Audio and video. Review of Bluetooth acoustics JBL Flip3. Powerful sound on the road, waterproof flip 3 portable speaker review

It is multipurpose portable bluetooth speaker capable of reproducing unexpectedly powerful, room-filling stereo sound anywhere. This ultra-compact speaker is powered by a rechargeable 3000mAh Li-ion battery for up to 10 hours of continuous high-quality stereo playback.

The speaker is built with durable, splash-proof fabrics available in 8 vibrant colors, making it a versatile companion for any weather, filling your life with music anywhere and anytime - at the desk and at the edge of the pool, on sunny mornings and rainy nights. ..

Plus, the Flip 3 features a noise-canceling and echo-canceling speakerphone for clear conferencing, while JBL Connect lets you connect to wireless network multiple speakers that support this function, and thus enhance the acoustic listening experience.

	Bluetooth wireless streaming Wirelessly connect up to 3 smartphones or tablets to the speaker (one at a time) for unexpectedly powerful room-filling stereo sound.
3000 mAh battery Built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery provides up to 10 hours autonomous work.
	Speakerphone Take incoming calls on the speaker with the touch of a button - the sound will be crystal clear thanks to the noise and echo canceling speakerphone.
Splash proof Thanks to the splash-proof design, you don't have to worry about rain or spills - what's more, the speaker can even be washed under the tap. However, do not immerse it in water.
	JBL Connect Create your own sound system by combining multiple JBL Connect-enabled speakers to expand your acoustic experience.
Stylish materials Durable fabric and chopped rubberized body will help keep the dynamics going through all the adventures you take on.
	JBL bass radiator Hear the bass, feel the bass, see the bass ... Paired external passive radiators show everyone how powerful your speakers are.

Today I want to talk about the JBL Flip 3, budget wireless speaker from the JBL company, which is known for its acoustic systems.

It seems that the next model has already come out and you ask why to review this model, and I will answer you, because it is still relevant. The column came out a little over a year ago and on this moment costs, on average, 5000 rubles. Among young people, JBL Flip 3 is in great demand due to the rather low price for such a high-quality speaker. But first things first.

JBL Flip 3 specifications:

Frequency response 85 - 20,000 Hz
2 x 40 mm speakers
total power 16 W (2x8 W)
two passive bass radiators
Bluetooth 4.1
profiles: A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6, HSP 1
battery: 3000 mAh; battery life up to 10 hours
splash and moisture proof
connect up to two devices at the same time
connectors: Micro USB, 3.5mm audio out
dimensions: 169 x 64 x 64 mm
weight: 450 grams

Equipment:

Column
Packaging, waste paper
USB charging cable

Design and ergonomics

JBL Flip 3 is made in the form of a cylinder. The company's logo is located in the middle of the case, most of which is covered with synthetic fabric.

There is a small plastic strip where the control buttons and input for mircoUSB and AUX are located, passive bass radiators are located on the sides. The plastic part is very easily soiled, which cannot be said about the fabric one.

The column is very pleasant to carry in hand and on hand (on a strap), it can easily fit into a cup holder on a bicycle, which is undoubtedly a huge plus. The column can stand upright or lie on the table.

Thanks to the protection against splashes, you can not be afraid if the JBL Flip 3 gets caught in the rain, we can rinse the column under water if we suddenly stain the part with the cloth.

The column controls are, in my opinion, unusual. Half on the fabric and half on the plastic. The fabric part has buttons for volume control, pairing and voice assistant / call answer control.

Buy JBL Flip 3 is presented in seven colors: red, blue, yellow, black, light green, purple, orange. But it seems to me that it is the black version that should be taken. It is more practical and inconspicuous, although some users, on the contrary, will want to stand out due to the color of the column.

Functionality and usability

What really surprised me was the cool on and off sounds, which seem to be a trifle, but nice. The connection takes place exclusively via Bluetooth, NFC is absent here and this is a minus. With it, connecting to a smartphone would be much easier and faster.

JBL also made an application for a smartphone (there is a version for Android and iOS), where you can quite a bit, but still customize the speaker for yourself, namely, change its name and change the purpose of the call button (belly / voice assistant). There is one great feature - you can make a bundle of two JBL speakers, which are supported in the JBL Connect app .

The column has a 3000 mAh battery, which is enough for 2-3 days of moderate use at full volume. This is a decent result among competitors, but a record one.

Sound quality

Of course, first of all, we care about quality JBL sound Flip 3, not its design. The sound is loud enough for such a small speaker, rich, juicy, spacious.

I look at the sound quality from the point of view of an ordinary user and take the word for it, the sound here is very smooth and pleasant, without dips and artifacts. In general, what users of portable speakers need, audiophiles will pass by (but they still don't buy such things). The volume of the speaker will be enough in a room up to 20 square meters, but it will not be enough at a noisy party.

A few words about Flip 4

JBL Flip 4 was released in the spring of 2017 and costs a little more than the previous Flip 3, only 6500 rubles, the price is more than justified. This model is not much different from the Flip 3. It has more high class protection IPX7. Its body is larger, the design in terms of buttons is also slightly different.

Thanks to Connect + technology, you can connect more than 2 speakers to the same network at the same time. But unfortunately there is still no support for the aptX codec.

It's up to you which one to choose, whether to pay extra for a couple of new features or not. Personally, I chose the more budgetary Flip 3, because the sound quality here is almost complete parity, and I don't need more advanced protection.

Outcomes

The JBL Flip 3 column turned out to be balanced, and here it becomes clear why it is popular. The device is great for the mass user. I did not touch on the topic of the speaker kit, since everything is very simple there: a charging cable and pieces of paper.

The only thing in the design of this model that I don't like is the loop on the speaker itself, for me it's better if they were given a separate case with the same loop for the hand. I was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality, everything is clear and smooth. Another small minus is lack of NFC, but you can connect two speakers to one network.

When I took this column for a test, I was afraid to be disappointed again, because JBL Charge 2/2 + left a bad impression, but the JBL Flip 3 dispelled all my doubts.

I would have bought one myself, but still, solutions from Sony (for example) are more to my liking.

JBL Flip 3 Review | Introduction

Just a year ago for quality portable bluetooth acoustics, which pleased the ear, would have had to shell out about $ 200. But the current generation of $ 100 speakers has brought similar sound quality to the lower price segment. JBL Flip 3- just from this series. The updated acoustics sound much better than their predecessor and are also waterproof. As a result, it can be considered one of the most interesting solutions on the market in its price range.

JBL Flip 3 Review | Device

As well as previous models, JBL Flip 3 is a cylinder with dimensions of 17 x 6.4 cm with rounded edges, covered with mesh material. Inside are two 1.5-inch speakers and a micro-subwoofer at each end. For so compact size- very rich filling.

The exterior color options are a rainbow of yellow, turquoise, red, pink, orange, gray, blue and black. And only the subwoofer plugs along the edges always remain black.

Control panel includes volume controls, Bluetooth connections and a power button speakerphone... But the panel is located on the back side, so access to it is not so convenient. The panel is painted in the same color as the body and looks harmonious.

Below the panel are a battery indicator and a power button. Nearby, under a waterproof rubber cover, are located USB input and 3.5mm AUX jack. You can also use a button that allows you to connect two devices together. JBL Flip 3 or connect to JBL Pulse 2 or JBL Xtreme.

JBL Flip 3 Review | Strength tests

One of the features of the new model JBL Flip 3- moisture protection. The column can be safely placed next to the pool or not be afraid to leave it in the rain during the hike.

As an experiment, we placed the column under running water for a few seconds and it continued to function normally. but JBL Flip 3 does not have full protection against water, while its $ 100 sibling UE Roll has full IPX7 protection and can work even under water for at least 30 minutes.

JBL Flip 3 Review | Sound

JBL Flip 3 has noticeably best sound than the previous generation models, and could well compete for the title of the best compact speaker in the $ 100 range. Previous incarnations of the Flip lacked quality bass, but the current version with two additional radiators eliminates this problem.

In terms of bass JBL Flip 3 sounds much better than the same UE Roll, but slightly worse than Charge 2+. The mids are also reproduced very decently. We listened to a number of compositions, consisting mostly of modern pop music. And I would like to note that in all cases the vocals sounded excellent.

Miles Davids' "Round Midnight" JBL Flip 3 and UE Roll, the wind instruments sounded a little muffled, but the piano and drums on JBL Flip 3 reproduced much more fully. Likewise, Lindsey Buckingham's guitar and vocals on "Never Going Back Again" sounded equally clear on UE Roll and JBL Flip 3... But JBL had better bass, which made the sound richer.

With 8 watt speakers JBL Flip 3 has a good volume for such a kid. We measured 90 decibels at maximum volume, but the sound at this level starts to distort. At 85 decibels, the speaker sounds more decent, which should be enough for listening to music in a medium-sized room.

JBL Flip 3 Review | Speakerphone

Play the voices of the interlocutors JBL Flip 3 it turns out better than other Bluetooth systems. The sound is quite rich. At the same time, the interlocutors noted that the author's voice also sounded slightly better than when using the speakerphone on the iPhone itself.

JBL Flip 3 Review | Battery life

JBL assures that the system is capable of working up to 10 hours of playback, which is average among Bluetooth speakers, but better than the claimed nine hours for UE Roll. However, after 10 hours of operation at low and medium volume, the charge indicator on the system showed that only half of the energy had been consumed.

JBL Flip 3 Review | Software and configuration

The column connects quite easily with Android and iOS devices. The working distance is also quite satisfactory. For example, at a distance of one and a half meters, the devices show the maximum signal level.

JBL Connect software has limited functionality for a single speaker. It can be used to update the firmware, but it lacks the equalizer settings and a number of other functions available from the UE Roll. If you have another speaker at your disposal JBL Flip 3, Pulse 2 or Xtreme, you can combine them into one system to create a wide acoustic landscape.

JBL Flip 3 Review | Conclusion

If you need high quality and relatively inexpensive portable acoustics, then JBL Flip 3 should definitely be on your list. With good bass and high quality sound, the acoustics are also water resistant and have good battery life.

Compared to the UE Roll, the latter lacks high-quality bass and no hands-free mode. However, Roll has more functional software, and it has alarms and equalizers.

If you need acoustics for hiking or camping, then UE Roll will be preferable in this regard, although JBL Flip 3 sounds better than her. And if you value bass and need a hands-free function, then in this case JBL Flip 3 would be a better option.

Pros: good bass for portable system, high quality speaker, splash proof.

Minuses: distortion at high volume.

1. Package Contents
2. Specifications
3. Design and assembly
4. Sound
5. Autonomy
6. Where can you buy
7. Conclusion
8. Video review of JBL Flip 3

The first speaker models in the Flip line were quite budgetary. They were distinguished by a completely plastic body, limited functionality and mediocre sound. JBL tried to bring the last copy as close as possible to the standards of the company's more expensive acoustics.

The JBL Flip 3, a review of which we have prepared, can still be called an affordable portable audio system: its price ranges from 4-5 thousand rubles. At the same time, the column is no longer afraid of water, can be synchronized with other devices and significantly surpasses its predecessors in sound quality. Read about the rest of the innovations below.

Equipment

The packaging of the audio system is in the classic JBL style. On the top cover there is an image of the column and the main advantages of the device, on the back there are the main technical characteristics of Flip 3. The inner surfaces of the box are upholstered with foam, so that the contents are reliably protected from damage during transportation.

JBL Flip 3;
MicroUSB cable;
Documentation.

Specifications

Number of channels: 2.0;
Power: 16W;
Frequency response: 85Hz - 20,000Hz;
Signal to noise ratio: 80 dB;
Battery: Li-Ion, 3000 mAh;
Dimensions: 169 x 64 x 64mm;
Weight: 450 g.

Design and build

Compared to the previous two models in the model line, the Flip 3 has made significant progress towards the right design. The device is made in the form of a cylinder with slightly rounded edges on the top and bottom base. Unlike its predecessors, most of the outer surface of the device is covered with a grippy textile surface.

The only place not covered by the fabric chain mail is made of soft-touch plastic. There is also a speaker activation key, a button for pairing it with other portable audio systems (for example, you can combine several Flip3s together), an indication of the charge of the built-in battery and a plastic cap. A microUSB connector and a 3.5 mm AUX input are hidden under the flap. Charging function external devices in the mode of the bank account is not provided.

The icons of the rest of the buttons are applied in the form of raised embossed markings on textiles. Among them are two volume keys, a search button affordable smartphone via Bluetooth and a key to answer a mobile call. The functional elements are easy to find, but their response time is not very encouraging, since the speaker reacts to some clicks with a slight delay.

There is also no familiar play and pause keys. Its functions are performed by the same key to activate the speakerphone. A single press stops the current track, two clicks in a row switch to a new track.

The Flip 3 does not have any stands, the speaker can be installed vertically on one of the passive radiators or placed horizontally. In the second case, it will not roll on a flat surface due to the attachment of the strap from above. Traditionally, JBL offers a wide range of audio system colorings. There are a total of eight Flip 3 body color options to choose from.

There are no complaints about the assembly and dimensions of the device. The textile surface in the form of chain mail, which covers the speakers, is pleasant to feel in the hand, and the plastic inserts do not collect fingerprints. By the way, Flip 3 is protected only from splashing water; it is not recommended to immerse it under water for a long time. Be sure to check that the plastic plug is on before use. wired interfaces tightly closed.

Sound

During the first activation, the device immediately goes into synchronization mode with other speakers. To start pairing with a smartphone, just click on the Bluetooth audio system icon. Turning the Flip 3 on and off is accompanied by a fairly loud beep.

Two 40-mm speakers with a total power of 16 watts are responsible for the acoustic performance of the device. In theory, Flip speakers 3 operate in stereo sound mode. In practice, this effect is very difficult to discern if there is only one column. Much clearer stereo sound is heard when in sync with another audio system from JBL.

Up to three third-party devices can be connected to the Flip 3. It can be a laptop, tablet or smartphone. This function is very convenient at a party, where everyone can put their favorite track right from the phone.

Despite its rather small dimensions, the speaker is capable of delivering sufficiently deep bass without compromising high frequencies. The composition sounds evenly along the entire length frequency range, no distortions were noticed even at the maximum volume setting. The Flip 3 does a great job with almost any genre of music. The device does not claim to be hi-fi, but it can satisfy 90% of users.

Another advantage is the minimum difference in sound quality when playing from a computer and via Bluetooth. Wireless communication Flip3 holds at a distance of about 10 meters.

Autonomy

Inside the Flip 3 is a non-removable 3000mAh battery. The manufacturer promises about 10 hours stable work devices at medium volume. In reality, it was possible to squeeze out another couple of tens of minutes from the column before the final shutdown.

Battery discharge is indicated by a red LED on the plastic insert in the housing. There is no sound alert, so annoying signals will not distract from listening to music. Approximate charging time is 3.5 hours.

Where can you buy

Conclusion

Compactness;
Large selection of coloring pages;
Excellent build;
Splash water proof;
The presence of a speakerphone;
Powerful bass.

Not the most fast time response to button presses;
Modest equipment.

The average cost of JBL Flip 3 in online stores in Russia is about 5,000 rubles. For that kind of money, it is quite difficult to find an alternative that is suitable in terms of quality, since there are practically no shortcomings in this audio system.

The speaker is compact, fits easily into a bicycle cup holder or small bag. At the same time, the quality of its sound and autonomy deserve really high marks. We recommend to purchase!

JBL Flip 3 video review

Just think how much convenience they bring to our lives wireless technologies... From headphones to ICBM control. But today we will consider an object on a slightly smaller scale. It is wireless acoustic system JBLFlip 3, which made its debut not so long ago and once again lit up at the IFA exhibition in Berlin. According to the developers, the Flip 3 is the best thing that ever happened to the line. Flip... Let's see in practice whether this is so.

Equipment

The box of the gadget is made using the classic JBL colors: orange and white. Having opened the magnetic half, we find a small lid, lifting which, the column itself appears to our eyes. Next to it there is a pocket with a charging wire and instructions. Everything inside the box is upholstered with foam rubber, even the lid.

The kit emanates from minimalism, on the other hand, it is difficult to come up with something else necessary for the gadget, except for just a carrying case. But, thanks to the rounded shape of the case, a simple sock can also serve as a cover.

Design

This is where the fun begins.

As I said earlier, the device is shaped like a cone. In the middle there are two speakers 40 mm in diameter and 8 W each, and on the sides there are movable passive radiators. The loudspeakers are covered with fabric, making the device very easy to hold in your hand, and the material is also pleasant to the touch. The fabric covers perhaps 95% of the entire speaker and is interrupted by a plastic strip on which the control buttons and connectors are located.

All plastic on the device has a thick layer of Soft-touch coating and, what is most interesting, for all its intriguing appearance, the case is splash-proof. It is noteworthy that on the box the device is depicted falling into some kind of container with water.

Of course, I would not drop it, say, into a pool or an aquarium, in order to check its moisture resistance, because personally I have doubts that the device will withstand such a swim. The only thing that can be done with it in this case is to wash it under running water if the fabric gets dirty.

Now let's go through the buttons. Some of the buttons are on the plastic strip, and some on the fabric. The latter are very embossed and very easy to identify by touch.

On the plastic there are power buttons, pairing with the second same speaker, battery charge indication and a plug, under which a micro USB input for charging and an AUX input (3.5 mm) are hidden.

On the fabric there are keys for searching for devices via Bluetooth, minus-volume, plus-volume and a button for answering a call. It is clear that if the speaker is with Bluetooth, then it also functions as a headset for a smartphone. The call key replaces the usual play / pause combination. Pressing it once stops the current track, twice - switches to the next.

What's odd here is the response time of the switch: it takes about two seconds between the click and the switch itself.

Everyone is good with a curiosity, but NFC support there is no. So you have to manually pair your tablet or smartphone. So it goes.

Sound and use

Turning the device on and off is accompanied by sound signals... Moreover, quite original, in my opinion. As if some futuristic robot turns on and off. The signal is also accompanied by the connection to sound sources.

About sound

I will say right away that I have no experience of communicating with devices of the previous generation of the Flip line, so I will consider this beast from the zero coordinate. From the first turn on, the sound surprised me. He did not have a specific shade. It was loud, full-bodied, without any overdrive. individual frequencies... Quite smooth and voluminous. I really liked the middle and a little hint of the stage, which can be heard in tracks of almost any genre. Low frequencies are even and quite noticeable.

A special pleasure to watch how passive emitters low frequencies on the sides, they practice each blow to the barrel. Even at an average volume, everything is perfectly audible and your favorite music begins to unfold from a slightly different angle.

The most interesting thing is that it is rather difficult to single out a separate genre, which the column played "like a native".

She copes with a bang with music of almost any genre. This is a truly versatile gadget.

You can choose any location for using the device: you can put it horizontally or install it vertically. What is strange: if you put it on one of the ends, the amount of bass during playback does not decrease. Such an interesting acoustic effect.

The column is suitable for any place of use: at home, at work or on vacation. The latter, apparently, is the focus of the developers, given the rubberized edges and moisture-proof material of the case.

The battery of the device is able to please you with continuous playback for up to 10 hours.

On the packaging you can find a mention of mobile application, in which you can adjust some of the speaker's functions, including the equalizer. However, don't rush to install it. You see, it only functions properly if you have two speakers and need to pair between them. In other words, the app is forcing you to buy a second column.

JBL Flip 3 Specifications

reproducible frequency range 85 - 20,000 Hz;
2 x 40 mm speakers;
total power 16 W (2x8 W);
two passive bass radiators;
Bluetooth 4.1;
profiles: A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5, HFP 1.6, HSP 1;
speakerphone with noise and echo cancellation;
battery 3000 mAh;
charging time: 2.5 - 3 hours;
battery life up to 10 hours (depends on the volume level);
splash and moisture protection;
connection of up to three devices at the same time;
speakerphone with noise and echo mutilation;

connectors: Micro USB, 3.5 mm audio output;
dimensions: 169 x 64 x 64 mm;
weight 450 g

Outcomes

I used the gadget with great pleasure. I like him all: from appearance to the sound quality.

Not enough, perhaps, NFC support, but this is not an urgent matter. Another disadvantage is its retail price... On the Internet, you can buy JBL Flip 3 at a price from 6,500 rubles to infinity. Honestly, even for 6500 rubles. you need to take the device without hesitation, because it really costs that kind of money. There are 8 extremely bright colors on sale. I just want to say: "Collect them all!"