JBL Flip 6 review: A worthy update

The JBL brand is known for hardy Bluetooth speakers that easily go along for the ride on hikes or to pool parties, and the JBL Flip 6 seems poised to continue that legacy. It still feels a lot like the JBL Flip 5 at the end of the day, with a similarly tough build and sound profile, with some cosmetic changes, and an apparently improved audio configuration. But is the Flip 6 a worthy upgrade to a tried-and-true workhorse?

JBL’s many other Bluetooth speakers have looked like this before the JBL Flip 6, and for good reason: it works. A cylinder with a passive bass radiator at each end flanks the driver and tweeter in the middle and make for a sturdy, solid tube. It survives falls onto the pavement and the confines of a travel bag. For this iteration, the Flip 6 gets a larger and yet more minimalist “JBL” logo, which also scratches more easily than the smaller badge on the Flip 5. Nitpicks aside, overall you get the same durable build and form factor as before.

The Flip 6 upgrades the IPX7 rating from the Flip 5 to a full IP67, which means it’s now water- and dust-resistant. The speaker will survive a plunge into salt water at the beach, and sand won’t even get behind the grille or bass drivers. Plastic bumpers allow the speaker to bounce a bit instead of falling flat. That’s good for preventing dents, but it also means these areas quickly collect scuffs and marks. There’s a carrying loop tied near the backlit Bluetooth and power buttons. The loop does not have a built-in clip. However, if it ends up fraying or breaks, you can untie it and replace it yourself. The USB-C charging port is here, too.

Carrying the 544g Flip 6 doesn’t feel too heavy during my treks around town. It doesn’t drag me down when attached to my bag or my jacket. However, if you go for intense climbs up tough mountains, it might add a bit more weight than you want. The shape could be awkward if you’re squeezing through tight areas, too. Plus, the speaker twists and bounces around on its carrying strap.

The control buttons are just above the logo. While they aren’t backlit, they are clearly shaped differently from each other so you can press them without looking down. The buttons allow you to play and pause content, adjust the volume, skip tracks, and activate PartyBoost. All of these could come in handy both at parties or during hikes.

The Flip 6 uses the JBL Portable app, formerly “JBL Connect,” to provide access to firmware updates and a user guide. Plus, you can toggle the feedback tones the speaker produces on or off here. Inside the app, you can also enable PartyBoost and stereo playback instead of using the dedicated button. Note that stereo only works with two JBL speakers of the same generation. My JBL Flip 5 pairs with the Flip 6 for Party Boost, but the two cannot do stereo playback. Perhaps the most notable feature the app boasts is a basic equalizer, which lets you adjust highs, mids, and lows.

Other than that, there’s not much going on in the app, but that could be a good thing. You likely won’t need to poke around in obscure settings to get everything working the way you want.

What Bluetooth codecs does the JBL Flip 6 support?

The JBL Flip 6 uses Bluetooth 5.1 and only supports the SBC Bluetooth codec. Bluetooth 5.1 also theoretically gives the speaker an indoor range of 40 meters, but that’s under ideal conditions. Like the JBL Flip 5, this speaker does not have an aux port to overcome the shortcomings of Bluetooth codecs.

How long does the battery last on the JBL Flip 6?

JBL claims that the Flip 6 can last up to 12 hours on a fully charged battery. You get a USB-C to USB-A charging cable in the box, but no power adapter. Our standard battery test uses music played back continuously with a 75dB(SPL) maximum output level measured one meter from the front of the speaker. The JBL Flip 6 lasted nine hours and 25 minutes, which falls short of JBL’s claim. It’s enough to get you through a party at the beach or a day-long hike, but you’ll have to take it home to recharge or bring along a battery pack for anything more.

JBL’s Bluetooth speakers have a specific frequency response, or “signature sound,” and that remains true for the Flip 6. The Flip 5 boosts bass more than the Flip 4, and it seems the Flip 6 has kept to that trajectory. Much like any other Bluetooth speaker, it isn’t targeted at audiophiles straining to hear every nuance in their music. If you bear in mind that the Flip 6 is for outdoor and party use, you’ll likely get plenty of enjoyment out of it.

Lows, mids, and highs

Party jams like Rent by Big Freedia play great through the JBL Flip 6. It pumps out the New Orleans hit’s  booming low notes, while keeping Big Freedia’s vocals clear. Much like the Flip 5, the JBL Flip 6 doesn’t reproduce high-pitched sounds with a great deal of clarity, however—basically don’t expect acoustic music to sound as nice as club mixes with this.

JBL claims it added a “new audio configuration” to the Flip 6 and promises detailed bass, mids, and highs. However, the Flip 6 definitely sounds similar to the Flip 5. Our speaker testing setup is currently undergoing a revamp, so we’ll update this section once we have complete testing data.

Can you use the JBL Flip 6 for phone calls?

The JBL Flip 6 does not have a built-in microphone. In fact, no JBL Flip speaker has had this feature since the Flip 4.

JBL Flip 6 review: The verdict

If you want a solid and reliable party or adventure speaker, the JBL Flip 6 is a great option. The improved water and dust resistance courtesy of its IP67 rating is certainly welcome, and this Bluetooth speaker does not discard anything that made the Flip 5 a success. The Flip 6 isn’t perfect though: we wish that JBL revived the aux input of the Flip 4, but it seems fewer and fewer Bluetooth speakers carry this feature.

What should you get instead of the JBL Flip 6?

Listeners who want even louder sound from a portable speaker should look into the JBL Charge 5 ($149.95). With this, you get more features as it can charge your portable devices, and its battery is extensive at 20 hours. You don’t get an aux port here, but you do get the same IP67 rating. Another option is the JBL Clip 4 ($79.95) if you want to go smaller. This has a built-in carabiner and surprisingly loud sound given its small size.

There are options beyond the JBL family, of course, like the UE Boom 3 ($149.95). This portable speaker has a similar shape and size to the Flip 5, with a useful party feature and loud sound. You get easier access to the controls with the signature “+” and “-” buttons. Unfortunately, the UE Boom 3 also lacks a headphone jack, though.