JBL has been utterly dominant in the portable Bluetooth speaker market for years, and with each new Flip iteration, I find myself wondering whether they can maintain their stranglehold on what's become an increasingly competitive space. Having tested every Flip model since the original, I approached the JBL Flip 7 with genuine curiosity - could JBL deliver meaningful improvements without fixing what clearly wasn't broken?
After several weeks of thorough testing across various environments - from my garden to windswept beaches - I'm pleased to report that the Flip 7 represents more than just an incremental update. This is a speaker that builds meaningfully upon its predecessor's strengths whilst addressing some genuine pain points.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking JBL had simply repackaged the Flip 6. The familiar cylindrical 'burrito' shape remains unchanged, measuring 183 x 70 x 72mm and weighing a very reasonable 560g. I found it fits comfortably in one hand and slots easily into the side pocket of a rucksack - exactly what you want from a portable speaker.
However, closer inspection reveals some thoughtful refinements. The rubber end caps have been beefed up considerably, with four protruding guards rather than the previous two. During my testing, I genuinely felt more confident tossing the Flip 7 into bags without worry. JBL claims it's now certified drop-proof from one metre onto concrete - a claim I wasn't quite brave enough to test myself, but the enhanced protection is immediately apparent.
The IP68 rating represents a meaningful upgrade from the Flip 6's already impressive IP67 certification. Whilst I doubt many users will find themselves submerging their speaker 1.5 metres underwater, I appreciated the extra peace of mind during particularly enthusiastic beach sessions. The fabric covering continues to feel premium and durable, available in seven colourways including a rather fetching camouflage option.
Perhaps my favourite design improvement is the new PushLock attachment system. Gone is the rather flimsy fabric loop of previous generations, replaced by a satisfying click-in mechanism that accepts either a small finger loop or a carabiner. I found myself using the carabiner far more than expected, clipping the speaker to my bag during walks or hanging it from tent loops whilst camping. The attachment and removal process feels reassuringly solid.
Features and Connectivity
The control layout has been thoughtfully reorganised, separating functions into two distinct sections rather than cramming everything into a single row. I found this made operation notably easier, particularly when fumbling around in low light. The buttons themselves remain pleasingly tactile and responsive.
JBL has embraced Bluetooth 5.4, which proved rock-solid throughout my testing period. Connection was consistently reliable, and I experienced no dropouts even when stretching the range limits around my house. The real revelation, however, is the addition of wired audio via USB-C. Hold down the play button whilst connecting a cable, and you're rewarded with support for up to 24-bit/96kHz lossless audio.
I spent considerable time comparing wireless versus wired playback, and whilst the differences aren't earth-shattering on a speaker of this size, there's definitely increased clarity and precision when using a physical connection. It's a welcome addition that genuinely enhances the listening experience, particularly with well-recorded acoustic material.
The move to Auracast represents both progress and frustration in equal measure. Whilst I appreciate JBL's forward-thinking approach and successfully tested party mode with multiple recent JBL speakers, the lack of backwards compatibility with older Flip models feels unnecessarily limiting. If you own a Flip 6, you won't be able to pair it with the Flip 7 - a genuine disappointment for existing JBL customers.
Battery life claims of 14 hours (16 with Playtime Boost) proved accurate in my testing, though I'd strongly recommend avoiding the Playtime Boost feature entirely. Whilst it does extend runtime, the significant bass reduction leaves the speaker sounding thin and rather lifeless. Far better to invest in a portable battery pack if you're genuinely concerned about longevity.
Sound Quality: Where It Matters Most
This is where the Flip 7 truly shines, and I can confidently state it's the best-sounding Flip I've yet encountered. The combination of an updated tweeter design and JBL's AI Sound Boost technology delivers genuinely impressive results for a speaker of this size and price point.
I tested extensively with a variety of genres, and the Flip 7 consistently impressed with its clarity and musical engagement. When playing Radiohead's "Paranoid Android," I was struck by how well the speaker handled the track's complex layering and dynamic shifts. Thom Yorke's vocals remained clear and present throughout, whilst the intricate guitar work maintained its bite without becoming harsh or fatiguing.
Bass response deserves particular praise. Whilst you're obviously not going to get sub-bass extension from a speaker this size, what's there is well-controlled and tuneful. Testing with Massive Attack's "Teardrop" revealed impressive weight and substance in the low frequencies, with the iconic bassline maintaining its hypnotic groove without overwhelming the delicate upper register details.
The midrange presentation is notably more refined than previous Flip generations. I found voices particularly well-served - whether testing with the intimate delivery of Nick Drake's "River Man" or the powerful presence of Aretha Franklin's "Respect," vocal clarity remained exemplary. There's a naturalness to the tonal balance that makes extended listening genuinely enjoyable.
The new 7-band EQ in the JBL Portable app represents a significant upgrade from the basic 3-band offering of previous models. I spent considerable time fine-tuning the response to my preferences, and whilst the default tuning is already very good, the additional flexibility is genuinely useful. The app itself remains well-designed and stable.
Real-World Performance
I put the Flip 7 through its paces in various environments, from quiet garden listening to raucous beach gatherings. The speaker's 35-watt output provides ample volume for most scenarios, and I was particularly impressed by how well it maintained composure at higher levels. Even when pushed hard, distortion remained admirably low.
Wind noise proved less problematic than with some competitors, thanks partly to the robust build quality. During coastal walks, the speaker continued to deliver clear audio even in gusty conditions. The enhanced waterproofing was put to the test during an unexpected downpour, and the Flip 7 emerged entirely unscathed.
The Competition and Value Proposition
At £129, the Flip 7 faces stiff competition, but I struggled to find anything that matches its overall package. The Beats Pill offers stylish design but can't match the JBL's sonic sophistication. The Sonos Roam 2 provides excellent smart features but costs significantly more and lacks the rugged practicality of the Flip.
Compared directly to its predecessor, the Flip 7 represents genuine value. Whilst the Flip 6 can now be found for less money, the newer model's sonic improvements, enhanced durability, and additional features justify the price difference for most users.
Final Verdict
The JBL Flip 7 represents everything I want from a product update - meaningful improvements without losing the essence of what made the original special. JBL has taken an already excellent portable speaker and made it better in almost every measurable way.
The enhanced durability provides genuine peace of mind, the sound quality improvements are immediately apparent, and the additional features add real utility without unnecessary complication. Yes, the lack of backwards compatibility is disappointing, and the charging speed could be faster, but these are minor quibbles with what is otherwise an exceptional product.
If you're in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker around this price point, the Flip 7 should be at the very top of your shortlist. Current Flip 6 owners needn't rush to upgrade unless they particularly value the new features, but anyone coming from older generations or rival brands will find much to appreciate here.
JBL's dominance in this market segment shows no signs of waning, and the Flip 7 demonstrates exactly why. This is portable audio excellence, refined.