JBL Flip 7
Exact average 85.9 · 7 printed, 5 estimated · printed scores only: 87
Image: JBLCritics like the Flip 7 for its clear, punchy sound and a tougher IP68 body that survives drops and dunks. 10 of 12 reviewers recommend it outright; others call it a modest update and point out that it charges slowly.
Reviewed by TechRadar, Expert Reviews, What Hi-Fi? and 9 more
The catch: Slow to charge, no cable in the box.
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What 12 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 95TechRadar
An Editor's Choice award winner praised for punchy, detailed sound, strong features and rugged build at a very good price.
Read TechRadar review - 95Expert Reviews
A Best Buy winner called the best pound-for-pound Bluetooth speaker, with loud, engaging sound and tough build; only small gripes like missing cable and shrill treble.
Read Expert Reviews review - 95What Hi-Fi?
A five-star verdict praising clearer, weightier, more dynamic sound and excellent build, calling it the most well-rounded Flip ever.
Read What Hi-Fi? review - 90WIRED
An excellent compact Bluetooth speaker with punchy, refined sound and better battery life.
Read WIRED review - 84soundguys.com
A rugged, packable speaker with premium build and welcome sound customization.
Read soundguys.com review - 80Macworld
A rugged, light speaker with strong sound for its size and a good all-round balance at a competitive price, with only slightly soft bass and no cable as minor flaws.
Read Macworld review - 72TechGearLab
A rugged, portable speaker with lively, loud sound for its size, though sound quality drops at top volume and rivals sound better.
Read TechGearLab review - 92est.Good Housekeeping UK
Called the best portable speaker at this weight, with excellent sound, reliable battery and a good app, and almost nothing to criticize.
Read Good Housekeeping UK review - 85est.CNN Underscored
Top pick of the guide: a tough, portable speaker with surprisingly big sound and a clean app.
Read CNN Underscored review - 83est.Trusted Reviews
One of the best portable Bluetooth speakers, with balanced, bassy sound and a tough IP68 build.
Read Trusted Reviews review - 83est.The Independent
Picked as the best mid-range Bluetooth speaker, offering clearly better sound than cheaper models without a big price jump.
Read The Independent review - 77est.ZDNET
Tough and loud, but the sound is unrefined and short on low-end punch, and the reviewer questions the price when rivals offer more bass.
Read ZDNET review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
Other Bluetooth speakers critics rate highly
Compare head to head
Also reviewed, not yet scored
- JBL Boombox 4 · 3 reviews so far
- JBL Clip 5 · 3 reviews so far
- JBL Go 5 · 3 reviews so far
- JBL Xtreme 5 · 3 reviews so far
- LG xboom Bounce · 3 reviews so far
- Marshall Bromley 450 · 3 reviews so far
- Marshall Bromley 750 · 3 reviews so far
- Marshall Middleton II · 3 reviews so far
Common questions
Is the JBL Flip 7 worth it?
Most critics think so: 10 of 12 recommend it. Slow to charge, no cable in the box.
Do critics agree about the JBL Flip 7?
Broad agreement: scores range from 72 (TechGearLab) to 95 (TechRadar), a spread of 23 points across 12 reviews. Most reviewers land fairly close together.
What do critics dislike about the JBL Flip 7?
Battery life (4 of 12 reviews), Size and weight (2 of 12 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the JBL Flip 7?
The Marshall Kilburn III (critic score 86), best for battery and big sound.