I tested the JBL Flip 7 against the 13-year-old original – here’s what I learned
Believe it or not, Bluetooth speakers never existed. Go back 13 or 14 years, and the market was just starting to pick up steam.
One of the brands that helped drive it and continues to push it is JBL.
Our first JBL Flip review was full of praise. We said, “The incredible combination of portability and performance makes the JBL Flip the ultimate Bluetooth speaker.”
And it wasn’t a one-hit wonder. We’re now into the seventh generation of the Flip, so I thought it might be interesting to throw down the original, to see how far this Bluetooth speaker has come.
And flippin’ heck, it was fun.
Design
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Putting the originals next to the Flip 7, I was impressed with how they look – even if they feel very different when you hold them in your hand.
That cylindrical shape has been a defining feature of the speaker over the years, and it’s clear that the Flip 7 is still cut from the same cloth.
It may seem a little dated, but I think the original Flip still looks smart for the time, although perhaps more functional than fun – especially compared to the jazzier look of the modern model.
The Flip 7 has grown in size and stature compared to the original, but not by much. Most notable is the difference between materials and design language.
The original now feels relatively cheap, but you have to remember that, at the time, how many of its main competitors were placed at this level as well.
JBL switched to using more rugged materials with the Flip 3, and this is where I think the Flip really found its identity.
That repetition also saw the introduction of bass radiators at either end of the speaker, which really helped with the sound quality. But more about this difference later.
The build quality of the Flip 7 is truly amazing. It feels strong, durable and can handle bumps and bruises without complaint. He knows very well the type of person he is trying to cry to.
It also relies heavily on portability, thanks to its well-integrated and replaceable carrying loop for a carabiner. It’s design touches like this that really solidify this Bluetooth speaker as one you can throw in a bag and forget about.
In contrast, the original Flip came with an old-school neoprene carrying case to protect it from dings and scratches.
Features
The original Flip feels more vulnerable to the elements, where the Flip 7 seems built to withstand everything a backpacking vacation can throw at it.
Its high IP68 rating means it is dustproof and can handle prolonged submersion at a certain depth. I haven’t seen many Bluetooth speakers that can play music and float at the same time – it’s certainly something the original Flip couldn’t live up to.
13 years is a long time in technology, and as you’d expect, there have been some improvements in terms of features that JBL now offers with the Flip.
The most obvious jump in battery life – I was surprised to be reminded that the original Flip was only good for about five hours of playtime.
In contrast, the Flip 7 not only offers 14 hours per charge, but also has a USB-C connector on the back, which not only charges the speaker; it can also be used to charge your smartphone or tablet as well.
The first one came with a power adapter for charging and has a 3.5mm auxiliary input.
You can also make and take calls on the old speaker (the controls were located on the left side of the speaker, or on the top if you put it upright). I’ve always found this a strange feature to offer in a budget Bluetooth speaker, and it was actually removed from the fifth-generation Flip.
In contrast, on the Flip 7, JBL does a good job of integrating the playback controls into the speaker area, while you have additional controls for pairing, power and Auracast, which JBL uses so you can pair compatible speakers together, something you couldn’t do with the original.
The sound
The way the two JBL logos are placed on the original Flip encourages you to use it horizontally or vertically.
In our original review, we noted that the JBL sounded best standing up, “we found an angle of attack so the listener is better with the speaker standing vertically – this way it’s a little higher in your ears.”
To put it in perspective 13 years later, the Flip sounds clearer with better separation when standing upright. Horizontally the speaker injects a bit more weight, but the combination of elements when listening to Dry Your Eyes by The Streets sounds messier and cloudier.
It’s still a fun, engaging listen, however, the mids and highs are cool – these areas are where this speaker’s strengths lie.
It’s not the loudest sound and I can still hear the slight thinness at the end that we noted in our first review, but it’s not too distracting.
I switch to the JBL Flip 7, and the difference is immediate and very impressive; it’s not that big in terms of physical size, but the sound is on a whole different level.
The difference in the weight of the bass surprised me, the Flip 7 sounds much more powerful and powerful. It makes the original sound very lacking in that department.
Playing Bad Guy by Billie Eilish and the bassline struggle to make any impact when listening to the original – it sounds like you’re getting a very thin frame, while the Flip 7 hits you with weight and intensity and doesn’t let up.
That is the smallest of the first thing that has been filled. It feels like DSP is putting a lot of effort into delivering an even balance.
I can also push the most recent iteration. The original starts to distort and beg for mercy at high volumes, while I can feel the Flip 7 pushing me, asking if that’s all I’ve got? I am reminded that it punches above its weight, size and price.
The Flip 7 still has the frame and underpinnings of the original – it still sounds fun, fun and exciting, but it’s obviously a lot older now.
The decision
After spending time with both, I can’t help but be impressed with how far the Flip has come. Other products struggle for longevity, but it’s a testament to the JBL team that the speaker has evolved into something capable and desirable at that level.
After testing the original, we said “Listen to the JBL Flip and chances are you’ll fall for it”. This saying rings as true now as it did in 2013.
MORE:
Check out our selection of The best Bluetooth speakers you can buy
Read our full JBL Flip 7 review
And our first JBL Flip review
What is Hi-Fi? 2025 awards: JBL remains portable king, while Apple and Audio Pro strengthen their wireless speaker credentials
