JBL Flip 7 vs Charge 6: Which Bluetooth Speaker Should You Buy?

Two top speakers but which JBL Bluetooth Speaker is right for you?

FAQS & Tutorials - Updated 11th April 2025

JBL Flip 7 vs Charge 6: Which Bluetooth Speaker Should You Buy?

Written By

Lui Gazzard

JBL Charge 6 vs Flip 7: 3 Key Differences Explained

JBL’s Bluetooth speakers are some of the most popular on the market, and for good reason. Known for their rugged design, reliable battery life, and punchy sound, they have a competitive lineup with options at different price points.

The JBL Flip 7 and JBL Charge 6 are two of the brand’s most exciting 2025 releases — both landing in April 2025 and already receiving 5-star reviews from What Hi-Fi?

While these two speakers share a lot of the same DNA, there are some key differences th at could make one better suited to your needs than the other. Is the Charge 6 worth the extra money? Or is the Flip 7 the smart buy for you? In this guide, we’ll break down the key need to knows to find the best Bluetooth speaker for you.

	JBL Flip 7	JBL Charge 6
Price	RRP £129.99 (see latest offers)	RRP £169.99 (see latest offers)
Size (W x H x D)	182.5 x 69.5 x 71.5 mm	228.8 x 98.5 x 94 mm
Weight	550g	960g
Transducer	45 x 80 mm woofer, 16 mm tweeter	53 mm x 93 mm woofer, 20 mm tweeter
Power Output	35W (25W for woofer, 10W for tweeter)	40W (30W for woofer, 10W for tweeter)
IP Rating	IP68	IP68
Bluetooth	5.4	5.4
Battery Life	Up to 14 hours (16 hrs with Playtime Boost)	Up to 24 hours (28 hrs with Playtime Boost)
Powerbank	No	Yes
Multi-Speaker Support	Auracast	Auracast

Shop JBL Flip 7

Shop JBL Charge 6

JBL Flip 7 vs Charge 6: Key Similarities

Now before we dive into the differences, there are some new features and upgrades that these speakers have in common.

Both the Flip 7 and Charge 6 offer rugged durability with an upgraded IP68 weatherproof rating, making them both dust-proof and waterproof in up to 1.5m of water for up to 30 minutes. They are also both certified drop-proof up to 1m, even on a concrete floor.

They’ve also stepped up in terms of connectivity, now featuring Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast, and USB-C lossless audio. Auracast allows you to pair multiple Auracast-enabled JBL speakers together, but it also means PartyBoost has been removed, so you won’t be able to connect a Flip 7 to a Flip 6, or a Charge 6 to a Charge 5.

Sounds-wise, both benefit from JBL’s new AI Sound Boost, which analyses your audio in real time to optimise the sound performance for more dynamic and distortion-free audio. Plus, with a new 7-band customisable EQ in the JBL portable app, you’ve got more control than ever over how your speaker sounds.

Both speakers sit in the middle of the JBL portable speaker lineup, below the larger Xtreme 4 and above the more compact Go 4 and Clip 5.

JBL Charge 6 and Flip 7 outside handheld

Key differences between JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6

1. Sound Performance

Both the JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6 feature AI Sound Boost, which optimises performance in real time. Each is a mono speaker with a single woofer, single tweeter and dual passive radiators, but they deliver very different sound performances.

The Charge 6 benefits from a bigger enclosure, which allows for greater volume, deeper bass response, and more spacious sound overall. With a larger woofer and tweeter and higher 40W output compared to the Flip 7’s 35W, it sounds fuller and deeper, especially in the bass. It also has a slightly wider frequency response, allowing it to reach further down in the low end for a richer listening experience.

In our testing, the Charge 6 handled more complex tracks more effectively, with better separation and clarity across instruments. At higher volumes, it maintains control and delivers a solid bass performance where smaller speakers often begin to thin out a bit.

The Flip 7 delivers a bright, energetic sound that works particularly well for vocals and podcasts. It’s impressively loud for its compact size and holds its own for casual listening, but physically it struggles to stand up to the low-end of the Charge 6. At louder volumes, the brighter sound can sound a bit harsh, especially in more complex tracks.

Verdict: Both speakers deliver a similar sound signature but on a different scale. The Flip 7 is punchy and dynamic, delivering a loud, fun sound that’s perfect for on-the- go use, personal listening and picnics in the park. But if you’re after more bass and a smoother performance at higher volumes, the Charge 6 pulls ahead - especially when you need your speaker to fill more space such as a garden or larger living area.

JBL Flip 7 and Charge 6 tabletop strap accessories

2. Design and portability

One of the most apparent differences between these two speakers is the form factor. While both feature JBL’s signature design and branding with the same rugged, fabric-wrapped build, they cater to different needs when it comes to size and portability.

The JBL Flip 7 is the lighter and more compact of the two, coming in almost half the weight of the Charge 6 and weighing just 0.57kg. This speaker has been designed for true portability and convenience. A new push-lock design lets you switch between a finger-loop strap and carabiner, making it easy to grab, clip onto a bag or carry around. It’s the type of speaker you can throw into a backpack without a second thought - ideal for holidays, festivals or daily commutes.

The Charge 6 is a larger and heavier speaker, weighing 0.96kg. It has a noticeably larger footprint though still qualifies as a portable speaker with a new-style carry strap. It’s still less “grab and go” and more of a speaker you’ll move around the house, into the garden or take on the occasional weekend away. It’s had some nice design upgrades too with a new 2 way strap design, redesigned rubber feet for added stability and the larger chassis gives it a sturdier, more substantial feel, which some users may prefer.

Verdict: Both speakers tick the box for durability, but the Flip 7 wins for out-and-out portability. If you’re after a lightweight, take anywhere speaker, it’s the obvious choice. But if you’re happy with a heavier and larger speaker that’s better suited for staying put and delivering more serious sound, the Charge 6 might be the winner for you.

JBL Charge 6 and Flip 7 black tabletop front

3. Battery life

Battery life is another area that benefits from the Charge 6’s larger chassis which allows room for a bigger battery. As a result, the Charge 6 delivers a much longer battery life with up to 24 hours of playback, up to 28 hours if you enable JBL’s Playtime Boost feature. The Flip 7 still delivers a solid 14 hour battery life, or up to 16 hours with Playtime Boost.

It’s worth noting that while JBL’s Playtime Boost feature is a great option for stretching battery life, it does come with a cost. To conserve energy, this mode drops the bass response, so while it's handy if you need a few extra hours, it won’t deliver the best audio experience.

The Flip 7 does offer a slightly faster recharge time of 2.5 hours, compared to 3 hours for the Charge 6, though neither offer a quick charge feature. However, the Charge 6 has a built-in power bank to charge your mobile devices. A useful feature if you need to top up your phone, though it will eat into that longer battery life.

Verdict: If battery life is a top priority, the Charge 6 wins hands down. That said, the Flip 7 still offers plenty of playtime and more than enough for a full day on the go.

Verdict: Should you buy the JBL Flip 7 or Charge 6?

Is the JBL Charge 6 worth the extra cost? On paper - absolutely. For the £40 step up in price, you get a bigger, bolder, better-sounding speaker with more power, deeper bass and a longer battery life - plus the addition of power bank functionality. The Charge 6 is a very solid option if you’re after a speaker you can move around your house, take out in the garden or power a party.

But it’s only worth the extra if that’s what you’re after. If you want a lightweight, travel-friendly speaker that’s easy to chuck in a bag, take on a hike or carry to the park, then the JBL Flip 7 is the better choice. It’s loud, fun, and packed with the same core features like Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast and customer EQ - all in a much more portable form factor.

Both are excellent speakers, but they’re built for different priorities. The Flip 7 wins for ultimate portability and convenience, the Charge 6 wins for power and stamina.

Shop JBL