JBL Flip 7 vs JBL Flip 6: Should you flip to the newest model?

The JBL Flip series has been a staple in the portable Bluetooth speaker market for years, with each new generation bringing subtle yet meaningful improvements. We spent two weeks with the JBL Flip 7 and compared it to our long-term Flip 6 test unit to see if the latest model is worth the upgrade.

Editor’s note: this article was published on March 11, 2025, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the JBL Flip 7 compared to the Flip 6?

At first glance, the JBL Flip 7 looks nearly identical to its predecessor. Both sport the familiar cylindrical shape that has become synonymous with the Flip line and share very similar dimensions. The Flip 7 has a slight size and weight increase, but it is barely noticeable in day-to-day use.

Where the Flip 7 starts to distinguish itself is in durability and design refinements. While the Flip 6 already boasted an IP67 rating (waterproof and dustproof), the Flip 7 steps up to IP68, allowing for submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes (compared to the Flip 6’s 1-meter limit). JBL has also reinforced the rubber bumpers that protect the passive radiators, making them slightly longer and thicker. According to JBL, this makes the Flip 7 “drop-proof” from a height of one meter onto concrete.

Perhaps the most visible design change is the new carrying attachment system. The Flip 6 uses a basic string loop, while the Flip 7 features JBL’s new “PushLock” system with an included carabiner and a small loop attachment. This makes it easier to clip the speaker onto a bag or hang it on a branch or tent while camping.

Both speakers use the same durable fabric covering that has proven to hold up well against the elements. They also retain the exposed passive radiators at each end that vibrate as they pump out that bass.

How do you control the JBL Flip 7 and Flip 6?

The Flip 7’s control layout has been rearranged. While both speakers feature raised playback buttons, the Flip 7 has separated the controls into two sections and notably replaces the PartyBoost button with an Auracast button. This reflects JBL’s shift to the new Auracast connection standard, which means the Flip 7 can only link up with other Auracast-compatible JBL speakers (like the Xtreme 4, Go 4, or Clip 5) and is not backwards compatible with the Flip 6’s PartyBoost.

JBL Flip 7 Controls:

JBL Flip 6 Controls:

• Power button: Press once to power on/off
• Bluetooth button: Press once to enter pairing mode
• PartyBoost button: Press once to enable PartyBoost mode with other compatible JBL speakers
• Play button: Play/Pause (1x), Next track (2x), Previous track (3x)
• Volume + and – buttons: Adjust volume

Both speakers lack a built-in microphone, so neither can be used for phone calls.

Should you use the apps of either JBL Flip 7 or Flip 6?

Both speakers use the JBL Portable app (available for iOS and Android), which is definitely worth downloading for either model. The app provides access to firmware updates, toggles feedback tones, and manages speaker pairing.

The most significant difference is in the equalizer options. The Flip 6 offers a basic 3-band EQ (lows, mids, highs), while the Flip 7 upgrades to a more comprehensive 7-band customizable EQ. This gives Flip 7 users much more control over sound customization, allowing for more precise adjustments to fit personal preferences or optimize for specific music genres.

The Flip 7 app also includes a new “PlayTime Boost” feature that claims to extend battery life by an additional two hours. However, this feature achieves this by reducing bass frequencies, which noticeably impacts sound quality.

Both apps allow you to pair two of the same model speakers for stereo playback, but remember that the Flip 7’s Auracast feature isn’t compatible with the Flip 6’s PartyBoost.

How do the JBL Flip 7 and Flip 6 connect?

The Flip 7 upgrades to Bluetooth 5.4 from the Flip 6’s Bluetooth 5.1, which should improve connection stability and range. Both speakers support Bluetooth multipoint, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously, but neither remembers a list of devices—you’ll need to manually reconnect each time.

The standout connectivity feature exclusive to the Flip 7 is audio over USB, including support for lossless playback from compatible services like Apple Music or Tidal. This gives the Flip 7 a significant edge for those who prioritize audio quality, though, as with any compact speaker, the real-world benefits of lossless audio may be subtle.

Neither model includes an auxiliary input—a feature last seen on the JBL Flip 4. Both speakers only support the basic SBC Bluetooth codec, with no support for higher-quality codecs like AAC or aptX.

Is battery life better on the JBL Flip 7 or Flip 6?

On paper, the Flip 7 appears to have better battery life, claiming 16 hours compared to the Flip 6’s 12 hours. However, there’s a catch—those last two hours on the Flip 7 require activating the “PlayTime Boost” feature, which significantly reduces bass to conserve power. Under normal operation with good sound quality, the Flip 7 effectively offers just over 13 hours.

In comparison, the Flip 6 lasted 9 hours and 25 minutes at 75dB SPL in our testing, falling short of its claimed 12 hours of playback time.

Both speakers charge via USB-C, with neither including a power adapter in the box. Neither offers any fast charging capabilities, so you’ll need to plan ahead for longer listening sessions.

Does the JBL Flip 7 sound better than the Flip 6?

Based on objective Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) testing, the Flip 7 and Flip 6 offer similar overall sound quality, with only slight differences in specific areas:

The most significant improvement is in the Distortion score, where the Flip 7 (3.5) substantially outperforms the Flip 6 (2.5), suggesting cleaner audio reproduction with less unwanted noise. The Flip 6 scores slightly better in both Timbre and Immersiveness, which is interesting considering both are mono speakers. The overall scores remain very close, with the Flip 7 edging out by just 0.1 points. These are both solid results for a mono Bluetooth speaker of this size.

To our ears, both speakers follow JBL’s characteristic signature sound with good bass response for their size. However, due to their mono design, they both struggle with instrument separation and localizability. On complex, layered tracks, multiple elements can become somewhat muddled as they compete in the same space.

The most substantial advantage for the Flip 7 is its 7-band EQ in the JBL Portable app, compared to the Flip 6’s basic 3-band EQ. This gives Flip 7 users much more control to fine-tune the sound to their preferences. With the Flip 7, we found that reducing the 1kHz slider helped achieve better sound for rock music while boosting the 125Hz slider revealed additional bass strength that improved the kick drum and bass guitar impact.

Should you get the JBL Flip 7 or Flip 6?

For current Flip 6 owners, the upgrade to the Flip 7 isn’t essential unless you are interested in specific new features like the improved carrying system or lossless audio. The sound quality differences alone probably don’t justify the upgrade.

For new buyers, the Flip 7 offers a more future-proof option with its newer connection standard and slightly better overall package. Still, if it’s significantly more expensive in your region, the Flip 6 remains an excellent choice.

What should you get instead of the JBL Flip 7 and Flip 6?

If you’re looking for alternatives to both the Flip 7 and Flip 6, consider these options:

• JBL Charge 6 ($199 at Amazon): A larger option from JBL with more powerful sound, longer battery life, and many of the same features as the Flip 7, including the 7-band EQ, improved durability, and lossless audio over USB. It also includes a detachable handle for easier carrying.
• Anker Soundcore Boom 2 ($89.99 at Amazon): A more affordable alternative that adds some fun with built-in LED lights on its passive radiators. It offers a customizable sound and even includes a USB-A port for charging your devices, though its exterior is primarily hard plastic rather than fabric.
• Bose SoundLink Flex ($149 at Amazon): If immersive sound is your priority, the Bose SoundLink Flex offers better spatial performance than either JBL model, with a unique design that automatically optimizes sound based on the speaker’s orientation.
• JBL Clip 5 ($79.95 at Amazon): If portability is your main concern, the smaller JBL Clip 5 maintains much of the Flip series’ durability while being even more compact and including a built-in carabiner.

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