JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - Black Camo
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AI Verdict
This is a tough, waterproof, and surprisingly loud speaker for casual outdoor use, but it's not for anyone who needs an aux port or wants to make calls.
For its price band, the Flip 5 is a fantastic grab-and-go speaker. It nails the essentials for most people: it's tough, fully waterproof, and gets loud enough for a small gathering. The lack of an aux port and microphone are conscious trade-offs for simplicity and improved durability.
If you need an aux port or a built-in microphone for calls, look for an older model like the JBL Flip 4 or a speaker specifically advertised with speakerphone capabilities.
Regret Score™
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Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
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Pros
- IPX7 waterproof rating means it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- Delivers surprisingly loud sound and punchy bass for its compact size.
- Real-world battery life is solid, with many users getting 8-10 hours at party-level volumes.
- Durable fabric and rugged rubber housing can handle being dropped or tossed in a bag.
- Charges via a modern USB-C port, which takes about 2.5 hours for a full charge.
Cons
- No 3.5mm aux input, so it's Bluetooth-only for audio playback.
- Lacks a built-in microphone, so you can't use it as a speakerphone for calls.
- Uses PartyBoost for linking speakers, which is not backward-compatible with older JBL speakers using Connect+.
- Sound is mono, not stereo, as it uses a single driver.
- Some users report audio distortion at maximum volume.
Dimension Scores
Sound is clear and well-balanced for its size, though it's a mono speaker, not stereo.
It gets surprisingly loud for a small speaker and delivers punchy bass that users frequently praise.
It uses a dated Bluetooth 4.2 and lacks both an aux port and a microphone, which limits its versatility.
The IPX7 waterproof rating and durable, compact design make it an excellent, worry-free travel companion.
Best For
- Beach days, pool parties, or kayaking, thanks to its IPX7 waterproof rating.
- Casual listening in the backyard or at a campsite.
- Use in the shower or bathroom.
- Tossing in a bag for a day trip where portability is key.
Not Recommended For
- Connecting to older devices like iPods or PCs that require a 3.5mm aux cable.
- Users who need a speakerphone for hands-free calls.
- Anyone who owns older JBL speakers and wants to link them together using Connect+.
Watch Out For
- No backward compatibility: The PartyBoost feature won't connect to your older JBL speakers that use Connect or Connect+.
- No microphone inside: You can't take phone calls on it, which the previous Flip 4 could do.
- Strictly Bluetooth audio: There is no 3.5mm aux jack, which can be a dealbreaker if you want to connect a non-Bluetooth device.
- PartyBoost can be finicky: Some users report that the PartyBoost feature doesn't work when the speaker is connected to a computer, only a phone.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 050036372060 |
| ASIN | B085L33PPB |
| Brand | JBL |
| Color | Black Camouflage |
| Shape | rectangular prism |
| Style | Flip 5 |
| Material | Rubber |
| Set Name | Black Camouflage |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. |
| Model Name | Flip 5 |
| Item Weight | 1.19 pounds |
| Manufacturer | JBL |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Speaker Size | 12 Inches |
| Speaker Type | Outdoor |
| Charging Time | 12 Hours |
| Input Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Is Waterproof | TRUE |
| Mounting Type | Freestanding |
| Series Number | 5 |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Bluetooth Range | 33 Feet |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Bass Boost, Lightweight, Portable, Stereo Pairing, Waterproof |
| Woofer Diameter | 10 Centimeters |
| Battery Capacity | 4800 Milliamp Hours |
| Tweeter Diameter | 0.75 Inches |
| Audio Driver Type | Dynamic Driver |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Item model number | JBLFLIP5BCAMOAM |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone, Tablet |
| Frequency Response | 20 KHz |
| Number Of Circuits | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 2.71"D x 7.12"W x 2.91"H |
| Subwoofer Diameter | 90 Centimeters |
| Included Components | JBL Flip 5 speaker, charging cable, charger |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. |
| Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Number of Power Levels | 1 |
| Water Resistance Level | Waterproof |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth, wireless |
| Specific Uses For Product | Tablet |
| Recommended Uses For Product | For Smartphones or Tablets |
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 20 Watts |
| Subwoofer Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth |
| Surround Sound Channel Configuration | 5.0 |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising thing about the Flip 5 is how much sound it pumps out of such a small, tough package. It's the speaker you can toss in a bag, drop on the ground, or get soaked at the pool without a second thought. The bass radiators on the ends are fun to watch and the sound is genuinely impressive for casual listening. However, JBL made some cuts that are hard to ignore. They removed the 3.5mm aux jack and the microphone, so it's purely a Bluetooth speaker for music, no calls or wired connections. The biggest headache for existing JBL fans is the switch to 'PartyBoost,' which won't link up with your older 'Connect+' speakers.
“i literally kicked it into a lake by accident and it was at the bottom for 5 minutes and it was STILL PLAYING when we fished it out. jbl for life now lol”
Common Praise
- It's impressively loud and has good bass for how small it is.
- The IPX7 waterproofing is the real deal; it can handle being submerged.
- Battery life is solid for a full day's outing, often lasting 8+ hours at good volume.
- The build quality feels very durable and can withstand drops and rough use.
- Bluetooth connection is stable and easy to pair with a phone.
Common Complaints
- The lack of a 3.5mm aux port is a major disappointment for connecting to non-Bluetooth devices.
- No built-in microphone means you can't use it as a speakerphone.
- PartyBoost isn't compatible with older JBL speakers using Connect+, forcing a fresh start if you want to link speakers.
- Audio is mono, not stereo, because it only has one main driver.
- Can experience some sound distortion at the highest volume levels.
Ownership Tips
- After a few months, you'll notice the battery life isn't quite 12 hours if you play it loud, it's more like 8-9 hours, which is still pretty good.
- The exposed USB-C port is waterproof, but you'll want to make sure it's completely dry before plugging it in to charge.
- The cylindrical shape means it can roll away on uneven surfaces if you're not careful.
- Over time, the battery may degrade, taking longer to charge and not holding a charge as long.
- Bluetooth can sometimes cut out if there's a lot of wireless interference from things like Wi-Fi routers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the JBL Flip 5 have an aux input?
No, the JBL Flip 5 does not have a 3.5mm aux input. It connects to devices exclusively through Bluetooth.
Can I use the JBL Flip 5 to answer phone calls?
No, the Flip 5 does not have a built-in microphone, so it cannot be used as a speakerphone for calls.
Is the JBL Flip 5 really waterproof?
Yes, it has an IPX7 rating, which means it can be fully submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Users have reported it surviving being kicked into a lake.
What is the actual battery life?
JBL claims up to 12 hours, but real-world usage at moderate to high volume is typically around 8-10 hours. This is usually enough for a full day of use.
Can the Flip 5 connect to a JBL Flip 4?
No, the Flip 5 uses the new PartyBoost technology, while the Flip 4 uses Connect+. The two systems are not compatible with each other.
Can I play music through the USB-C port?
There is an unofficial, undocumented method to play audio from a computer via the USB-C cable by putting the speaker into a service mode, but it is not a supported feature.
Does the camo pattern affect the sound?
No, the pattern is purely cosmetic. However, one user on a forum humorously suggested the black version has more bass than other colors.
Buying Guide
When you're buying a small portable speaker, you're balancing three things: sound, durability, and features. The Flip 5 prioritizes sound and durability. It's loud for its size and it's built to get wet and take a beating. The trade-off is features — it's a simple, one-trick pony. It only plays music over Bluetooth, that's it.
IPX7 Waterproof
This means you can fully submerge the speaker in about 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. You don't have to worry about rain, splashes, or even dropping it in the pool.
20 Watts Output Power
This is a measure of how loud it can get. For a small speaker, 20W is quite a punch and is enough to fill a room or be heard over the noise at a small outdoor gathering.
PartyBoost
This is JBL's name for their feature that lets you wirelessly connect multiple speakers. You can either make two speakers a stereo pair (left and right channels) or have 100+ speakers all playing the same thing. Crucially, it doesn't work with older JBL speakers.
No Aux Input
This means you can't plug in a device with a standard headphone cable. If your music is on an old iPod or you want to connect to a computer without Bluetooth, you're out of luck.
Alternatives
If this isn't quite right, search for portable speakers that specifically mention having a '3.5mm aux input' for wired connections or a 'built-in microphone' or 'speakerphone' for taking calls.
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