A leader in the portable speaker market, JBL offers several iconic ranges, including the JBL Grip, Flip 7 and Charge 6, which share a sound signature but have distinct features. This comparison aims to identify which model is best suited to the needs of each music lover.
Shared DNA
JBL portable speakers stand out in the market for their dynamic sound reproduction. All the brand’s speakers are at ease when it comes to bass and offer excellent low-end performance, given their compact size.
But beyond this ability to reproduce tight, deep bass, the JBL Grip, Flip 7 and Charge 6 speakers are also praised for their tonal balance, vocal clarity, powerful bass and tonal balance.
The JBL Grip, Flip 7 and Charge 6 speakers also share a robust IP68-certified design. These portable models are therefore highly resistant to water and dust. Their design is also easily identifiable, with a woven mesh finish and shock-absorbing silicone reinforcements.
Bluetooth connectivity and Auracast compatibility
Of course, in terms of technology, the JBL Charge 6, Grip and Flip 7 speakers also share features, starting with their Bluetooth 5.4 chip. The latter supports standard SBC and AAC codecs.
But the real strength of JBL’s range of portable speakers lies in their Auracast compatibility. The JBL Flip 7, Charge 6 and Grip support this wireless protocol, enabling stereo or mono daisy-chaining between different compatible devices. This means that music lovers can connect two Auracast-compatible JBL speakers for a party, filling a large living room with sound and getting the dance floor going, for example.
JBL Grip: the portable mini-speaker
The JBL Grip is the most compact of the American manufacturer’s three portable speakers. With an autonomy of 14 hours and a featherweight of just 385g, it’s the ultimate nomadic solution. The JBL Grip slips easily into a backpack for a weekend away, or to enjoy music during a day outdoors. It also features an integrated light panel, reminiscent of the light effects of the famous JBL PartyBox party speakers.
In terms of sound, this pocket-sized speaker features a 43 x 80 full-range driver powered by an amplifier module delivering up to 16 watts. With its pocket format (65 x 152mm) and fabric clip for carabiner attachment, the JBL Grip is easy to carry. This makes it ideal for music lovers looking for a compact, portable device.
JBL Flip 7: the versatile portable speaker
The JBL Flip 7 portable Bluetooth speaker fits between the ultra-compact Grip model and the JBL Charge 6. This speaker is all about versatility and flexibility. In addition to its robust design, which it shares with the brand’s other models, this speaker comes with a strap and carabiner. These two accessories, interchangeable in the blink of an eye, enhance the speaker’s adaptability. It can easily be attached to a backpack for a camping weekend.
The JBL Flip 7 portable speaker also promises more precise and detailed sound reproduction than the JBL Grip, thanks to its larger size (70 x 182mm), which allows for the integration of two drivers. A 0.6″ tweeter is combined with a 45 x 80mm midbass driver, all supported by a 35 watt (10 + 25W) bi-amplification system.
Another special feature of the JBL Flip 7 speaker is its powered USB-C audio port, which supports lossless audio playback up to 24-bit/96kHz. Among this selection, it’s the only model compatible with wired audio playback. It can therefore be paired with a smartphone or audiophile walkman, for example. Last but not least, its battery provides up to 16 hours of music. It’s an ideal compromise for music lovers looking for a portable speaker without compromising audio quality.
- Read more: JBL Flip 7, more robust and more durable!
JBL Charge 6: ultra-long battery life
The JBL Charge 6 model is at the top of this range, thanks to a larger format that optimizes sound reproduction and incorporates a more powerful battery. With its 20mm tweeter supported by a 53 x 93mm midbass driver, it delivers a fuller sound that’s equally at home indoors or out. Its amplifier module delivers up to 45 watts of power.
Its battery life also takes a leap forward compared to the Grip and Flip 7 models, since the JBL Charge 6 can play music for up to 28 hours. Its practical USB-C charging port is also a powerbank. This way, you can recharge a smartphone even when you’re in the garden or away from home. Finally, the JBL Charge 6 portable Bluetooth speaker comes with a removable carrying handle. The latter can be adjusted to two positions or removed from the speaker, depending on the needs or aesthetic tastes of music lovers. This makes the speaker the ideal solution for traveling and long outdoor listening sessions.
JBL portable speakers: key features
| JBL Grip | JBL Flip 7 | JBL Charge 6 | |
| Amplification | 16W | 35W | 45W |
| Drivers | 43 x 80mm | 16mm + 45 x 80mm | 20mm + 53 x 93mm |
| Frequency response | 70Hz to 20kHz | 60Hz to 20kHz | 56Hz to 20kHz |
| Battery life | 14 hours | 16 hours | 28 hours |
| Included accessories | ❌ | Removable strap and carabiner | Removable strap |
| Dimensions (wxhxd) | 64 x 152 x 65mm | 182.5 x 69.5 x 71.5mm | 228.8 x 98.5 x 94mm |
| Weight | 385g | 560g | 960g |
| Price | €99 | €129 | €199 |
Summary
A benchmark in the portable Bluetooth speaker market, JBL offers a coherent, high-performance range capable of meeting every need. From the compact Grip to the enduring Charge 6, via the Flip 7, the American brand retains a notable technological edge, thanks in particular to Auracast compatibility, despite the arrival of new competitors such as Hisense, who are energizing a rapidly evolving market.
