Hiking expeditions, get-togethers, and pool parties require robust and well-built speakers, and the Bose SoundLink Flex and JBL Flip 6 suit the bill. These speakers are well-made and can easily withstand a day at the beach or in the wilderness. At the same time, they are strong and produce a loud sound.
So, which of the two portable Bluetooth speakers, the Bose SoundLink Flex or the JBL Flip 6, should you choose? If you are interested in these models, keep reading our JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex review for more information below.
Winner of JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex: Bose
The JBL Flip 6 is less flexible than the Bose SoundLink Flex. The Bose supports voice assistants via your smartphone and excels at receiving your orders from a distance and in noisy environments. It also has a more prolonged low-bass response than the JBL.
It also offers a somewhat longer battery life, however, this varies depending on how often you use it. However, the JBL comes with a graphic EQ for customizing the sound and has a somewhat larger soundstage.
JBL Flip 6
Description: The Flip 6 now has Bluetooth 5.1 (rather than 4.2), a dust- and waterproof IP67 classification (up from the waterproof-only IPX7 Flip 5), and a redesigned driver configuration to promise even greater sonics at the level.
Features: The JBL Flip 6, like its older sister, is still ‘simply’ a Bluetooth speaker, and with similarly priced options offering voice assistant integration, outdoor-boosting buttons, and other handy additions, it appears a questionable pick in 2022.
When you compare the JBL Flip 6 to its predecessor, the Flip 5, it’s a game of spot-the-difference. JBL has toned down the “ruggedized” rubber accents on the tubular speaker’s edges, and the passive bass radiators now feel chilly, textured, and metallic rather than smooth and rubbery.
Pros
- Improved acoustic accuracy and clarity
- Sizeable bass punch
- An excellent equalizer feature
Cons
- More discerning in terms of recording and source quality
Bose Soundlink Flex
Description: The Flip 6 now has Bluetooth 5.1 (rather than 4.2), a dust- and waterproof IP67 classification (up from the waterproof-only IPX7 Flip 5), and a redesigned driver configuration to promise even greater sonics at the level.
Features: The JBL Flip 6, like its older sister, is still ‘simply’ a Bluetooth speaker, and with similarly priced options offering voice assistant integration, outdoor-boosting buttons, and other handy additions, it appears a questionable pick in 2022.
When you compare the JBL Flip 6 to its predecessor, the Flip 5, it’s a game of spot-the-difference. JBL has toned down the “ruggedized” rubber accents on the tubular speaker’s edges, and the passive bass radiators now feel chilly, textured, and metallic rather than smooth and rubbery.
Pros
- Improved acoustic accuracy and clarity
- Sizeable bass punch
- An excellent equalizer feature
Cons
- More discerning in terms of recording and source quality
JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex Design
Bose’s SoundLink Flex is the successor to the previous generation’s SoundLink Micro. And, like its predecessor, it is well-built. The IP67 certification protects it against water and dust damage. Surprisingly, it can float on water.
Despite being a tough speaker, it is lightweight and portable. It only weighs 1.23lb and takes up little space, making it ideal for carrying on a trekking excursion. Simultaneously, the smooth silicone exterior absorbs the impact of slight bumps and falls. While the silicone coating provides a smooth appearance, it also draws dust and lint.
It’s a versatile gadget that can be propped up or laid on its back. Surprisingly, the PositionIQ technology adjusts the audio output based on positioning. And it will balance the sound regardless of where it is placed.
Unfortunately, Bose has used an earlier version of Bluetooth for communication. For the time being, the SoundLink Flex is equipped with Bluetooth 4.2. Bluetooth 5.1 or Bluetooth 5.2 is now available in portable speakers.
So that’s a setback for SoundLink Flex. CNET, on the other hand, believed that the connectivity was stable and that the speaker seldom dropped the connection
The JBL Flip 6 resembles its predecessor, the JBL Flip 5. It has the same cylindrical shape as before, with plastic bumpers on both sides. Except for the spine, which houses the Power button, the grille wraps around the gadget. It also includes a loop. There is, however, no clip to secure it.
The Flip 6 is ‘nearly’ as light as its predecessor. In terms of weight, it is around 1.12 lbs and can be easily transported in a tote bag or outdoor bag.
JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex Apps
The SoundLink Flex, like other portable speakers, comes with a smart companion app. Bose Connect, the companion app, adds a few new capabilities, such as Party Mode and Voice Prompts. The former allows you to easily connect the speaker to other Bose speakers for a more powerful sound. The good news is that the Party Mode may be activated directly from the speaker.
The JBL speaker also includes the JBL Portable app. It, too, has a PartyBoost Mode, like its predecessor. You may increase the volume output by pairing it with another JBL speaker. It should be noted, however, that it will only transition to stereo when paired with a JBL speaker of the same generation.
JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex Battery Life
The JBL Flip 6 and SoundLink Flex are outdoor speakers. As a result, longer battery life on these portable Bluetooth speakers is appropriate. Fortunately, JBL and Bose included a sizable battery with these speakers.
The SoundLink Flex has 12-hour battery life. It should stay that long if you don’t play music at a high level and have a solid connection. Simultaneously, USB-C charging expedites the charging process. In terms of numbers, a complete charge takes only 4 hours.
Conclusion: JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex [2022 Review]
Both speakers are excellent, so the choice is eventually yours. We hope you liked our JBL Flip 6 vs Bose Soundlink Flex review and it was helpful.