The JBL Flip 4 is waterproof to IPX7 standards.
JBLI spend quite a bit of my time reviewing expensive and high-end audio gear. Often they are very nice pieces of kit that you'd love to have in your home but not everyone has the cash or the desire to spend a lot of money on audio. Personally, I like nothing better than a real bargain. It’s incredible satisfying when you can recommend something that not only sounds good, but is really affordable too.
My latest bargain comes from Harman, the US electronics company that owns the JBL speaker brand. For a while now, JBL has been marketing affordable wireless Bluetooth speakers and it’s just upped its game with the Flip 4; the latest addition to the Flip range.
The Flip 4 is a waterproof stereo Bluetooth speaker that measures just 175mm in length and 70mm in diameter. Inside are two 40mm drivers, each delivering 8 watts of power. The built-in rechargeable 3000mAh battery offers up to 12 hours of use (depending on volume) and takes around three hours to recharge. There’s a Micro-USB port to recharge the Flip 4 and a 3.5mm input so you can connect up older gear that hasn't got Bluetooth capability. The Flip 4 isn't supplied with a charger, as any old USB charger will do, but there is a charging lead. Unlike its chunkier sibling, the JBL Charge 3, you can’t use the Flip 4 as a power bank to recharge or power your smartphone.
When it comes to build-quality, the JBL Flip 4 feels really robust and it’s waterproof to IPX7 standards, which means you can throw it into a swimming pool and it will be just fine although it doesn't float. Unless you’re a good diver, I’d suggest not throwing it into a swimming pool but it will be just fine in the rain or even where it might get splashed a bit.
Connecting the Flip 4 to a smartphone is simple. Like most Bluetooth devices just press the Bluetooth button and then find the Flip 4 on your phone’s Bluetooth control panel, and away you go. There’s also a feature called JBL Connect that you can control through a downloadable app. JBL Connect enables up to 100 Flip 4s to be connected at once for a really deafening poolside party.
When it comes to output, the Flip 4 is surprisingly loud. On paper its frequency response doesn’t look too great and it’s definitely got less bass than its larger and more expensive stable mate, the JBL Charge 3. However, what the Flip 4 might lack in gut-rumbling bass, it more than makes up for in clarity. At the top end of the music range the Flip 4 articulates vocals with exceptional clarity. For the spoken word it’s brilliant. I wouldn't want you to think that the Flip 4 is lacking in bass, it’s just not as thumpy and unsubtle as some speakers that are tuned to the lower end; a feature that’s apparently more popular with younger people.
As well as playing your music, the JBL Flip 4 works as a speakerphone for taking calls and is therefore a handy little tool for conference calls. There’s also Voice Assistant Integration so that you can use the Flip 4 with Apple’s Siri or Google Now commands.
Verdict
The JBL Flip 4 has to be one of the best little Bluetooth speakers money can buy. It’s perfect for taking on business trips and holidays. There’s enough power for a whole day’s listening and the rugged build quality means it should stand up well to life on the road. The bass is ample while the clarity at the upper end of the range is stunning. The waterproof feature makes it ideal for using poolside or in the bathroom. My only criticism is that I’d like to see a carrying case included.
Prices: £119.99 / $99.95 / €139
More info: JBL.com
General Specifications
- Bluetooth version: 4.2
- Support: A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.6, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2
- Transducer: 2 x 40mm
- Output power: 2 x 8W
- Frequency response: 70Hz – 20kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: ≥80dB
- Battery type: Lithium-ion polymer (3.7V, 3000mAh)
- Battery charge time: 3.5 hours @ 5V1A
- Music playing time: up to 12 hours (varies by volume level and audio content)
- Weight: 515g
- Dimensions: (H x W x D)68 x 175 x 70 (mm)
- Colours: Black, Blue, Grey, Red, Teal, White
