JBL Flip 7 review: this speaker sounds as good as it looks

The Sun

26-06-2025

JBL'S FLIP speakers have a reputation for being loud, rugged, and built to last.
The Flip 7 is the latest in the series, and in this JBL Flip 7 review, I've been seeing how it stacks up and whether it's worth your cash.
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JBL Flip 7, £129.99 £119 from Amazon
BUY HERE
JBL launched the Flip series back in 2012, and over the years, each new model has built on its rugged, outdoorsy reputation.
At a glance, the design hasn't changed much; that compact, durable tube shape is still front and centre.
But beneath the surface, JBL has been steadily refining the internals.
The latest addition, the JBL Flip 7, arrived earlier this year with improved battery life, JBL's signature punchy bass, and the same portable form factor fans know and love.
I've tested a lot of portable audio gear, and the Flip 7 holds its own as one of the best Bluetooth speakers in its class.
I've been living with it for the past couple of months to find out how it performs and whether it's worth the spend.
Read on for the full review.
Pros
Durable mesh exterior with excellent waterproof protection
Punchy bass and crisp vocals that fill indoor and outdoor spaces
Lightweight and easy to carry anywhere
Cons
Slightly expensive compared to some competitors
Battery life is solid but not industry-leading
Rating: 9/10
How I tested the JBL Flip 7
JBL Flip 7, £129.99 £119 from Amazon
BUY HERE
Going into this review, I was curious to see if the Flip 7 could live up to everything I'd heard about JBL's speakers, especially since this was my first time trying one out for myself.
To find out, I put it through some real-life tests: a few well-aimed splashes to check its waterproofing, and garden get-togethers where clear, powerful sound makes all the difference.
The goal was simple: to see if the Flip 7 delivers when it matters most.
The Nitty‑Gritty
First impressions
JBL Flip 7, £129.99 £119 from Amazon
I've heard plenty of positive noise about the Flip range, and was keen to find out whether the Flip 7 could live up to the reputation that precedes it.
Straight out of the box, the Flip 7 gives off a reassuringly solid, no-nonsense feel.
It's compact enough to chuck in a backpack, but has enough weight in the hand to feel like a serious bit of kit.
The rugged mesh exterior and rubber feet at each end give the impression it's designed to handle whatever you throw at it, from the occasional knock off a table to the unpredictable and often unforgiving British weather.
It comes with two attachments: a carry handle (already attached) and a carabiner you can swap in.
Both click in securely, and once fitted, neither's going anywhere. It's a small detail, but it makes a difference if you're clipping it to a bag or hanging it somewhere.
Pairing it via Bluetooth was painless, taking just a few seconds the first time and then reconnecting automatically every time after, with no dropouts throughout my time using it.
Does it deliver?
I ran the Flip 7 through a mix of casual but telling real-world scenarios: a few afternoons in the garden, some background music during get-togethers, and a steamy bathroom while the shower was going.
You don't have to baby this speaker; the IP68 rating easily handled splashes, steam, and a bit of unexpected British drizzle.
Inside, it powered through the sound of running water, while outside it easily filled the garden at just 50% volume, with a clean, punchy sound that carried surprisingly well.
Vocals come through crisp and natural, and there's a low-end thump that gives music a bit of weight without drowning everything else out. It's more refined than you'd expect from something this size.
JBL Flip 7, £129.99 £119 from Amazon
BUY HERE
JBL's AI Sound Boost is on board too, which tweaks the output in real-time.
I can't say I noticed it kicking in, but honestly, the Flip 7 sounds great without any noticeable help, so whatever it's doing, it's doing it quietly and well.
One of the more useful additions is support for Auracast, which means you can pair it with other compatible speakers.
The addition makes it more flexible if you want to build a setup down the line or link up for a bigger sound at parties.
Battery life's decent, but not a standout; JBL claims up to 16 hours with Playtime Boost, and while it got close in my testing, some rivals stretch further.
That said, it's still four hours more than the Flip 6 managed, so it's a step in the right direction.
You'll comfortably get a full day's use, but for the price, it's not quite class-leading.
Sound quality
JBL Flip 7, £129.99 £119 from Amazon
BUY HERE
After putting everything from budget speakers to premium audio gear through their paces, I've learned to pick up on the subtle differences.
While I haven't tried earlier models in the series, the Flip 7 is easily one of the best-sounding speakers I've tested in this price range.
The clarity, balance, and depth are impressive, especially for something this compact.
There's also support for wired USB-C playback for lossless audio, a nice bonus for those who want the absolute best fidelity from a physical connection.
At £129.99, it's not cheap, but given the build quality, versatility, and sound performance, it justifies the price.
For casual listeners, it might feel a bit much, but if you want something tough, loud, and genuinely enjoyable, this is it.
How much is the JBL Flip 7?
Now on sale for £119 (usually £129.99), it's still not the cheapest speaker out there, but with JBL, you're paying for years of expertise and a device that's as tough as it is capable.
Some competitors might be cheaper, but they often skimp on waterproofing and deliver a much tinnier, less enjoyable sound.
That's what makes the Flip 7 such a strong choice for anyone who values longevity and great audio quality.
Where to buy the JBL Flip 7
JBL is stocked by most major UK retailers, making the Flip 7 easy to find.
You can also save some cash by going down the refurbished route, even on newer models.
JBL Flip 7 alternatives
If the Flip 7 doesn't quite meet the bar for you, there are plenty of other options available that might.
For those looking for quality on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Motion 300 offers better value on sale for £59.99 and the same sturdy portability.
If it's a premium sound that you're seeking, the latest Ultimate Ears Boom 4 offers improved range and superior battery life for the same price (£129.99), but you're compromising on portability with a bulkier speaker.
At the other end of the spectrum, you've got Sonos, which has perfected speakers with powerful sound and clarity, but they are pricier at £179 for the Roam 2, up to £449 for the Era 300.
The JBL Flip 7 is a rugged, reliable speaker that delivers exactly what you'd expect for the price.
It isn't the cheapest speaker on the shelf, but it earns its keep.
You get punchy, well-balanced sound, proper rugged build quality, and features that actually add something, like Auracast and USB-C audio.
Battery life could be better for the price; some rivals do go longer, but it'll still comfortably see you through a full day.
If you want something reliable, portable, and genuinely fun to use day to day, this one's hard to fault.
It's not perfect, but for the size and price, it gets an awful lot right.
JBL Flip 7, £129.99 £119 from Amazon - buy here