We compared two popular waterproof portable Bluetooth speakers: the JBL Flip 7 and the second-generation Bose SoundLink Flex.
What we looked at
Stated battery life, waterproof ratings, Bluetooth and multi-device features, speaker linking options, and price.
The verdict
If you want the longer stated battery life, an IP68 rating and the lower price, the JBL Flip 7 is the value pick, with Auracast for linking compatible speakers. If you'd rather pay more for Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint pairing, PositionIQ orientation-aware sound and Stereo and Party modes, the Bose SoundLink Flex is the more connected option.
The cheaper speaker, with up to 14 to 16 hours of playtime, an IP68 rating and Auracast linking, but no multipoint pairing listed.
Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, PositionIQ and Stereo/Party modes, but it costs more and lists a shorter 12-hour battery.
JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Blue) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a portable, IP68 waterproof, dustproof and drop-proof speaker with 16 hours of playtime, AI Sound Boost and Auracast multi-speaker connection, with a loop and carabiner included.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Bose SoundLink Flex on these listings
- Up to 14 hours of playtime, or 16 with Playtime Boost
- IP68 waterproof and dustproof, and drop-proof from up to 1 metre
- AI Sound Boost and a new tweeter dome design for clear bass and crisp highs
- Auracast lets it connect to multiple compatible speakers, and a loop and carabiner are included
Worth knowing
- No multipoint pairing mentioned in the listing, unlike the Bose
- Doesn't mention orientation-aware sound the way the Bose's PositionIQ does
Best for
- Buyers who want the longer stated battery life at the lower price
- Beach, pool and outdoor users who want an IP68 rating
- Anyone who wants to link several Auracast speakers
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants to pair with multiple devices at once
- Buyers who want a speaker that adjusts its sound to its orientation
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker (2nd Gen, Black) — Best Connectivity
Intended for: Marketed as a small, packable, IP67 waterproof and dustproof Bluetooth speaker with hi-fi audio and deep bass, up to 12 hours of battery life, Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint, and PositionIQ orientation sensing.
What we liked
- Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint technology to pair with multiple devices at once
- PositionIQ senses the speaker's orientation and adjusts the sound automatically
- Stereo Mode and Party Mode when linking two compatible Bose speakers
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof in a durable silicone-wrapped body
- Utility loop for clipping onto a bag
Worth knowing
- Costs more than the JBL Flip 7 on these listings
- Stated battery life of up to 12 hours is shorter than the JBL's 14 to 16
- IP67 rating is a step below the JBL's IP68
Best for
- Buyers who want to pair with more than one device at once
- Anyone who likes to stand, lay or hang the speaker and still get balanced sound
- Fans of the Bose sound who are happy to pay more
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants the longest stated battery life
- Budget-conscious buyers
