JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker review
- Design and ergonomics
- Convenience and comfort
- Security and Assembly
- Communication and connection
- Sound quality
- Other features
Updated and more secure JBL speaker
The JBL Flip 6 seems like a good value for the money. You get a very portable speaker that packs enough power and volume when you need it. The added strength makes it safe to use even in harsh environments.
Benefits
- Reliable assembly
- Loud and clear sound
- Lightweight and portable design
- Works in PartyBoost mode
- Excellent protection against water and dust
- Equalizer and sound tuning app
Disadvantages
- Increased price
- Not much different from Flip 5
- No microphone or speakerphone
- Stereopair not working with Flip 5
The latest portable Bluetooth speakers from JBL rarely surprise with something new, but they still have high sound quality. The JBL Flip 6 is similar to its predecessor, the Flip 5, and delivers the same great sound – few models in this segment can boast such powerful bass.
The column is protected from water and suitable for use in any conditions, and an equalizer has appeared in the application. The Flip 6 is inexpensive and can be a great option for parties.
Read Also: [Review] JBL GO 3 – how has the cult mobile speaker evolved?
Contents
Specifications JBL Flip 6
| Converters | Woofer 45×80 mm, tweeter 16 mm |
| output power | 20W RMS for woofer, 10W RMS for tweeter |
| Frequency response | 63 Hz – 20 kHz |
| signal to noise | >80dB |
| Charging time | 2.5 hours (5V/3A) |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 |
| Audio codecs | AAC and SBC |
| Bluetooth profiles | A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.6 |
| Bluetooth frequency range | 2400 MHz – 2483.5 MHz |
| Transmitter power | ≤10dBm(EIRP) |
| Modulation | GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK |
| SRD frequency band 2.4 GHz | 2407 MHz – 2475 MHz |
| SRD transmitter power | <10 dBm (EIRP) |
| Max. working temperature | 45°С |
| security | Water and dust resistant IP67 (30 minutes to 1 meter) |
| Play time | Up to 12 hours (varies by volume and content) |
| Battery | Li-ion polymer 17.28 Wh (3.6 V/4800 mAh) |
| Charging time | 2.5 hours (5V/3A), USB-C |
| Product dimensions (W x H x D) | 178×68×72mm |
| Weight | 0.55 kg |
| Price | About $135 |
Design and construction
The updated JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth speaker is available in black, navy blue, gray, blue and red colors, dimensions are 17.8 × 6.8 × 7.2 cm, and weight is 550 grams.
Externally, Flip 6 is similar to the previous models of the line: there are passive sound emitters on both sides, the JBL logo is located on the front, and the speaker grille covers the rest of the case. At the back there is a strap for easy carrying of the device.
You get the same cylindrical design and for the most part the same dimensions as its predecessor, only the height has been reduced a bit.
IP67 water resistance means that the portable speaker is not afraid of water and dust, the JBL Flip 5 was IPX7. Now it not only does not sink, but also withstands immersion for 30 minutes under water up to 1 meter.
Much of the rest of the Flip 6’s exterior update is an aesthetic change, such as a larger JBL logo on the front and more textured fabric on the body.
The rubber strip at the bottom, which keeps the speaker from rolling, has also changed a bit, as well as the tilt. The speakers now direct the sound upwards to create a more voluminous sound profile.
Read also: Review of Huawei Sound Joy portable and wireless speaker with nice bass
Management and connection
JBL hasn't changed the layout of the controls, using the same raised buttons that are non-illuminated, easy to feel and actuate accurately.
On the top side of the JBL Flip 6 are volume buttons and a multi-function control key. She is also responsible for playback and transition to the next track (you cannot switch to the previous melody from the column level).
On the left is the PartyBoost key for connecting the Flip 6 to other compatible JBL speakers.
On the back of the case there is a button for turning on and connecting via Bluetooth, and the latter, after the connection is established, is highlighted. Nearby, you will find a USB-C connector for charging via the included USB-C to USB-A cable.
Application and communication
JBL Portable for Android and iOS (formerly called JBL Connect) is designed for all of the company’s portable Bluetooth speakers.
Equalizer, user manual, software update and some settings are available in the application. Connecting the Flip 6 via Bluetooth is very easy, the first time you turn it on it automatically enters pairing mode. To put the speaker back into pairing mode, hold down the Bluetooth button until it starts flashing.
The device connects to one source at a time, and since JBL didn't equip it with a microphone, the Flip 6 doesn't have a speakerphone feature.
PartyBoost is back, though not without its limitations. You can use party mode to wirelessly connect with other compatible JBL speakers to play the same tune at the same time. But, I managed to create a stereo pair only with another Flip 6, alas, the mode does not work with the previous Flip 5.
Sound quality
Inside the JBL Flip 6 is a 20W 45x80mm driver and a 10W 16mm tweeter, for a total of 30W of audio output.
This combination provides sound in the 63Hz-20kHz range, Bluetooth 5.1 compatibility, and support for AAC and SBC audio codecs, aptX does not. The portable speaker pleases with good bass, which is not distorted even at maximum volume.
The bass really stands out from the overall sound picture. The JBL Flip series seems to be building it up with each successive iteration. However, in the case of the Flip 6, we are not talking about bass boost by default, as you can adjust it using the in-app equalizer. Digital signal processing also contributes – at high volumes, the lower frequencies are slightly weakened.
Interestingly, the mids and highs now have a greater impact on the sound signature than the Flip 5. The new Flip sounds loud, which is normal for such a design.
I was also impressed by the resonance at the highest volume levels, distortion, crackling of high or low frequencies are almost absent here. The sound remains stable and over time begins to like even more.
Autonomy JBL Flip 6
JBL claims the Flip 6 can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, although I never hit that mark in my testing.
Much depends on how loudly you listen to music, at 70% volume I had autonomy from 8 to 10 hours, which is not bad. This time is definitely enough to go to the park, the beach or swim in the pool with a column.
Connect it with a USB-C cable to a portable power source and you can keep playing music. When it takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the battery.
Outcome
Although the JBL Flip 6 doesn’t revolutionize the world of portable Bluetooth speakers, there are a few important changes compared to the previous model: IP67 dust protection, an in-app equalizer, and a PartyBoost mode.
Is it worth buying JBL Flip 6 ?
The compact Flip 6 wireless speaker delivers great sound with impressive bass. This is a great device for listening to music on the street or at a party with friends.
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