JBL Charge 5 vs JBL Flip 6

The Charge 5 is the better pick for most people deciding between the two. It plays louder with a bigger 5-inch driver and 40W of power, runs about 20 hours per charge versus 12 on the Flip 6, and doubles as a powerbank for your phone. The Flip 6 is smaller, lighter and easier to toss in a bag, and its 2-way system still sounds clear. Both are IP67 waterproof and dustproof and both use PartyBoost, so the real split is size and battery versus portability. Owners of both rate sound and durability highly; the Charge 5 carries the stronger review record.

• Choose the JBL Charge 5 if you want the loudest, longest-running speaker of the two and a built-in powerbank for your phone.
• Choose the JBL Flip 6 if portability matters most and you want a compact speaker that still sounds clear and survives rain and dust.