I can assure you that you will enjoy this JBL Flip 4 vs UE Boom 2 comparison if you love Bluetooth speakers. Both of them are less expensive and provide excellent sound quality. In this review, we compare the JBL Flip 4 vs UE Boom 2 if you wonder which is better. We tested each product and analyzed it for sound, durability, and other factors.
The thing that gets most of the people of today’s generation is that the speaker is compact, portable, and inexpensive. Not many people are fans of a massive sound system that will cost them thousands of dollars. This is where both the JBL Flip 4 and UE Boom 2 have captured the interests of the public.
Their 360-degree sound makes them suitable for parties, and their exterior allows them to be portable.
Differences Between the JBL Flip 4 vs UE Boom 2:
There are many differences and similarities between both the JBL Flip 4 and UE Boom 2. This section will discuss the main differences that can be game-changer for most users.
Frequency response:
One of the most significant differences between the two is their frequency response. JBL Flip 4 is around 70 Hz, while the UE Boom 2 offers a frequency response of up to 90 Hz.
Weight:
There are less than 50 grams of difference in the weight of both the speakers. As insignificant as it seems, many people can choose to have a lighter weighing speaker.
UE boom 2 weights 548g, which is heavier than JBL Flip 4, which weighs around 515g.
Battery Life:
Battery life is very important, especially for all the party freaks out there. You cannot expect a long night of fun time with speakers that won’t last very long.
Among the two, UE Boom has a much nicer battery life which can last up to 3.5 hours. In contrast to that, the battery life of the JBL Flip 4 is only 2 hours.
Price:
The JBL Flip 4 is more economical in contrast to UE Boom 2. The JBL Flip 4 will cost you anywhere around a hundred dollars. The UE boom will cost you either double it or around $200.
Quick Comparison Between the JBL Flip 4 vs UE Boom 2
| Features | JBL Flip 4 | UE Boom 2 |
| Frequency | 70Hz – 20kHz | 90Hz – 20kHz |
| Transducer | 2 x 40mm | 2 x 45mm |
| Output power | 2 x 8W | 2 x 8W |
| Weight | 515g | 548g |
| Bluetooth versions | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Playing Time | up to 12 hours | up to 15 hours |
| Battery Timing | 3.5 hours @ 5V1A | 2 hours @ 5V1A |
JBL Flip 4 vs UE Boom 2 – Which One Should You Buy?
You will be able to choose the one that will be of more benefit to you after we review both products for you to make an informed choice based on your needs and preferences.
JBL Flip 4 Review
- Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- 12 hours of playtime
- 3000mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery
- IPX7 Waterproof
- Voice Assistant Integration
- JBL Bass Radiator
- JBL Connect+
- Echo-canceling speakerphone
The feature that sets JBL Flip 4 apart from UE is the no-frills approach of the company. They wanted to create an excellent Bluetooth speaker without adding too many features that could drive up the cost, and they succeeded by creating a JBL Flip 4.
Besides having a Bluetooth connectivity option, they also have a waterproof exterior. This makes the speaker very charming for everyone who wants to take one to a pool party. Having said that, it should also be understood that they managed to keep the price in check.
Features:
The no-frills approach has kept the JBL Flip 4 quite straightforward in terms of features. The speaker stands out in terms of Bluetooth connectivity and in its supreme waterproof function. Other than that, we will discuss only a few highlighting features in this section.
1. JBL Connect +:
JBL Connect + allows you to connect as many as 100 speakers together at the same time, given the speakers support a connect connection. The Connect + feature is really the life of the party when there are multiple JBL Speakers streaming through the same source.
However, it should be kept in mind that making a large connection can cause issues. If one really wants to spend a huge amount of money, it is better to get a huge speaker for the party, rather than 100 JBL Flip 4 speakers.
In contrast, a low connection volume is possible without any latency issues and will have you and your mates wanting more.
IPX7 Waterproofing:
If you ask me a hundred times what is the feature that I am the most mesmerized about in JBL Flip 4, it’s their complete waterproofing technology. It is not just rain or splash resistant, you can actually dip the speaker into the water and it still works.
Speaker Phone:
Having a JBL Flip 4 is more than just enjoying music. It allows you to make and receive phone calls, which is quite extra for a Bluetooth speaker. JBL Flip 4 has a microphone that provides a crystal clear voice quality without the echoes.
Smart Speaker:
Using the microphone, one can access Siri and Google Now. This gives an additional feature to the speaker, making it a smart speaker.
Design:
The JBL Flip 4 has a compact size and a lightweight body. The exterior is made tough to provide a resilient water proofing function. The speaker is not very exciting when it comes to the color palette and offers a monochrome tone in six colors.
The shape of the JBL Flip 4 is cylindrical which is enclosed in a strong cloth grille. The grille protects the speaker from rustiness, which would not have been possible with a metal framework.
Beneath the grille is a rubber that completely accommodates all the insides of the speaker. It helps absorb any shock that the speaker may get in case of being dropped. The design of the JBL Flip 4 is focused on a durable finish rather than a fancy finish overloaded with features.
Sound Quality:
JBL is a famous and reliable brand which means they cannot go very wrong with the sound quality. Ultimately, what is a speaker if it is not good at the sole thing it was designed to do?
The sound quality of the JBL Flip 4 is great but not extraordinary. If you have been using JBL all your life, then you are quite used to a high-end listening experience and will not be blown away by JBL Flip 4.
As far as what I have observed, the main lacking is attention to the details of the music. The lows and highs are quite perfect, but the mids take a huge hit in their delivery. This can be a deal-breaker for anyone who has been listening to a good speaker all their lives.
The perfect delivery of the low end is brought together by using two passive bass radiators. They help in the reproduction of bass frequencies along with the hollow radiator. The highs are also perfectly played, and you rarely notice a shrill here and there.
All of this produces a sound that is a little extra hyped. If you are trying to buy a durable speaker that can get the party started, and do not care about all the highs and lows of the sound, then indeed, JBL Flip 4 is a decent choice for you.
JBL Flip 4 Verdict:
JBL Flip 4 is a durable and reliable speaker that can give you years of enjoyment if properly cared for. The Bluetooth connectivity makes it easier to access.
One of the most striking things about JBL Flip 4 is the IPX7 Waterproofing that protects your speaker during pool parties. The Connect + features allow it to connect with as many as a hundred speakers simultaneously, which can be fun for a couple of friends.
The speakers have decent sound quality but are not unmatched and can do much better. However, the JBL Flip 4 is economical if you are low on cash and want a speaker.
Also, not every person is obsessed with the perfect delivery of the mids, lows, and highs. So as long as you are interested in a fun time, JBL Flip 4 is a good choice.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Compact in size and lightweight
- IPX7 waterproof
- Bluetooth connectivity of up to 100 speakers at the same time
Cons
- Weak mid-range delivery and sharp highs make the sound quality average
- Monochrome without many options
Ultimate Ears(UE) BOOM 2 Review:
- Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Decent Sounding Bass
- Siri + Google Now voice integration
- IPX7 rated waterproof
As mentioned above, the UE Boom 2 is almost twice as expensive as the JBL Flip 4. This shows well in the added features of the speaker. Besides a few features, the overall sound quality and the audio fidelity are also superior with UE Boom than with JBL Flip 4.
This section will discuss the UE Boom 2 in great detail. Most of the functions of the UE Boom 2 are similar to JBL Flip 4. Such as IPX7 waterproofing and Bluetooth connectivity. However, certain features give the UE Boom 2 a slight edge.
Features:
Before discussing how the UE Boom 2 is different from JBL Flip 4 in terms of features, let’s first look at what is similar. Both the speakers can connect with their speakers and be strung together.
Both the speakers have Bluetooth connectivity, and they have a Bluetooth connection. What’s different for UE Boom 2 is that it can connect to a huge number of speakers compared to JBL Flip 4.
The UE Boom 2 can connect almost 150 speakers at any given time. A wide range of speakers, the original Boom, Boom 2, and the Megaboom, are all accessible to be connected together.
UE Boom 2 gives an edge to all the users who still haven’t upgraded to the latest versions yet. Another feature that sets apart UE Boom 2 from JBL Flip 4 is the app that can make accessibility much easier for the speakers.
This app is responsible for screening the entire layout of all the connected speakers, even individually. It also helps you to track the number of speakers linked to your mobile phone. The most significant advantage is the play/pause function that an app makes easier.
The app does not stop there; it gives you exceptional individual control over all the speakers connected. You can play with the customizable EQ, and adjust controls differently for all of them just from your phone. S
Like the JBL Flip 4, the UE Boom 2 also has an IPX7 waterproofing system. This allows the speaker to be rain and splashproof. The speaker can be submerged in up to 3 feet of water for half an hour.
The only thing that the UE Boom 2 lacks is the echo-cancellation, making the speakerphone option a little messy. Without the echo cancellation feature of the microphone, the voice gets a little lost. The speaker also functions as an intelligent speaker and allows Siri and Google Now.
Design:
As mentioned above, the JBL Flip 4 comes in a monochromatic color palette. This is not the same for UE boom 2. The speaker can be available in any color combination. To be fair, this has added a lot to the cost compared to the JBL Flip 4.
But the color scheme is not the only thing that has driven up the cost for UE Boom 2. They have a number of other features that stand it apart from JBL Flip 4. However, the craziest of all is the color scheme.
The UE Boom 2 is available in almost every color combination. If one wants to go with a simpler choice of color that is also available. Another added brilliance in the design of the UE Boom 2 is the attachment of a D ring and a thread for tripod mounting.
Both of these are available at the speaker’s base and are used to mount the speaker to the wall or hang by it. The speakers can all be tied together or chained up when playing together.
UE Boom 2 allows you to make a micro USB cable connection along with a port for a 3.5mm input. All this makes the UE Boom 2 superior in its design when compared with the JBL Flip 4.
Sound Quality:
As mentioned above, the mid-range sound is lost with the JBL Flip 4. This is not the case with UE Boom 2. The UE boom 2 delivers a strong mid-range and a pretty decent delivery of the highs and the lows.
Like the JBL Flip 4, two bass radiators are responsible for amplifying the bass. The highs are also very comforting in the UE Boom 2 as compared to the JBL Flip 4 which can produce very sharp highs.
The sound balance provided by the UE Boom 2 is quite great. This actually enables the highs and the lows to settle down. When this happens, the mid rage gets a kick of its own, which ultimately makes the sound quality better.
UE Boom 2 Final Verdict:
There are a number of basic features similar in both the JBL Flip 4 and the UE Boom 2. Similar features are Bluetooth connectivity, IPX7 waterproof technology, and multiple connections among different speakers.
UE Boom is superior in terms of additional features as it has an app that can control all the connected speakers individually. The app comes in a lot of handy with its play/pause function.
Another thing that makes the UE Boom 2 more user-friendly is the D ring or the tripod mounting thread, making it more user-friendly, especially for fun nights with friends.
The UE boom also offers a wide range of color combinations. Lastly, it provides a superior sound quality compared to the JBL Flip 4.
UE Boom 2 is twice as expensive as the JBL Flip 4, so if you are looking to spend a couple of extra bucks to have a more excellent experience, UE boom 2 is a better option for you. But if you want to save the money or have budgetary concerns, then JBL Flip 4 works just fine.
Pros
- IPX7 waterproof
- App for control and functioning
- Bluetooth connectivity for up to 150 speakers at the same time
- Thread for tripod mounting and D rings for chaining
- Multiple color combinations are available
Cons
- Double the price of JBL Flip 4
- Slightly heavier in weight
JBL Flip 4 vs UE boom 2: Other Alternatives to Consider
If you are wondering about other speakers, many different options in the market can interest you. We have sorted out some of the most popular choices and written their short reviews to make your choice easier.
JBL Xtreme 3:
JBL Xtreme 3 is another JBL speaker that provides amazing waterproofing. The speaker is quite rough in its build and designed to be tough. JBL extreme also offers Bluetooth connectivity.
The microphone with the echo canceling technology allows you to make the best out of your speakerphone. It also works as a smart speaker when it allows you to access SIRI and Google Now.
Bose Soundlink 3:
Bose Soundlink 3 also allows Bluetooth connectivity as well as an input from a 3.5mm cord. Like JBL speakers and the UE ones, Bose Soundlink 3 cannot make multiple connections at the same time. So if this is what gets you, it might not be the speaker of choice for you.
The design of the speaker is rectangular, which is quite basic. The smartphone integration and the play/pause buttons are missing from the speaker. The sound quality is decent and compares well with most speakers in this category.
JBL Charge 3:
JBL Charge 3 is a nicer upgraded version of the JBL Flip 4. Along with a little bit of a price hike, the additional features are amazing. Firstly, the extended frequency response changes the game. This eventually makes the sound quality even better than JBL Flip 4.
The JBL Connect feature allows you to connect several speakers. However, this does not allow you to connect up to a hundred speakers simultaneously. The speaker gives 8 more hours of playback than the JBL Flip 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q- Is UE Boom 2 better than JBL Flip 4?
Yes. However, JBL Flip 4 is a tough competition and should not be taken lightly. The no-frills approach of JBL Flip 4’s design has made it quite subtle and straightforward.
Q- Which is louder? UE Boom or JBL?
Different models have different sound ranges. However, as an overall comparison, UE Boom has a louder sound delivery when compared to JBL.
Q-Is JBL Flip 4 worth buying?
Flip 4’s price tag makes this an absolute steal even in 2024. Despite its price, we still believe the JBL Flip 4 is the best all-around Bluetooth speaker for under $100. Despite its small size, the Flip 4 is very lightweight, can easily be packed into a bag, and is highly durable, making it a wise choice for your next adventure.
Q-What speaker is better than a JBL?
When you need a sound system with high audiophile quality without a powerful bass, you might consider a Bose. Bose is also an excellent choice if you desire technologically advanced speakers. They are both portable speakers, Bose speakers are small and lightweight, and JBL speakers have a long battery life of up to 24 hours.
Q-Is JBL Flip 4 loud enough for parties?
Just because they are small does not mean that they are unpowerful. Flip 4 provides a clear sound that is sufficient for small parties. It is best suited to people who are close to it. Even though people far away from the speaker will hear the words and the highs in the song, it won’t be as loud and won’t have the same impact as when they are close.
Conclusion:
The JBL Flip 4 and the UE Boom 2 are both excellent speakers. They both have several similar functions that can be entirely satisfactory on their own. However, some additional features are provided in either of them that can set them apart.
Overall, if one is on a budget and cannot afford UE Boom 2, the JBL Flip 4 is the right choice. Otherwise, considering all the extra features, a UE Boom 2 is the most sensible choice.
Leave a Reply