JBL is on a quest to build the perfect speaker.
Case in point, the JBL Flip 7.
At first glance, its a run-of-the-mill speaker.
© Photo: Adriano Contreras/Gizmodo
There are a couple of flies in the ointment, such as weak bass on some songs.
And the speaker can move on its own when belting out the tunes if it isnt positioned properly.
To that end, JBL made the potent portable pretty darned tough.
©Photo: Adriano Contreras/Gizmodo
Most of the speakers exterior is made of a grayish-white fabric thats 100% recycled.
The Flip 7s endcaps are silvery white with a metallic exclamation point in the center.
The JBL logo is the only other metallic component on the speaker.
©Photo: Adriano Contreras/Gizmodo
The silver emblem, outlined in red, sits front and center, proudly on display.
Theres a small console directly behind that holds the power, Bluetooth, and Auracast buttons.
I vigorously swung the speaker around with both the lanyard and the carabiner, and both held firm.
©Photo: Adriano Contreras/Gizmodo
Features
Any features the Flip 7 has are accessed via the free JBL Portable app.
Its light on features compared to other companion apps.
Think of it like AM or FM radio, but for Bluetooth.
When the feature is simultaneously broadcasting a playlist to unlimited Auracast-enabled receivers.
Performance
Whatever you do, dont underestimate the power of this speaker.
You really have to hear to believe the amount of knock this slim cylinder pumps out.
JBL upgraded the bass and gave the tweeter dome a redesign that definitely make a difference.
), and I have to say I was seriously impressed.
It was fun watching the endcaps vibrate with all that air being pushed through bass radiators.
Just be sure to position the speaker so its standing on its tiny foot.
Otherwise, all that vibration will move the speaker out of its original position.
Another thing to note is the lack of a sweet spot.
you’re able to get an additional two hours of charge if you enable PlaytimeBoost.
This feature boosts the volume but saves battery life by disabling the equalizer.
Its a cool feature for those looking to party until the cows come home.
The speaker lasted 13 hours and 29 minutes without the PlaytimeBoost enabled.
Verdict
You review enough products for enough years and you execute the risk of becoming jaded.
And then you come across something like the JBL Flip 7.
At first glance, it looks like most portable Bluetooth speakers on the market.
But look beyond its fabric shell and youve got a speaker that punches well above its price point.
Its one of the most durable Bluetooth speakers on the market and uses a fair amount of sustainable materials.
And while thats all well and dandy, its the sound that makes the Flip 7 a winner.
Seriously, something this compact has no business delivering audio that full or loud.
Sure, youll encounter a little distortion on some songs and weak bass.
Overall, the JBL Flip 7 is a fantastic Bluetooth speaker that offers premium sound at a mid-tier price.
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However, some of our most-anticipated tech for the month won’t arrive until April.
