(checked 2026-10-10)4,926 ratings; the listing pools color variants.
A tough, punchy mid-size speaker: IP68, drop-proof onto concrete, and Tom's Guide calls the sound fantastic. Battery life is the sore spot: SoundGuys measured just over 6 hours at a loud level, owners complain too, and there's no charging cable in the box.
Top complaints
- Battery falls short
SoundGuys measured 6 hours 16 minutes at 80 dB, far below the 14-16 hours JBL claims, and lists it as a con. Amazon's summary calls battery mixed, with some saying it dies at 50-60% volume. Several 1-star Walmart reviews say it dies after 2-3 hours or won't stay charged.
- No charging cable, can't link older JBLs
Tom's Guide and Amazon owners note there's no charging cable in the box. SoundGuys says it can't link with Party Boost speakers like the Flip 6, and a Walmart buyer returned it for that reason.
- Some want more bass
Wirecutter's listeners liked it but would have preferred a little more bass. A 1-star Walmart review calls it small with no bass, and another says it disconnected repeatedly.
What owners love
- Punchy sound for its size
Tom's Guide says it refuses to compromise on sound, especially bass. Amazon shoppers call it very clear and powerful for its size.
- Tougher than the Flip 6
Upgraded to IP68 (1.5 m for 30 minutes) and drop-proof from 1 m onto concrete, with reinforced bumpers (SoundGuys). Tom's Guide lists a very robust build.
Source: SoundGuys review, Tom's Guide review - Better app and connectivity
SoundGuys likes the 7-band EQ, Bluetooth 5.4 and lossless audio over USB-C.
Source: SoundGuys review
- You need all-day playback at high volume
- You want to pair it with an older JBL Flip 6 or Charge 5
- You need a speakerphone
- Pool and beach days
- Punchy sound you can toss in a bag
- Tweaking the sound with a 7-band EQ
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: One of the reviewer's favorite speakers: fantastic sound and a very robust build. It would like longer battery life and a low-latency mode.
- SoundGuys: 8.4/10. Rugged with a better EQ, but battery measured only 6 h 16 min and Playtime Boost hurts sound.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: very good and rugged, but listeners would have preferred a little more bass.