The JBL Flip 7 performs very well and is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The sound is great with excellent bass even in the limited range. It also has great features, saves a lot of gaming time and is cost-effective.
The JBL Grip is a fun introduction to Bluetooth speakers from many of the audio giants, featuring durable, attractive, and slim designs. Despite some limitations associated with its small form factor, it has many smart features and very good sound quality.
Well, I tested them together. Now here is the review. To help you decide which speaker to buy, we’ll look at their features, sound quality, design and even value for money. They both work really well and can easily compete with the best Bluetooth speakers, so scroll down to see which one to choose.
JBL Flip 7 and JBL Grip: Pricing and availability
The JBL Flip 7 was released in March 2025, more than three years after its previous release. Normally available for $149/£129/AU$179. However, sales are already underway in some regions, with prices falling below $110/£80 during Black Friday in the US and UK respectively.
JBL Grip, on the other hand, is scheduled to launch in September 2025 and is the first speaker in the lineup. Prices range from the JBL Clip 5 to the Flip 7, usually $99.95 / £89.99 / AU$129. Both models are available in a variety of colors including: blue; pink; Purple; Red; stripes (camouflage); And white.
JBL Flip 7 and JBL Grip: Features
As you can imagine, there are a lot of similarities in functionality between the JBL Flip 7 and the Grip. Both products come with Auracast connectivity, great equalizer options, and AI Sound Boost technology for enhanced audio. (If you want daisy-chain immersive audio, forget about the old JBL PartyBoost technology. Connecting multiple speakers is the Auracast’s sole purpose these days. Luckily, both models have it.)
However, there are some notable differences between the cylindrical Bluetooth speakers.
For example, the JBL Flip 7 offers USB-C audio transmission for lossless audio quality. You can enjoy higher quality sound than a Bluetooth connection. Unfortunately, this part of the handle has been removed and there is no AUX port. Not suitable for those who prefer wired listening.
But what makes this handle better than slightly larger handles is its LED lighting. The JBL mobile app allows you to customize the color and pattern of light emanating from the strip on the back of the speaker. It creates a nice ambiance while listening to songs, but I wish there was an option to sync the lighting with the pen’s audio output.
The JBL grips are a bit small, so free play time will be slightly reduced. This form can be used for 14 hours. However, this only applies if you use the Playtime Boost feature, which provides an additional two hours of playback at the cost of slightly reduced audio quality.
Meanwhile, the Flip 7’s battery life is rated at 16 hours with Playtime Boost enabled, which is pretty good for a Bluetooth speaker in this size class.
At the end of the day, there isn’t much difference between the two in terms of functionality. Which speaker you prefer will depend on whether you value USB-C audio or smart lighting.
JBL Flip 7 vs JBL Grip: Sound quality
When it comes to sound quality, more differences are beginning to emerge between these two seemingly similar audio products. The JBL Flip 7 is slightly larger than the Grip, but has more than twice the power.
You are right. JBL Flip 7 utilizes the power of a 25W tweeter and a 10W tweeter, providing up to 35W output power. The Grip, on the other hand, only uses a 16W full-range speaker. But what does this really mean?
Well, the Flip 7 is much louder than the Grip and offers a richer sound overall. The area where I see the biggest difference is the bass line. The knob was too stiff for a soda-sized speaker, but the Flip 7 completely surprised me with impressive bass that was impressive and exciting, yet flexible and controllable.
Of course, both models have some limitations on the bottom line. The Flip 7 only extends up to 60Hz, and the Grip only extends up to 70Hz. Don’t get me wrong. That’s impressive for a small, portable speaker, but it means dark, bass-heavy tracks lack exciting low-frequency rumble.
The Grip’s midrange clarity is excellent and it handles a variety of styles with ease. To it’s raining again Seulgi’s expressive vocals provided a clear, balanced sound, and details such as the singer’s breathing were generally heard clearly. The Flip 7 provides clear instrument separation and allows vocals to sound clearer and more distinct in the mix.
Treble is strong on both devices, but you’ll get a more expressive sound with the Flip 7.
The rounded design of each model means your music will sound great from every angle. A common downside is that both headphones ignore high-definition Bluetooth streaming and don’t come with LDAC or aptX codecs. However, you can get a very good listening experience on the JBL Grip and a great listening experience on the Flip 7, which is the clear winner in this category.
JBL Flip 7 and JBL Grip compared: Design
What sets the Grip apart from other speakers in the JBL line is its progressive configuration. This product is modeled after a thin soda can and I love its long, sleek shape. Its cloth and rubber surface make it very easy to carry.
The JBL Flip 7, on the other hand, has a side-facing body that looks like a pen. Overall, the model looks good. This is especially true when they have bright colors like purple or red.
Both devices are IP68 dust and water resistant, making them extremely practical. This means that it can stay under water at a depth of one and a half meters for 30 minutes. This is a very good thing. Combine this with the anti-drop design and you get a very tough and ready pair.
As mentioned in the features section, the pen comes with an attractive LED lighting panel that illuminates the wall behind the model, creating a more immersive and atmospheric listening experience. This is one of its main advantages over the Flip 7: it may look better, but it may not be the same.
The minor difference is that there is a small fabric loop on the handle. It is easy to hang it on hanger, shower handle, etc. The Flip 7 comes with a convenient carry strap and carabiner. They are both very portable and can be carried in one hand or kept in a small bag.
It’s a bigger challenge from a design standpoint, but I give it the edge because of the lighting and the smooth, vertical body.
JBL Flip 7 vs JBL Grip: Price
The main advantage of the JBL Grip is that it costs less than $100/£100. This makes it a great option between the cheaper JBL Clip 5 and the mid-priced Flip 7. Is it good value for money? In general, I think so. You get highly reliable sound with 16W full-range speakers, an attractive soda-can design, and a host of features via the JBL mobile app.
If anything, there’s a reason the Flip 7 is rated “good” rather than “excellent” value for money. $149 / £129 / AU$179 Considering its affordable price and small size, the power and audio technology is amazing. It works great, is incredibly powerful and gives you plenty of time to play.
Better sound, longer battery life and USB-C playback. And all this at a slightly higher price? Now you know which model to choose!
JBL Flip 7 vs JBL Grip: Verdict
So, I may have passed it up because of the price, but the JBL Flip 7 is a speaker I would personally spend my money on.
The LED lighting and sleek design of the JBL Pen will definitely turn heads. it All things considered this is a good sounding speaker. Even if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option and don’t need all the power in the world, it’s worth considering.
But the JBL Flip 7 offers more than just good sound. It feels amazing. It’s a great option for the price and ranks highly in our guide to the best Bluetooth headphones. That in itself tells you everything you need to know.
