02-07-2024 Update:

After multiple contacts with JBL Support, they were able to fix the JBL Portable app to allow for stereo playback on the Flip 5 speakers. Bravo! I still find the app to be clunky, but workable.

Original review:

I purchased 3 of these speakers over time, because they claim to be able to be used in stereo as well as "Party Mode". Party mode allows for multiple speakers (more than 2) to be connected to play music (non-stereo).

I installed the JBL Portable app to my iphone after purchasing my first speaker. It seemed to have no functionality at all. Not even an option to configure stereo or party mode.

After purchasing a second speaker, (for stereo), the first annoyance is the included ridiculous universal picto-style instructions, that don't really tell you how to connect the speakers together in party mode. There is no info on stereo connection provided at all. I then went to the JBL web site. The downloadable instructions are the same worthless info included in the box. I did a web search for instructions. JBL does provide instructions on how to connect 2 speakers for stereo, using the JBL Portable App.

I downloaded the JBL Portable app again. This time it allowed me to change the Bluetooth name for the speakers. This updated app also looked like it actually had a purpose, but I was wrong. It does nothing else useful. It will not simultaneously connect to two speakers. It just toggles back and forth between the two speakers, endlessly asking me to connect a speaker. It never gives any option for stereo or party mode. Trash-Ware!

The instructions provided by JBL on their website for stereo connection do not work and the app does not function properly.

I recently purchased a third speaker for use in a larger meeting room. Again, the app was useless beyond allowing me to rename the speakers.

I scrapped the app and spent 30 minutes trying to manually get 3 speakers connected for "Party Mode". I finally figured out the proper sequence of turning things on and pressing buttons to get 3 speakers playing together. Two speaker, true "Stereo Mode", just doesn't work.

I finally tried removing and re-installing the app. Same garbage app. So I'm stuck with playing mono on 1-3 speakers.

Adding insult to injury, the JBL speaker models are not cross compatible for stereo. So Flip 5 speakers will not work with Flip 4 or Flip 6 speakers in stereo mode. So if one of your JBL speakers goes bad, and that model is no longer available, you cannot purchase a newer or older model to get going in stereo again.

The engineers did a great job on the hardware. The speakers sound great for their size. Unfortunately this was crippled with useless software, that doesn't seem tested, and just does not work.

Small size BIG sound like the build sturdy surprised by the bass response highs are crisp and clean mids fill out the experience. So I ordered a 2nd one for the stereo effect. Here's where the flip 5 really shines pull up your eq settings and play with them for a custom sound however you'll find Leaving at normal settings just fine. I work in a shoe store bringing in my custom Amazon Music filling a 1400 Sq. ft space with clear music Pop, classical, salsa,country they all sound great even at low levels definitely worth the bucks...

As an audiophile on a budget, I'm always looking for speakers that deliver quality sound without breaking the bank. I decided to give the JBL Flip 5 a try based on its affordable price point and positive reviews. Here are my thoughts after testing it out:

Pros:

- Great value for the price. Impressive sound for under $100.
- Sturdy, rugged design that can take some drops and dings. Perfect for travel and outdoor use.
- Good battery life. Got about 8-10 hours of playtime on a single charge.
- Easy to connect and pair with devices via Bluetooth. Multiple JBL speakers can be linked up.
- Intuitive physical controls for power, volume, etc.
- Super portable and compact. Can go anywhere!

Cons:

- Sound lacks some detail and nuance, especially in the highs. Can get slightly distorted at max volume.
- Bass tone is a bit muddy and exaggerated. Not the most accurate.
- Performs best when placed near a wall/corner. Sound is not as full in open space.
- Mid-range frequencies are emphasized over lows and highs. Not the most balanced EQ.

Overall, the JBL Flip 5 punches above its weight given its affordable price point. While audiophiles may notice some limitations, it delivers very solid sound quality for everyday listening. The sturdy build and convenient portability make it a great option for an outdoor speaker. Just don't expect an extremely refined listening experience. But for the price, it's hard to beat. Hope this review helped!

There are some really nice portable speakers on the market now from Sonos, Marshall, Bose and more. Unfortunately some of them come with a price tag that is not easily digestible for all. This JBL is a good value in the sub $100 range.

Battery Life is good and it runs as long as we've ever needed it to. I haven't timed it, but maybe it has run out on us once or twice over long days at the beach. Bluetooth connectivity is easy and you can link multiple JBLs together in synch for a more cohesive experience. Speaker controls are intuitive and easy to operate. This is a well made speaker and it has survived most of what we have thrown at it. A big plus for this eco-green model is that it is made from 100% recycled plastic so you can reduce your environmental footprint while sounding good.

The sound tends to be slightly bass heavy and fuller across the mid range. Highs can get a little tinny at times depending on what you are listening to. Volume level is adequate, but starts to distort a little at full bore. The speaker does better when placed indoors near a corner where it can get a little help from the walls. This isn't the speaker for the classical music enthusiast seeking a lot of detail and nuance, but then again, there are compromises to be made at this price point. It does well with most all rock, pop, country, & hip-hop and therefore should be good for the masses.

For comparison, we also have a Sonos Roam. The JBL is our portable travel speaker - boat, beach, camping, etc. It is more rugged. The roam mostly lives around the house. The Roam has better sound quality, but doesn't get quite as loud as the JBL. Musical details on the roam are more nuanced and the bass is more accurate with a slightly wider frequency response. The roam also adds Sonos App & ecosystem support, WiFi streaming, wireless charging and voice assistant support (alexa, google, siri), but at twice the price, it isn't necessarily twice the speaker.

My husband bought one of these JBL flip 5 Bluetooth speakers when he was out of town working so his work crew could listen to music while working. Well when he came home I borrowed his to take to work, I am a nurse at a small nursing home and my residents love to listen to music they will come out of their rooms and sit at their doorways so they can hear my music from my flip 5 speaker that I sit on top of my med cart in the hallway and all my residents can hear such great quality music from such a little device. I will even dance in the hallway with them even if they are in wheelchairs or can stand. It is amazing what some good peppy music does for even the elderly people, I can see their whole attitudes change and the smiles on their faces are priceless. One resident that recently passed away from COVID, was sitting in her doorway months ago as I had my flip 5 on and music playing and I asked her who was her favorite musician or song and I like to fell out when this elderly Caucasian female said Michael Jackson and song was Billie Jean so I looked it up on my phone and played it for her and she was in a wheelchair but she still patted her foot to the music and tapped her hand and fingers on her table and at times I could hear her singing along and this made me so happy to do this for her we had a great time that Sunday afternoon and a memory I will never forget This awesome little cute speaker charges up quickly just a few hours and good to go and I have used mine for a whole 8 plus shift even if not playing music it would still be on and I have yet to hear any low battery beeps etc. My husband loves that they are waterproof because of him working outside in the dirt and rain. He said what sold him on buying one for him was a friend he worked with had one also and forgot his hanging on the basket on a line truck and the next morning he got it and had dirt and mud on it so he took it over to the water hose and washed it off and all the dirt and mud can completely off and the water didn't do anything to this flip 5 speaker he shook it as dry as he could get it then hung it back on his bucket on his line truck and turned it on and worked just as good as before. I say if u love music and love even sharing music with others this little speaker is highly recommended by me and my husband. It is simple to connect to his and my iPhones. The buttons on the speakers are very easy to press and can be easily seen on the speaker. Also the volume can be adjusted by my iPhone volume buttons too. It makes the cutest sound when connecting to my phone which tells me is is connected. Never had an issue with it disconnecting for no reason. The range is good that is the range that my cell phone is from the speaker never had an issue with that I play music on it and put my cell in my scrub pocket and I am up and down the hallways and in rooms with doors closed and music keeps playing. I can't think of one problem/issue or complaint about this JBL flip 5 speaker. Worth the money and my residents appreciate me spending this small amount of money for them to have some happiness in their day and I do too. My husband bought his from a person advertising a used one wanting to sell when he was up north working I think he bought his for $50 dollars but I always use my Amazon prime so in case I don't like something I buy or have an issue I can return free and free 2 day shipping. And not very much more did I pay here for mine. I got pink and it is a pale pink not bright pink. I like it. I don't know if my managers at the nursing home that I work at would care or not about me playing music over my speaker but even if they did I would probably still sneak and do it because of the reactions I get from my elderly confused residents the smiles on their faces is why I would go against what a manager tells me not to do and do it anyway. These residents don't get much joy to be honest esp since COVID and isolation since middle of March 2020. They are depressed because they can not see (except through a closed window in their rooms) and can not touch their loved ones we that work there and love everyone of our residents don't replace the touch and hugs ans kisses they would be getting from the people they love the most in this world their children and grandchildren and even great grandchildren we have had residents pass away and they and their families haven't seen or touched since COVID and these are precious memories they can never get back it is depressing to me and I play music to keep all our minds off this depressing situation we are in right now and this little speaker helps me do this and is powerful enough to be heard from my med cart all the way down hallways and inside rooms. So even the residents that are bedridden can still hear some good music. So if u like good quality sound that can come from a small well built Bluetooth speaker that won't break your wallet then please buy this one. It also has a rope handle that my husband uses to hang his off the side of his bucket and it be out of his way. He is a lineman and stands in a bucket with limited room up high off the ground sometimes all day long so the rope handle is strong enough to hang this Light weight speaker from a hook and no worries of it breaking. Also I have accidentally dropped my speaker out of my nursing bad onto the cement floor in the nursing home and scared me because I would have been sick if it had broke my awesome speaker but turned it on and worked as usual I dropped it outside in the parking lot and no issues. Hope my review helps you realize this speaker is a good buy and u will be happy u did buy this one. Thanks