Our verdict on the JBL Flip 7
- Buy it if
- You want a tough, waterproof speaker that sounds big for its size and fits in a backpack bottle pocket.
- Skip it if
- You need party-level volume for a big crowd.
- Best for
- Most people
- Key feature
- Rugged, loud and drop-resistant
- Typical price
- £109–£139
Key specifications
| Battery | Up to 14 hours (16 with Playtime Boost) |
|---|---|
| Water resistance | IP68 |
| Weight | About 0.5 kg (560 g) |
Who should buy it, and who should skip it
A good fit if you
- want a tough, waterproof speaker that sounds big for its size and fits in a backpack bottle pocket
- value IP68 dust and water protection
- can spend around £109–£139
Skip it if you
- need party-level volume for a big crowd
- mind that not compatible with older JBL PartyBoost speakers
Pros and cons
Pros
- IP68 dust and water protection
- Survives drops onto concrete
- USB-C lossless audio
- Auracast multi-speaker pairing
Cons
- Not compatible with older JBL PartyBoost speakers
- No speakerphone
What it is
The JBL Flip 7 is a bluetooth speaker from JBL, typically £109–£139. Its headline feature is rugged, loud and drop-resistant, and it is best for most people.
What stands out
- IP68 dust and water protection
- Survives drops onto concrete
- USB-C lossless audio
- Auracast multi-speaker pairing
What to know
- Not compatible with older JBL PartyBoost speakers
- No speakerphone
Is it worth it?
If you want a tough, waterproof speaker that sounds big for its size and fits in a backpack bottle pocket, the JBL Flip 7 is a strong choice. If you need party-level volume for a big crowd, look elsewhere. The JBL Charge 6 (£149–£179) is the alternative for long battery and bigger sound. The Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 (£59–£89) is the alternative for budget and the pool.
Alternatives worth considering
JBL · Bluetooth Speakers
JBL Charge 6
Buy it if You want more volume and bass than a Flip and a battery that can top up your phone.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Long battery and bigger sound
- Typical price
- £149–£179
Pros
- Very long battery life
- Built-in power bank
Cons
- Heavier than the Flip
Ultimate Ears · Bluetooth Speakers
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4
Buy it if You want a small, cheap speaker that floats in the pool and clips to a backpack.
- Verdict
- Buy
- Best for
- Budget and the pool
- Typical price
- £59–£89
Pros
- Floats in water
- IP67 dustproof and waterproof
Cons
- Limited bass
Frequently asked questions
Is the JBL Flip 7 worth it?
Yes. The JBL Flip 7 stands out for rugged, loud and drop-resistant, and it suits you if you want a tough, waterproof speaker that sounds big for its size and fits in a backpack bottle pocket. Skip it if you need party-level volume for a big crowd.
Who should skip it?
If you need party-level volume for a big crowd, an alternative will suit you better.
Is the JBL Flip 7 worth it?
Yes. The JBL Flip 7 stands out for rugged, loud and drop-resistant, and it suits you if you want a tough, waterproof speaker that sounds big for its size and fits in a backpack bottle pocket. Skip it if you need party-level volume for a big crowd.
What are the downsides of the JBL Flip 7?
Not compatible with older JBL PartyBoost speakers. No speakerphone