Comparison Review: JBL Flip 4 vs Sony SRS-XB2 Battle of the Bluetooth, Waterproof Speakers

JBL Flip 4 and Sony SRS-XB2 wireless speakers both have their respective fan bases, but which Bluetooth-based audio device will come out on top? Read on in our “JBL Flip 4 vs Sony SRS-XB2 Battle of the Bluetooth, Waterproof Speakers” article to find out.

JBL Flip 4 vs Sony SRS-XB2 Battle of the Bluetooth, Waterproof Speakers

JBL Flip 4 vs Sony SRS-XB2 – Aesthetics & Build

The two speakers are similar in size, but differ quite vastly in how they are shaped and can be positioned to perform. JBL Flip 4 is shaped like a cylinder and can rest on either end of the cylinder standing up or horizontally along the rubber grip. The radiators are positioned on both open ends of the Flip 4. The Sony SRS-XB2 is like a rounded-off trapezoid. It can only be positioned horizontally. However, the speakers point outward from both directions allowing for a different type of immersive experience.

Sony SRS-XB2 and the JBL Flip 4 feature almost all the same controls which consist of buttons to adjust the volume, switch back and forth between tracks, connect to Bluetooth, sync to other speakers, an aux out, micro USB out, and exclusively to Sony, an extra bass button.

JBL Flip 4 vs Sony SRS-XB2 – Features

There is one major distinction in regards to aquatic features with these two speakers. The Flip 4 is indeed waterproof meaning it has an IP rating of IPX7 allowing it be submerged up to 1 meter in water for nearly 30 minutes. Sony SRS-XB2 is water resistant. I know, I kinda lied in the title, but I wanted my dek to rhyme, sue me! For clarification’s sake, I’ll point out that the XB2 has a water resistance rating of IPX5. This means this speaker is protected against jetting water. So, you can place it near your sprinkler system and it’ll be just fine, but unlike the Flip 4 it cannot take a dip in the pool.

Both Sony SRS and JBL Flip speakers feature the very cool ability to sync multiple speakers together. JBL Connect+ allows up to 100 Connect+ enabled speakers to link to one another while Sony’s Speaker Add Function links a second XB2 speaker. In this mode you, you can use the speakers as either a stereo system or amplify the sound.

In terms of connectivity, the JBL Flip 4 operates over Bluetooth 4.2 while Sony SRS-XB2 (which is an older model) operates over Bluetooth 3.0. This difference primarily means you’ll find that the SRS-XB2 speaker draws more power from your battery.

JBL Flip 4 vs Sony SRS-XB2 – Sound

When it comes to sound, I found the JBL Flip 4 to be more treble forward and balanced, while the SRS-XB2 has a wider soundstage. Sony SRS-XB2 has more of a relaxed sound with deep bass while the JBL Flip 4 is more punchy, with sparkling mids and highs. With the JBL Flip 4, vocals seem more pronounced as well. The bass is also more detailed in the Flip 4.

Sony SRTS-XB2 comes off with a darker, relaxed tone. The bass line is heavier in the XB2, but it doesn’t have as much detail as the Flip 4. The mids and highs are also relaxed. With and without the extra bass feature on, the mids are positioned behind the bass – somewhat hidden. The highs are quite nice and full, but it’s the vocals and synths at higher frequencies that are able to retain their sparkle and avoid being overshadowed by the bass. The Flip 4 delivers a brighter sound, in comparison. It’s definitely not as bass heavy, but the full range of bass is there with depth and detail. I could hear the lowest of bass lines. The mids and highs are lush and full. The Flip 4’s sound positions those frequencies to the front. I actually like it. It isn’t overly, bright at all.

JBL Flip 4 vs Sony SRS-XB2

Sony SRS-XB2 Specs 

2ch speakers + 1 passive radiator

42mm diameter speakers

Frequency Response Range 20 Hz–20,000 Hz

Run Time 12 Hours

JBL Flip 4 Specs

2 external passive radiators

40mm diameter speakers

Frequency Response Range 70 Hz – 20,000 Hz

Run Time 12 hours

JBL Flip 4 vs Sony SRS-XB2 – Overall Performance

Honestly, I think JBL Flip 4 speaker takes the cake here. The overall sound signature of that speaker is one with more clarity. While the Sony SRS-XB2 offers more of a rounded sound signature and sound stage, the Flip 4 has more depth and overall detail. Hands down, clarity is better heard through the entire spectrum on the Flip 4.

What do you think? Leave your comments down below.