The New SoundLink Flex Edges Out The Flip 6 With Its Improved Controls, Sound & Connectivity
If you’re looking for an everyday Bluetooth speaker for around the home or when out with friends, the SoundLink Flex and Flip 6 are two popular choices. Although similar in size and performance, there are some key differences that every potential buyer should be aware of. In this article, we take a look at how these speakers compare side by side, and which is the better buy.
Editor’s Note: The SoundLink Flex was recently updated and released as the SoundLink Flex Gen 2, in this comparison we are comparing this newer model, which we anticipate will replace the old one in production.
Key Takeaways:
- The Flip 6 gets a little louder, but isn’t as clear as the Flex.
- The Flex’s controls are a significant advantage over the Flip’s.
- Little difference in battery performance between these two speakers.
- Only the Flex has voice assistant support.
Our Winner
BOSE SoundLink Flex vs JBL Flip 6 Specs
Model | SoundLink Flex (Gen 2) | Flip 6 |
Release Date: | Sept 2024 | Nov 2021 |
Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
Output Power | 12W | 40W |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 12 hours |
Frequency Response | 60Hz – 20KHz | 63Hz – 20KHz |
TWS | Yes | Yes |
Multispeaker Pairing | Yes | Yes |
Weight | 1.3 lbs | 1.2 lbs |
Dimensions | 7.91 x 2.05 x 3.54″ | 7 x 2.6 x 2.8″ |
App Support | Yes | Yes |
Price: | Check Price | Check Price |
Design, Build, & Durability
Summary: Both speakers are easily portable, durable and suitable for use in just about any weather. They both have comprehensive weather protection – but only the Flex offers drop resistance for when the going gets tough.
Durability
Winner: Tied
Although both speakers are durable and can withstand regular outdoor use, the BOSE SoundLink Flex has the added benefit of drop resistance. On the other hand, the Flip 6’s fabric wrapped exterior makes it less likely to get scratched. It’s up to the buyer to consider which protection is more important to them.
Waterproofing
Winner: Tied
Both speakers have IP67 water-resistance ratings, meaning they are fully water resistance and able to be used in heavy rain. Even if you accidentally knock one into shallow water, they’re designed to survive. So whether you’re using them by the pool or on a kayak, you can do so with peace of mind.
Portability
Winner: Tied
Both the Flip 6 and SoundLink Flex are lightweight speakers weighing 1.3 and 1.2 lbs respectively. They also both have a carry handle that makes carrying them a bit easier. Attaching a carabiner to these carry loops also allows them to be hung from a backpack while hiking or nearby tree at the campsite.
Controls, Connectivity & App Support
Summary: The Bose SoundLink Flex has an advantage in its controls and connectivity. Both speakers have TWS and multi-speaker pairing, but the Flex’s improved Bluetooth means it has lower latency and slightly better range than the Flip. The Flex’s multi-function button and ability to skip tracks backwards are also serious advantages.
Inputs & Outputs
Winner: Tied
Neither the SoundLink Flex or Flip have much to offer in the way of inputs and outputs. They follow a minimalist approach without any aux input or USB outputs. In fact, the only port you’ll find on either speaker is the USB-C charging port.
Controls
Winner: Bose SoundLink Flex
The Flip 6’s controls are very straight-forward and easy to use, but they are somewhat limited. Still, there’s a play/pause button, volume up and down and a multi-speaker pairing button. Track skipping is available as a secondary function with a double tap, but there’s no way to skip tracks backwards.
In contrast, the SoundLink Flex’s controls are very comprehensive and include track skipping in both directions (by double and triple tapping the play button). The SoundLink Flex also features a multi-function control that can toggle Spotify playlists, perform multi-speaker pairing and activate the voice assistant, another feature missing from the Flip. However, this button cannot cycle between functions and requires the preferred shortcut action to be setup using the app.
Wireless Connectivity
Winner: BOSE SoundLink Flex
The SoundLink Flex has more modern Bluetooth support, which facilitates better codecs, improved latency, better range and more efficient transfer of high quality audio data. The Flip 6 supports AAC and SBC, while the Flex has support for both AAC and aptX.
Multi-Speaker Pairing
Winner: Tied
The Flip 6 and SoundLink Flex can both be paired with supporting speakers to create a broader coverage. This can be done via TWS (true wireless stereo) which is limited to 2 speakers, or a general group pairing for a more comprehensive array of speakers.
App Support
Winner: BOSE SoundLink Flex
Both speakers have comprehensive companion apps for both Android and Apple that give additional control to the speaker. They both have 3-band graphic EQs which allow for the adjusting of bass, mids or treble frequencies. The SoundLink Flex has a slight advantage in that it also has preset EQ options for a quicker sound adjustment.
Audio Performance
Summary: Both speakers have somewhat limited volume, suitable for casual listening and small group gatherings. The SoundLink Flex has a more balanced sound, with more bass and brighter highs than the Flip, but the Flip 6’s separate tweeter gives it better soundstage.
Frequency Response
Winner: BOSE SoundLink Flex
When it comes to sound quality, the specifically the frequency response of each speaker – the SoundLink Flex is the winner. What separates it from the Flip 6 is its slightly deeper and more pronounced bass along with more balanced midrange and vastly improved performance in the high frequencies.
The Flip 6 can sound a little dull because of the lack of highs, whereas the Flex has a more balanced, brighter sound which makes tracks sound more detailed, especially at moderate volume levels. Although the Flip 6 isn’t a bad-sounding speaker, the Flex provides a noticeably better experience.
Soundstage & Dynamics
Winner: JBL Flip 6
Soundstage refers to how immersive, realistic and encompassing a speaker sounds and a good soundstage is challenging to find on a small speaker. Neither speaker has great soundstage, and it can sound like the audio is coming from a single narrow source, but the Flip 6 manages to do a better job because of its separate tweeter.
When it comes to dynamics though, the Flex is a little better than the Flip and is able to retain a little more clarity at high volume. Dynamic performance is related to subtle details of volume variation across different frequencies. Simply put, speakers with better dynamics tend to sound more detailed and often retain that detail better at high volume where compression artifacts become noticeable.
Volume
Winner: JBL Flip 6
Neither speaker is particularly loud, and both are best suited to small casual group listening sessions or solo use. They can only fill a small room with sound and when used outdoors, the sound isn’t going to travel very far. This is an inescapable result of the design required in small speakers like these.
The Flip 6 gets a bit louder though and can cover a slightly larger area. It produced a total of 88.3 dB in our testing, while the SoundLink Flex can only reach around 86 dB.
Battery & Charging
Winner: BOSE SoundLink Flex
Although both speakers are rated to last 12 hours, the SoundLink Flex gives a little more playtime per charge, lasting around 30 minutes longer. Still, at moderate listening volume you can expect around 6 to 6.5 hours of playtime. Charging time is similar between them, at around 2.5 hours.
Price & Value
The Flip 6 and SoundLink Flex have similar retail prices at $129 and $139 respectively. During sales, the Flip 6 is available at a bit cheaper of a price (Around $99). Since the SoundLink Flex (2nd Gen) is a newer speaker, it’s price doesn’t drop as dramatically, but can still be purchased for around $115 when discounted.
So are they worth the money?
There is merit to both speakers, and if you’re looking for a speaker that can get loud enough for a small group of friends while also being durable and easy to carry – then they both have good value. However, the UE Boom 4 is another good option, for those who want more bass than these speakers provide. But the functionality and features on the Boom 4 fall short in some areas.
If you’re not too concerned about the size, and don’t mind going for something a bit bigger – the Soundcore Boom 2 is an excellent alternative. It gets significantly louder, and sounds better than both speakers, for around the same price. Although it is also very light, it’s larger form factor may not work for you.