JBL's latest portable speakers feature extended battery life, lossless sound quality... and straps!

      JBL has revamped two of its most sought-after Bluetooth speakers with significant enhancements. The new Flip 7 and Charge 6 now offer longer playtime, improved bass performance, lossless audio via USB-C, better water resistance, and a smart selection of accessories to facilitate carrying. These upgrades come with a price increase of $20: the Flip 7 is priced at $150, while the Charge 6 is available for $200. Preorders can be placed in various colors and patterns starting March 10, with deliveries set to begin on April 6.

      It's important to note that you should already have a charge- and data-compatible USB-C cable since JBL no longer includes one with these speakers.

      The JBL Flip 7 features upgrades both internally and externally. While the overall shape and size remain the same, JBL has introduced a new “pushlock” mechanism on the spine that allows for the attachment of different accessories. Included in the package are a wrist strap and a carabiner loop, both of which can be interchanged in just seconds.

      You may also notice a stylized “A” logo button for Auracast on the controls. JBL is shifting its portable speakers from the older PartyBoost technology to a newer Auracast-based system, which enables the creation of stereo pairs and multi-speaker setups. This feature was first seen in 2024 on the JBL Xtreme 4 and is now available on both the Flip 7 and Charge 6. However, it’s important to be aware that the Auracast system is not compatible with JBL’s PartyBoost products. If you plan to pair two JBL speakers in stereo, ensure both are either Auracast or PartyBoost.

      According to JBL, its new AI Sound Boost processes music waves in real-time to “optimize the speaker driver without distortion.” Although specific real-world effects are unclear, the company claims it “pushed the boundaries of sound performance and transformed listening experiences.”

      What does appear to be tangible is the Flip 7’s enhanced bass response, which is now deeper (a low of 60Hz compared to 63Hz on the Flip 6), along with increased power: it has a max output rating of 35 watts versus the 30 watts of the JBL Flip 6.

      The Flip 7 also includes lossless audio via the USB-C port. While USB-C audio is becoming prominent in wireless headphones, it remains uncommon in Bluetooth speakers. With a USB-C data cable, you can link the Flip 7 to any laptop, tablet, or phone featuring a USB-C port, allowing CD-quality sound to be sent directly to the speaker instead of compressed audio associated with the Bluetooth connection. Unfortunately, this USB-C audio feature will not be available at launch; JBL has indicated that it will be activated through a future firmware update, though a timeline for this has not been provided.

      Within the JBL Portables app, the Flip 7 offers an updated multi-band equalizer for customized EQ settings as well as various EQ presets. A brief comparison between the Flip 6 and 7 shows that these EQ presets significantly impact sound quality.

      Battery life has increased from 12 hours on the Flip 6 to a claimed 16 hours on the Flip 7. Some of this added endurance is due to the battery itself, but JBL's new Playtime Boost feature allows for an extension of use by two hours. According to JBL, Playtime Boost can raise volume while simultaneously improving battery life, though it disables any EQ settings in use.

      Lastly, JBL indicates that the Flip 7 boasts improved water resistance, elevating its rating from the already impressive IP67 to IP68, allowing it to endure prolonged submersion.

      For the JBL Charge 6, the speaker has received a similar set of upgrades. It now includes a woven strap that can serve as a carry handle (with each end attached to built-in lanyard rods) or as a wrist strap with both ends secured to one side of the speaker.

      Like the Flip 7, the Charge 6 features Auracast for stereo pairing and multi-speaker arrangements, along with the new AI Sound Boost algorithms. It will also support USB-C audio after the firmware update.

      The Charge 6 sees a notable enhancement in its low-end performance, with JBL increasing the woofer size compared to the Charge 5; its frequency response is now rated at 56Hz – 20kHz (compared to 60Hz – 20kHz on the Charge 5). The speaker also delivers more power, with a stated maximum output of 45 watts, up from 40 watts in the previous model.

      True to its name, the Charge 6 boasts improved battery life, rising from 20 hours to a claimed 28 hours. The Playtime Boost feature once more manages the last four hours of life extension. The battery itself has a higher capacity (34 watt-hours compared to 27), allowing for more energy for charging