If all you want is a portable Bluetooth speaker that sounds as good as £100 can currently buy, you’ll be hard-pressed to better the JBL Flip 5

Solid bass and timing; Great sense of acoustics; PartyBoost stereo pairing

No aux-in or microphone; Not Connect+ compatible; Basic app

With notable improvements over the Flip 4, this portable Bluetooth speaker ticks the small-scale, waterproof, bass-hitting and good-sounding boxes. There's no 360-degree sound design like some of the competition, though, which might see you look elsewhere instead.

Waterproof design; Loud and convincing sound; Easy USB-C access

Not 360-degree sound; Lots of competition - some slightly fuller sounding

JBL’s Flip 5 is a simple soul with Bluetooth-only playback and modest features, but if you desire a rugged, great-sounding portable speaker and can sacrifice voice control or hands-free call functionality, you won’t be disappointed.

Engaging; entertaining sound; Easy to use; USB-C Fast Charging

No 3.5mm input; No mic for hands-free calls; ‘Only’ Bluetooth 4.2

The JBL Flip 5 speaker delivers a strong Bluetooth audio experience in an outdoor-friendly design you can customize to your liking.

Powerful audio for the size; IPX7 waterproof rating; Can be personalized on JBL's site.

Mono; No speakerphone functionality or aux input.

The Flip 5 is a worthy successor to the Flip 4 and if you're going to be heading out for a weekend trip or just going to the backyard, these are definitely worth the asking price.

IPX7 waterproof; Lightweight and portable; Decent sound; Battery life; USB-C charging; Price

No Bluetooth 5 or high quality codecs; Sound quality is good for hikes or the beach; but isn't great

For a speaker with an excellent balance between volume and portability, the Flip 5 is the best product for you. It delivers clear, high-quality audio that will let you enjoy music of any genre. Aside from that, it’s easy to carry around and has a well-constructed design.

A great balance of sound quality, portability, and price

Good sound quality; waterproof; long battery life

Not the best sounding nor most portable

With notable improvements over the Flip 4, this portable Bluetooth speaker ticks the small-scale, waterproof, bass-hitting and good-sounding boxes. There's no 360-degree sound design like some of the competition, though, which might see you look elsewhere instead.

Waterproof design; Loud and convincing sound; Easy USB-C access;

Not 360-degree sound; Lots of competition - some slightly fuller sounding;

Excellent. / more than happy

Like it works great