The JBL Portable app (iOS/Android), formerly called “JBL Connect,” works with the Flip 5 and other JBL speakers. Here you can equalize the sound with a 3-band EQ, switch feedback tones, update firmware, and enable PartyBoost mode.PartyBoost is a different PartyBoost-enabled JBL than JBL Connect+ It is only enabled when there is more than one speaker. In other words, you cannot connect a Flip 5 to a Flip 4. To use PartyBoost, you can click on the dedicated PartyBoost button on the speaker, which allows you to pair a second JBL speaker for stereo sound and to add a bit more to the party. In my experience, just one speaker has been more than enough for every hike or trip to the beach I’ve ever made. If you find yourself frequently needing a second speaker to power your party, it might be worth investing in something like the JBL Boombox or the UE Hyperboom, both of which are huge speakers that you should have no problem partying with It might be worth investing in something like the JBL Boombox or the UE Hyperboom, both of which are huge speakers that you should have no problem partying with. JBL claims the Flip 5 is waterproof to IPX7 rating. This means you should be able to submerge it in water at a depth of one meter for 30 minutes; the USB-C charging port has no cover, and although it is waterproof, it has not been tested against salt or sand ingress at the beach. JBL claims that the Flip 5 can be stood on one end or laid vertically for listening, but when placed vertically, it does not stand perfectly vertical. In our tests, we placed it in landscape mode so that both passive bass radiators are open to the elements.A single charge provides more than eight hours of use, which should be enough for a day on the go, but battery life depends on usage. Unfortunately, the volume is not very loud, and there is some compression when turned up to maximum volume.
