The JBL Flip series, initially a project with uncertain prospects, has evolved into their most popular and best-selling portable speaker line. Now at model number 7, significant advancements have been made since its predecessor.
Design
JBL’s commitment to the cylindrical design, refined across seven iterations, is evident – and arguably justified. The chosen design language of the JBL Flip 7 is, in our assessment, a successful one. While the black variant projects a robust aesthetic, the white option conveys a sense of style and sophistication. The speaker’s top surface features six buttons for: Power, Play/Pause, Volume control, Bluetooth pairing, and multi-speaker connectivity via JBL Auracast, a feature also seen in products like the Creative Muvo Go. A key feature highlighted by JBL is the new Pushlock system. While perhaps somewhat overemphasized, it remains a practical solution, allowing for swapping the included wrist strap with accessories like the provided carabiner. Additional accessory options are anticipated in the future.
Performance
Despite its unassuming appearance, the speaker’s capabilities are noteworthy. Weighing just 560 grams, it achieves a battery life of up to 16 hours with a full charge time of approximately 2.5 hours. Its IP68 rating, currently an industry benchmark, signifies resistance to water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and complete dust protection, ensuring resilience in demanding environments. The bass output has been enhanced from 20W RMS to 25W RMS compared to the previous model, resulting in a more pronounced low-frequency response. JBL has also incorporated a custom-tuned sound profile and AI Sound Boost, which analyzes audio in real-time to dynamically optimize sound output.
JBL Portable
The companion app offers a user-friendly experience. Pairing occurs automatically after establishing a Bluetooth connection. Within the app, users can stereo-pair speakers, enable “Playtime Boost” to extend battery life, and utilize the equalizer. The equalizer stands out as a key feature, offering preset profiles like “Chill” and “JBL Signature.” However, the inclusion of a 7-channel customization mode, allowing for precise sound tailoring, is particularly valuable and often absent in comparable travel speakers. This feature enables users to fine-tune the sound for specific music genres, whether emphasizing the bass in Iron Maiden’s – Run to the Hills or accentuating the treble in Aerosmith’s – Dream On. This level of customization is a significant advantage.
Soundstage – JBL Flip 7
The JBL Flip 7’s sound quality is surprisingly impressive given its compact form factor. Its dimensions (182.5 x 69.5 x 71.5 mm) and weight (560 grams) classify it as a travel speaker. The power and clarity of the sound it delivers are remarkable. The Flip 7 offers an impressive audio experience across various music genres. The level of detail is surprisingly high for its size, providing instruments with greater presence and power compared to competitors like the Marshall Emberton III. This results in a more engaging and vibrant soundscape. The audio is presented in a structured and nuanced manner, with each element clearly defined, avoiding a cluttered or overwhelming sound. Despite its technical capabilities, the Flip 7 maintains an energetic and engaging sonic character. Testing in diverse environments, including a garden and an office, revealed that the Flip 7 adapts effectively to different acoustic settings, proving particularly enjoyable for casual listening while cooking.
Summary – JBL Flip 7
The JBL Flip 7 distinguishes itself among competing speakers in its size and price category. It is a compact speaker featuring a refined design, customizable sound profiles, up to 16 hours of battery life, and the ability to pair with other speakers for stereo sound. With a price of approximately 1600 SEK, it represents a compelling value proposition given its features and performance.
Considering these attributes and the speaker’s detailed sound reproduction, the JBL Flip 7 earns our highest recommendation.
JBL provided a review unit for this evaluation. Provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted independently with a focus on readers and consumers.
