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JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth speaker gets bigger sound, better battery life, USB-C at CES 2019

The fifth generation of JBL's popular portable Bluetooth speaker offers some performance improvements as well as USB-C charging.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews
Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.
Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials
  • Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer
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David Carnoy
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The new JBL Flip 5 in front of the Flip 4. It's really only a little bigger than its predecessor.

 David Carnoy/CNET

Lay the JBL Flip 5 next to last year's Flip 4 like I did at this year's CES in Las Vegas and you'll notice that the Flip 5 looks pretty similar but is slightly bigger than its predecessor. That increased size has allowed JBL's engineers to equip the Flip 5 with a larger battery and more power so that it delivers a little bigger sound. It also now has USB-C charging for quicker battery charging.

Like its predecessor, the JBL Flip 5 is fully waterproof, has a buillt-in microphone for speakerphone calls and comes in multiple color options. It'll ship this spring for $100 and should gradually come down in price over the course of the year.

I'll have a full review shortly before it hits stores.

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All the new color options.

 David Carnoy/CNET

JBL Flip 5 key features

  • Wireless Bluetooth streaming: Wirelessly connect to any smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth
  • Built-in 4800mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery supports up to 12 hours of continuous playtime
  • IPX7 Waterproof: Can be fully submersed in water
  • Improved bass performance
  • USB-C charging
  • Built-in speakerphone allows you to take calls with the touch of a button
  • Price: $100
  • Shipping this spring
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Now with USB-C charging!

 David Carnoy/CNET
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