a competitive price of around $89, this compact powerhouse promises JBL’s signature pro sound, rugged durability, and worry-free outdoor adventures. In this in-depth JBL Flip 5 review, we’ll dive into its features, real-user feedback, pros, cons, and whether it’s the best portable Bluetooth speaker for your lifestyle. Whether you’re heading to the beach, pool party, or just chilling at home, let’s see if the Flip 5 lives up to the hype.
Product Overview
The JBL Flip 5 Squad is designed for those who refuse to compromise on sound quality or portability. This cylindrical speaker measures about 7 inches long and 2.7 inches in diameter, weighing just under 1.2 pounds, making it easy to toss in a backpack or clip to your belt loop (though it lacks a built-in carabiner in this model—many users add their own). Its racetrack-shaped driver delivers JBL’s Original Pro Sound, emphasizing booming bass and clear highs in a surprisingly small package.
Key specs include:
- Playback Time: Up to 12 hours on a single charge
- Waterproof Rating: IPX7—fully submersible in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes
- Bluetooth Range: Up to 30 feet (though real-world tests often hit 20-25 feet)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.2; supports PartyBoost for pairing multiple JBL speakers
- Charging: USB-C port (cable included, no wall adapter)
- Dimensions and Weight: 7.1 x 2.7 x 2.9 inches, 1.19 lbs
- Colors: Squad edition features a vibrant camo-like pattern for a stylish, rugged vibe
Priced at $89, it’s positioned as a mid-range option in the portable speaker market, competing with the likes of Ultimate Ears Wonderboom and Bose SoundLink Flex. The JBL Portable app unlocks PartyBoost mode, EQ customization, and firmware updates, enhancing versatility for multi-speaker setups.
Pros
The JBL Flip 5 shines in several areas, earning its high acclaim. Here are the top 7 advantages based on hands-on testing and thousands of user reviews:
- Exceptional Sound Quality for Its Size: The racetrack driver produces bold JBL Pro Sound with deep, booming bass that punches above its weight class. Users rave about crystal-clear vocals, balanced mids, and enough volume to fill a room or backyard without distortion—even at max levels.
- Impressive 12-Hour Battery Life: True to claims, it delivers all-day playtime on a 2-3 hour charge. Perfect for beach days, hikes, or parties without constant recharging.
- IPX7 Waterproof Rating: Fearless in the elements—survives pool splashes, rain, or accidental submersion. Ideal for outdoor entertainment.
- Ultra-Portable and Durable Build: Rugged rubber housing and fabric wrap withstand bumps and drops. Its slim design slips easily into bags or cup holders.
- PartyBoost for Multi-Speaker Pairing: Via the free JBL app, connect multiple Flip 5s (or compatible JBL models) for immersive stereo or surround sound. Reviewers love creating “awesome surround sound” setups.
- Seamless Bluetooth Streaming: Quick pairing with phones, tablets, or laptops; stable connection up to 30 feet in open spaces.
- Great Value at $89: Premium features at a budget-friendly price, often on par with pricier competitors in sound and durability.
Cons
No speaker is perfect, and the JBL Flip 5 has a few drawbacks that could sway your decision. Here’s a balanced look at 4 common cons drawn from user feedback:
- Mono Sound in Single-Speaker Mode: It outputs mono audio unless paired with another unit. Stereo lovers might need two for fuller soundstaging.
- No Auxiliary Input or Built-in Mic for Calls: Bluetooth-only means no wired option, and call quality via the basic integrated mic is mediocre—tinny and echo-prone in noisy environments.
- PartyBoost Limited to JBL Ecosystem: Can’t pair with non-JBL speakers or older JBL Connect models, frustrating for mixed collections.
- Charging Port Accessibility: The USB-C port is on the bottom and exposed (no cover), which could be vulnerable to water damage if submerged while charging (though IPX7 holds when powered off).
These issues are minor for most users but worth noting if they align with your needs.
Customer Reviews Analysis
With 83,791 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the JBL Flip 5 Squad enjoys overwhelming praise. Over 70% are 5-star ratings, highlighting its sound quality, portability, and reliability.
Positive Highlights
- Sound and Bass: “Incredible bass!!!!!” and “sound is amazing” dominate 5-star reviews. Users love how it “fills a room or outdoor space” with “clear, crisp sound” and “perfect bass blend.”
- Durability and Waterproofing: Pool party and travel stories abound: “Great at pool parties… waterproof” and “rugged look” for the Squad camo design.
- Battery and Versatility: “Battery lasts all day” and “perfect size for any place.” Multi-unit pairing via the app is a hit: “Paired all 3 for awesome surround sound.”
- Value: “Great value for the price” and “affordability of such wonderful quality.”
Negative Feedback
Lower-rated reviews (under 3 stars, about 5-7%) focus on occasional connectivity glitches, like Bluetooth dropouts in crowded Wi-Fi areas, or battery life dipping to 8-10 hours at high volumes. Some lament the lack of an aux port or precise battery indicator lights. Rare complaints include the app’s occasional bugs or the speaker getting warm during extended use. Despite these, most negatives stem from user error (e.g., charging issues) rather than defects, and JBL’s warranty covers manufacturing faults effectively.
Overall, the sentiment is extremely positive, with repeat buyers common: “Love these speakers so much we bought 3 more!” The Squad edition’s stylish camo adds appeal for those wanting flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the JBL Flip 5 fully waterproof?
Yes, IPX7 rating means it’s submersible in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes. Great for pools or rain, but avoid prolonged saltwater exposure.
- How long does the battery last?
Up to 12 hours at moderate volume; expect 8-10 hours at max. USB-C charging takes 2.5 hours fully.
- Can you pair multiple JBL Flip 5 speakers?
Yes, using PartyBoost in the JBL Portable app for TWS stereo or multi-speaker party mode (up to 100 compatible units).
- Does it have an aux input or microphone?
No aux port—Bluetooth only. It has a mic for hands-free calls, but quality is average.
- What’s the Bluetooth range?
Officially 30 feet; performs best in open areas without interference.
Who Should Buy This Product
The JBL Flip 5 Squad is ideal for:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Hikers, beachgoers, and campers needing waterproof, portable sound.
- Party Hosts: Pool parties or BBQs where PartyBoost shines for multi-room audio.
- Travelers: Compact size fits carry-ons; long battery for flights or road trips.
- Budget Audiophiles: Big sound without breaking the bank at $89.
Skip it if you need true stereo from one unit, aux connectivity, or audiophile-grade EQ without an app.
Final Verdict
The JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Squad) earns its 4.7-star throne as one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers under $100. Its powerful bass, rugged IPX7 build, 12-hour battery, and PartyBoost features make it a versatile champ for everyday adventures. Minor cons like mono output and no aux don’t overshadow the value—especially with 83k+ glowing reviews. If portability and punchy sound top your list, buy the JBL Flip 5. It’s a squad-worthy addition that delivers joy, beat after beat.
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