I tried the new JBL Flip 7 and loaded 6 Bluetooth speakers and liked what I heard

It has been four years since we saw upgrades to flip and loading Bluetooth speakers of JBL, so I was curious to see and hear what the company is doing with its new new ones Flip 7 ($ 150) and Loading 6 ($ 200) speakers. While JBL has radically processed the outside speakers from the outside, they look quite similar to their predecessors, they have better sound, battery life and audio without losses through the USB-C connection. They are now available for pre -order and sending on April 4 in multiple color options.

Read more: The best Bluetooth speakers since 2025

Both speakers are waterproof and dust -resistant IP68 and are equipped with newly developed waves that help improve bass performance, along with the necessary reference to AI, which almost every new product looks like today. In the case of Flip 7 and Charge 6, this is something called “Ai Sound Boost”, which JBL says does not allow the speakers to distort because their drivers are pushed to their “maximum ability”. In other words, JBL improved digital processing of speakers with upgraded algorithms.

The charge 6 is a little bigger than charge 5, but weighs the same as its predecessor at £ 2.11. One of the more noticeable external changes is to the port to load the new model (this port is the reason why the speaker line is called “charging”). Instead of a USB-A port hidden under a seal, there is one exposed USB-C port, which is both charging and loading. It allows you to use the speaker as a power bank and charge devices like your smartphone while streaming music to the speaker.

In addition, JBL has added a removable handle to the charge 6. When attached, it gives the speaker a mini-boom box that is a little closer to JBL’s extreme line. Meanwhile, the Flip 6 has a new system for inclusion accessories that allows you to exchange between a carabiner and a contour (both are included). Both speakers can be laid horizontally or stand up vertically.

The bigger charge has always sounded significantly better than the smaller flip, producing more bass and a larger common sound. But the flip has won a loyal base of the fan thanks to its compact, sturdy design and good sound for its size. Everything said that the price for these speakers has increased by $ 20, and the competition is fierce in the Bluetooth speakers market.

After listening to both models for a few days, they really produce more bass with better general clarity. They also play more strongly without distorting, although from time to time I encounter a little distortion at maximum volume, depending on the music song. Needless to say, the charge 6 offers a wider sound scene with a larger bass and more volume of Flip 7. However SoundLink Flexwho received some small superstructures last year.

Using the speakers Aurakast functionYou can connect multiple JBL speakers with AURACAST activated to increase the sound or does not seem to be compatible with the JBL party and connect plus speakers).

I always appreciate the inclusion of the USB-C audio function, whether it is on a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, but I couldn’t make it work on either FLIP 7 or load 6, even after updating the Charde 6 firmware, that USB-C audio support is part of the update. (The speakers have not yet been released, so I suspect I will see another firmware update before April 4)

Testing the USB-C audio feature with other Bluetooth speakers, I found that the sound is slightly improved, but is usually more dynamic and cleaner in cable mode via USB-C. These are relatively compact mono speakers, so you just won’t get the cable sound profits that you can get from higher-end speakers that offer a much richer, more detailed sound. But I will retain my final decision until I work the function.

We’ll see where the street price of these speakers is shaken, but JBL will probably offer some discounts later during the year. With the launch of a charge 6 JBl sells Fee 5 for $ 120S The Flip 6 remains at $ 130, or $ 20 cheaper than the Flip 7. I should also note that JBL told me that there is no plan for a fee 6 with Wi-Fi connectivity. Thehe Loading 5 WiFi was released in September 2023 and remains on sale for $ 250.

In the coming days, after spending more time comparing the Flip 7 and loading 6 on competitive models (and receiving audio USB-C for work), I will post full speaker reviews. Despite my problems with USB-C audio, both speakers are likely to make our list of The best Bluetooth speakers since 2025S I would spend the extra money on the fee 6, but the Flip 7 is easier to carry and fits well into a glass or water bottle holder on your motor.

Enlargement