JBL Flip 6 vs Bose SoundLink Flex

It’s no secret that JBL is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, but other companies have their hat in the ring. Bose, for example, is more than just over-ear noise canceling headphones. They also offer a variety of comparable Bluetooth speakers, most notably its portable SoundLink Flex speaker. In this JBL Flip 6 vs. Bose SoundLink Flex article, I’ll outline the differences between these two popular on-the-go speakers, now getting close to three years old, to see which one is right for you to buy in 2024.

Editor’s note: This is the first version of this article, which was published on August 21st, 2024. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the JBL Flip 6 compared to the Bose SoundLink Flex?

The JBL Flip 6 and the Bose SoundLink Flex are marketed to roughly the same crowd: any listener who wants a portable Bluetooth speaker designed to withstand travel and the great outdoors—a speaker you can bring to the beach, a campsite, or just the backyard.

The Soundlink Flex features a relatively flat rectangular shape and is the heavier of the two units, at 589g, but not by much. The more cylindrical Flip 6 weighs 544g. Either speaker is easily packed for a weekend getaway and will only take up a little room in your backpack.

With IP67 protection ratings, meaning both these speakers are dustproof and waterproof, an attachment strap, and a robust build, either speaker is up to keeping you and some friends entertained, regardless of venue or the weather.

How do you control the JBL Flip 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex?

While the Flip 6 and SoundLink Flex operate via physical control buttons, I’m giving this round to the Flip 6. Its playback buttons are easy to distinguish thanks to their shape and raised design. The power and Bluetooth buttons are recessed and nicely backlit on the back of the unit, which is, again, easy to find.

The SoundLink Flex features a single row of controls with only a tiny white LED light beside the power and Bluetooth button. All buttons have a fairly mushy feeling, not exactly the satisfying click you get when controlling the JBL, knowing your command has registered. While a set of small raised bumps lets you find the multi-function button to play, pause, and skip tracks, they could be more prominent. It’s easy to miss and hit the surrounding volume buttons instead of by accident.

One feature the SoundLink Flex does offer over the Flip 6 when it comes to controls is access to your voice assistant. Hold down the middle multi-function button to access Siri, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa if that’s your style.

Should you use the apps of either JBL Flip 6 or Bose SoundLink Flex?

Downloading and installing either speaker’s companion app has advantages, but it certainly is optional for daily use. The JBL Portable app offers a 3-band EQ to personalize the sound of your Flip 6, which I have always been a fan of. The Bose Connect app does not, which is disappointing. If you want to fine-tune the sound of your SoundLink Flex speaker, you’ll have to use your streaming service EQ or a third-party option.

Both apps also allow you to pair a second identical speaker for stereo performance, link up with other like-branded speakers, and access any available firmware updates.

How do the JBL Flip 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex connect?

Even though these speakers are roughly the same age, the Flip 6 connects to your device via Bluetooth 5.1, but the SoundLink Flex uses Bluetooth 4.2. Either way, both units are SBC only but still support multipoint connection if you and a friend want to take turns cueing your favorite tunes.

Is battery life better on the JBL Flip 6 or Bose SoundLink Flex?

Bose takes the cake in this round. While both the Flip 6 and the SoundLink Flex advertise 12 hours of playback on a single charge, in our testing, designed to emulate actual world use, the SoundLink Flex lasted almost precisely 11 hours and 59 minutes. The Flip 6, unfortunately, only made it to 9 hours and 25 minutes. It’s still a decent run time, but it’s different from what was advertised.

Does the JBL Flip 6 sound better than the Bose SoundLink Flex?

Listening to “Just Like Paradise” by David Lee Roth, comparing these speakers side by side in their stock form, it’s clear the SoundLink Flex has a more substantial bass response, a slight dip in the mid-frequencies, and a bump in the high-end. The kick drum on this track is more pronounced than the Flip 6, and you can hear all the eccentric details of David Lee Roth’s signature animated vocal performance a little easier.

Switching back to the Flip 6, there is a noticeable bump in the mid-range, making this track’s snare sound a little different than I’m used to hearing. That same vocal performance is now sitting front and center, slightly overpowering the mix, and lacks the same treble-related clarity as when listening on the SoundLink Flex.

In its stock form, the SoundLink Flex sounds better to my ears than the Flip 6. However, this is where the companion app and 3-band customizable EQ come in handy. Tweaking the available sliders increases the Flip 6’s low-end response to match. Not to mention, I can reduce the mids and boost the treble for a more familiar snare drum tone and vocal performance on this 80s rock anthem. Just like that, I have two similar performing and sounding Bluetooth speakers.

That said, it’s worth noting that the Flip 6 offers 30W of output, compared to the SoundLink Flex, which offers 20W. Cranking both these speakers up, the Flip 6 can get a little louder than the SoundLink Flex, but not by much. Regardless, playing music at these volumes or anything past roughly 70% volume from my phone, both speakers’ DSP kicks in to prevent the whole unit from distorting, resulting in a decrease in bass frequencies and some rather harsh mid-frequencies.

Should you get the JBL Flip 6 or Bose SoundLink Flex?

Overall, the JBL Flip 6 and Bose SoundLink are comparable speakers that share many valuable features, including decent sound quality. The Flip 6 has the slight advantage of the 3-band EQ, but I found myself using it to make the speaker sound closer to the SoundLink Flex’s sound.

It honestly comes down to personal preference. If you already own other Bose speakers or JBL speakers, I recommend sticking with the same brand so you can link up with your existing speakers and rock out with more room-filling power when needed. As mentioned, either of these durable speakers is up to the task of keeping your guests entertained, whether you’re at the beach or in your basement. Whatever you decide on, a bonus to these speakers being a few years old is that you can often find them on sale. Keep an eye out!

What should you get instead of the JBL Flip 6 and Bose SoundLink Flex?

Sporting a very similar design to the SoundLink Flex, I recommend checking out the Anker Soundcore Motion 300. ($79.99 at Amazon) It’s also designed to perform in three different positions, but the real advantage is its companion app. The Soundcore app offers a variety of EQ options, including a full-band customizable EQ. It’s also less expensive than the Flip 6 or SoundLink Flex at an affordable $79.95.

However, if you prefer the more cylindric design of the JBL Flip 6, the Sony ULT Filed 1 ($129.99 at Amazon) is worth a look. This durable IP67-rated speaker is also drop-proof and ready for the road, thanks to its robust bumper protection around the passive radiators. This unit provides a decent low-end response with ULT mode engaged but still offers a 3-band customizable EQ via the Sony companion app.

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