JBL Flip review

While portability and affordability are great selling point, the most important is sound quality. Luckily, the Flip delivers. Experts were very impressed with the loudness of the speaker. Not only did it fill their rooms with sound it also delivered excellent outdoor performance as well. When compared to the popular Jambox, critics were able to get louder and clearer volume on the Flip at 50 percent volume than Jambox did at top. As a smaller speaker experts weren't surprised that the bass was a bit light and the sound signature skewed to the high end, but Crutchfield adds, "…it does so with clarity and openness that similarly priced speakers can't replicate." The Flip also comes with speakerphone capabilities which experts describe as "not stellar" as voices often sounded distant.

Perhaps the biggest flaw of the Flip for many reviewers is the fact it isn't USB rechargeable. Instead it requires a clunky AC adapter. And since critics were only able to get 5 hours of battery life on average, leaving the adapter behind isn't an option.

Like other Bluetooth speakers, the Flip has a rated range of 30 feet though experts were able to get more than that in an open environment. It is compatible with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets as well as other Bluetooth enabled devices. It does not come with a remote as these listed devices act as one.

While there are some slight flaws, overall reviewers have no problem recommending the Flip especially at its price tag. CNET states, "…while the Flip doesn't necessarily stand head and shoulders above the rest of its competitors, it does stand tall…enough to make it easily recommendable." iLounge adds, "Flip is the new reference point for small wireless speakers, and worthy of your very rare flat A high recommendation."