flip 4 vs charge 3

Detailed comparison between the JBL Flip 4 and the JBL Charge 3 bluetooth speakers. Includes sound tests. The charge 3 and the flip strangely have the same volume levels despite their very different size and design. However they also have very different sounds being tuned very differently by JBL. In this video I go through all the differences including the sound and let you hear sound tests at different volume levels.
JBL Flip 4
amazon Uk: amzn.to/2sE7Ypn
amazon US: amzn.to/2SrwrY6
JBL Charge 3
amazon uk: amzn.to/2otE2XMi

[@philoutollet173]

anyway, the most important is to be happy with what you have !

[@alanrossreviews]

true!

[@paradisegreen7057]

In my option the charge 3 has a much more fuller sound! But the Flip 4 sounds great too. I just bought the blue charge 3, I'm excited!

[@alanrossreviews]

its always exciting when you get a new speaker! :) Enjoy!

[@blaw9571]

Because of your reviewed I’m now interested in buying jbl speakers. I currently have none and I’m torn on which ones to buy. I want one large speaker and a couple small speakers to connect together. So in your opinion which would you go with boom box or wait on extreme 2. Also would you purchase two flip 4’s or two charge 3’s to go along with the larger speaker. Thanks again and great reviews.

[@alanrossreviews]

if it were me I would go with two xtreme 2's and 2 flip 4s. Of course we can only guess how the xtreme 2 will be tuned but assuming similar to xtreme 1 then those 4 (2x xtreme 2x flip 4) will go well together. However I gotta say I still love the mids on the charge 3 and if a charge 4 comes along with improved highs while retaining the mids its a hard choice. The boombox doesn't seem too compelling to me against a pair of xtremes but I don't know how you listen and how portable you want to be. Im not sure a charge 3 makes too much sense today if we assume a charge 4 isn't too far off or unless you get a super deal on them.

[@jkratoville]

Interesting analogy of low, mid & highs. I liked the sound of the Flip 4 better, but then again, when I purchased speakers, I always bought two-way (tweeter & bass/mid) rather than three-way. Nice job.

[@alanrossreviews]

thanks 👍

[@KhangNguyen-pr2806]

Do you think I should buy charge 3 in 2020? Compared to Flip 5 or will I try to add money to buy charge 4?

[@alanrossreviews]

it still has a place, its more neutral than the charge 4 or flip 5, it cant match the charge 4 bass though. it is also stereo unlike the flip 5 or charge 4. if possible, get one with connect rather than connect plus than even better. just dont expect big bass with the charge 3. its there but on the soft side.

[@KhangNguyen-pr2806]

@@alanrossreviews So in the same price range with Flip 5, do you think the Charge 3 or Flip 5 option will be better in 2020?

[@DennisdeWeerd]

I am still thinking about which one i should get: Flip 4, charge 3, or maybe even the Extreme 2. I do find the Extreme a bit too big though :) I have read somewhere that the firmware of march 2018 has improved the highs on the Charge 3. Is this true, or is this the 'hitting the connect button and get some EQ boost' feature you have mentioned in another video? Or has the sound of the charge 3 indeed improved in later FW's regardless of the Connect(+) button? I don't think you have any videos covering these later FW's (correct me if i am wrong!), but when i listen to the devices trough your current reviews (trough descent headphones - which still sucks): Sure, the flip has those lush highs, but the Charge 3 sounds just .. fuller. But i'd love to know what your opinion is on both devices right now, with the latest FW's. Has the charge 3 really been improved? Thank you so much!

[@alanrossreviews]

i think it depends onw hat evrsion of the charge 3 you had, there does seem to be differences between newer and older versions. For me with my early first gen I didnt hear any differences except using the connect+ button to add some fizz. Others say theres did improve after firmware. then again some say the firmware bricked there charge 3. Yes the charge 3 is rounder in the bass and fuller in the mids but still does not have high end clarity but you can use eq to help with that. I prefer 2 charge 3s in stereo over the extreme 2. For me the x2 firmware update killed what i liked about it, that the bass was just right side of over blown and the vocals were very very forward, it played well at low volume. Now its just for outdoors for me. However if you just want a big sound than the extreme is still the way to go. The flip 4s are fun but tiring with the heavy v shape tuning.

[@DennisdeWeerd]

Thank you so much for your reply Alan! I love your reviews. There are still questions left concerning the Charge 3 and it's (recent?) improvements by either firmware or release revisions, so it will be hard to predict what i will end up with if order it. Still, it has the benefit of the doubt when i listen to comparisons between the flip 4 and the charge 3, so i might just order it anyway. I think the V shape audio of the Flip 4 will indeed be tiresome after a while. In my home hi-fi setup i usually listen to music with no EQ at all.

[@alanrossreviews]

one thing is for sure whatever version of the charge 3 you get it will sound very different to the flip 4 and the only question is can you live with the recessed highs on the charge 3. Are you getting a single or pair of charge 3s? you can get these cheap secondhand of course.

[@DennisdeWeerd]

I am considering only one speaker for now. It doesn't have to be extremely loud. I just want to sit down with a desperado (it's also summer here :) ) and cigar and listen to mostly subtle and detailed (not bass heavy) music in a small setting. I do appreciate clear highs more then bass. Another contender appears to be the Pulse 3. Somehow a lot of people think it's better then the Charge 3 in the audio department.

[@alanrossreviews]

ah! well different speakers really because pulse 3 is 360 degrees, personally i like having the drivers face on.

[@joshuas3897]

I wasn't expecting to hear one of my favorite bands Home Free at 16:30. That song is different than what I have heard from them but thanks for including them nonetheless! Great video!

[@alanrossreviews]

Glad you liked it, I stopped using it as a test song but I might use it again now I know it's not just me that appreciates it for something a bit different. 😊

[@joshuas3897]

@@alanrossreviews If you want a good test song from Home Free I would recommend their cover of my church. It's fantastic imho

[@chrisa1944]

Great review, been seeking maximum volume play time everywhere and this review has it and much more. (4hrs and 6hrs) Both can't get me through a day at work.

[@alanrossreviews]

a full day at maximum? guess it comes down to the actual volume you need. Xtreme 2 will play louder and around 7 hours but if you play same volume as charge 3 than 11 hours apx.

[@koptepgames6436]

A boombox would have a Real Volume to Bass#Music

[@ninji5226]

Great review. I have the flip 3 and I love the sound but the bass is no where to be found. Does the 4 have the same sound with better bass? I usually stick my flip 3 in a corner to help but Ideally I want the 3's sound with a little more bass. I would rather have a good mix of portability and good sound.

[@alanrossreviews]

no they are two different sounds, have you seen my comparison? kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH3CimpvbMp3eqs flip 3 is quite mellow compared to the upfront of sound of the flip 4. as you no bass under 100 hz on flip 3 but solid bass down to 75hz on flip 4.

[@ninji5226]

@@alanrossreviews thanks for the quick reply. The 4 is definetly more in your face type of sound. That could get a little grating after a while. I still like the better bass response and ill have to check it out in person. I got the 3 last summer on sale for 50 bucks so im happy enough to wait for another sale before i upgrade. Thanks again, it been driving me nuts trying to find a good comparison....subbed.

[@alanrossreviews]

@@ninji5226 thanks for sub, dont get mad tho when i stick up a mattress review :) sounds like you are more in tune with the charge 3, have you heard it?

[@ninji5226]

@@alanrossreviews Ha, all good. I sub to any vid i find helpfull regardless of other content just to help the creator if i can. Although being from the states it might not be stuff i cant get. And yeah ive heard the charge 3 and its just too muddy sounding, which is a shame cause its 50 bucks off right now at best buy. I like sparkle and clarity over bass. If jbl went the sony route and offered an app with an equalizer it would really put the screws to the competition. Looking foreward to the mattress review (dont bother with the tempurpedic though, its over rated), take care.

[@alanrossreviews]

@@ninji5226 charge 3 is a little better with the connect button on, changes the sound a little. what is your budget because your taste sound maybe a little more upmarket, vifa helsinki maybe?

[@L3OL3GEND]

Great comparison! Just scooped the Flip 4 from eBay brand new for £65 and loving it. Has got to be said if you browse UK eBay right now the Flip 4 can be found at £75~80 while the Charge 3 is still cheapest at £119 which I think greatly ups the value of the Flip 4. Can't wait for pairing between the two to be possible though, as my mate has the Charge 3 and I can only imagine how good they would sound together.

[@alanrossreviews]

£65? wow what a bargain! :)

[@jonny5789]

L3O L3GEND supposedly fakes are out for all jbl bluetooth speakers.

[@ukmrleo3245]

You can buy a Flip 4 for £60 A grade at CEX.

[@barbelistah]

Ohh my i think he bought a fake charge 3. Look at the box and look when he turns unit upside down

[@RobertNES816]

How do you know if you have a newer Charge 3? I bought mine late in 2016 just before new years.

[@alanrossreviews]

im not sure there is any way to know other than some people say the treble is a little better in the newer ones.

[@EssexHouseMax]

Firmware update within the app I’ve heard

[@foreverdreamer9171]

#AlanRoss in my country (India) Flip 4 hasn't been officially launched yet, however third party sellers in AmazonIndia are selling at almost $280. Charge 3 is available around $220. I have a small room and require a speaker with clear sound and decent bass. Should I wait for the Flip 4 to be launched or just go ahead and get the Charge 3? Which one would you recommend? TIA

[@alanrossreviews]

charge 3 has better bass, would be my choice, be prepared to boost treble a little.

[@foreverdreamer9171]

Thank you 👍

[@DarklikeDarko]

i like the video. i do like bass but i like clear sound as well. which do you prefer if price was equal

[@alanrossreviews]

for me the charge 3 edges it with deeper bass (just) and better mid range, the treble you will have to make up for with an equalizer.

[@gtgamers9629]

Charge 3

[@gauravchadha5370]

Which one is best between them

[@alanrossreviews]

Both dated, instead of flip get Maxsound plus unless you will get a pair of them

[@LongFinger021]

hi Alan. As someone else commented can get flip 4 for 75 quid compared to 120 for charge 3. The lack of connect + is putting me off C3. How likely is the upgrade to happen? cheers subbed

[@alanrossreviews]

If you believe JBL then its certain, but they make no mention of when. Pull up the flip 4 on the JBL website and read through the questions at the bottom where the JBL staff post answers to questions. Thanks for sub :) posted bu jbl on 12th may 2017 Joe G at Customer Service · 3 days ago Yes. As of the moment, only the JBL FLIP 4 and PULSE 3 can be paired wirelessly but XTREME and CHARGE 3 will soon be part of the JBL Connect+ compatible devices. Please subscribe to our newsletter for product updates and releases.

[@LongFinger021]

I went into Currys today and listened to both of them. One word TERRIBLE. I would never waste my money on either. Walked out with a Bose SoundTouch 20. Lucky I didn't buy online because I would have sent it back immediately. Alan you should just say both these speakers are dog shit! good review though mate.

[@alanrossreviews]

ha! but you are not comparing like with like. I mean the flip at £75 isnt dog shit :) its just what it is, a small speaker for on the go. Personally i only use the charge and the flip in stereo pairs so its very different, i love the form factor as a portable. they are not hifi thats for sure but not terrible depending on expectations and use. The main thing is you got what you wanted. I always believe you like what you like and you hate what you hate, thats music, its all about what sounds good or bad to your ears. There is no right or wrong in speakers. There is this idea put about by some that its all about the specs and how flat the frequency response is, now thats dog shit :) btw, currys? worst people to buy from, wellw as years ago maybe they changed.

[@PhantomRavn]

LongFinger should have got the aiwa exyos 9 or the Harmon Kardon go play 2 much better then the Bose imo and less expensive

[@AngusNB]

The Bose is 3.75x the price on the Flip and 2.5x the price of the Charge. Not exactly an apples to apples comparison. I did sell a Bose Color Soundlink when I bought the Charge 3. That's a closer comparison.

[@danieljohnford9939]

This is the most accurate review of Flip 4 and Charge 3. The reason why people think Charge 3 sounds muffled is because of the presence of Mids. The Flip 4 is basically bass and treble, but lacks mid, which gives the illusion of clear sound.

[@alanrossreviews]

thanks, also people claiming flip 4 is louder, i think they are just listening to the treble peaks, average db on charge 3 is louder.

[@danieljohnford9939]

agreed. also charge 3 sounds balance because it's more flat. While flip 4 gives emphasis on the highs. Anyway, it depends on personal preference. For me, i prefer charge 3 coz it sounds fuller and richer because of the bass and presence of mids.

[@deeptoot1453]

Tested both of them and Charge 3 KILLS the flip 4 base wise.

[@kfc5073]

Rybackz sadly not. The charge has a too boosted sound, the flip 4 can reach this amount of base, it just has a normal base and treble..

[@arifgunawan9339]

But flip 4 the best in real

[@philoutollet173]

I have the two but found that medium and high frequecies are too agressive on the Flip 4, so I have put some absorbant material in front ok-f th speakers ans I feel fully happy ! both are great

[@alanrossreviews]

but do you find it too much in paired mode? i find when two are paired the treble is reduced to a balanced level.

[@philoutollet173]

very difficult to adjust the power of both !! if you increase the power of one, the power of the other increase too ! and I don't want to walk with two boxes

[@laurent.8443]

i can have the charge 3 and flip 4 for the same price: 90$ . But I still don't know which to pick. I like that the C3 floats, but I also like the fact that the flip 4 is lighter and smaller (easier to transport in a backpack. + the small "shoelace" to hold it). Do you have any recommendation about which to buy?

[@alanrossreviews]

flip 4 = more fun, charge 3 = little more serious, for you as a backpacker might be tempted to go with the flip 4s

[@laurent.8443]

thank you!

[@el-eezkori4l7.77]

Yeah FLIP 4 a Cool SPE4KER the "1"

[@alanrossreviews]

till the next "1" :)

[@bhagwansinghrana8224]

Is Charge 3 audible enough to be heard inside a car or a van while driving on a traffic or noisy area ? Can u make a video how it sounds inside a car or a van while driving ?

[@alanrossreviews]

if its right in front of you then you will hear it..if its right at the back of a van , you got problems :)

[@176bammm]

Flip 3 and Flip 4 the bass is reduced...Probably as a preventive measure to prevent a speaker blowout...But, Yeah...I hope THEY (JBL ) make a firmware update to allow better bass at higher volume...

[@alanrossreviews]

the majority of portable bluetooth speakers reduce bass as the volume goes up, just some to a greater degree than others.

[@bobbbbbb72]

how do you tell the first gen and newer gen of the charge 3 apart?

[@alanrossreviews]

good question, i dont know the answer to that. Not sure if they run the same firmware. I know clavinetjunkie did a comparison so he has both versions, he may have the answer.

[@shshankking]

Charge 3 now with latest firmware update which came around march 2018 have improved the highs a lot. Also i have newer version charge 3 which have serial number starting with TL, is better then the original version coz my friend have it. Amd after the update, highs are bit more clear..

[@alanrossreviews]

only a bit better? i have the latest firmware on mine but its the original charge 3, first gen

[@shshankking]

Alan Ross Reviews I have newer model with new firmware and to me, the difference is not huge but its more clear then earlier model and louder, but could be Because of new Hardware . I haven't used older model with earlier firmware but this is how i feel when I compare them now.

[@alanrossreviews]

what happens when you hit the connect button, sound still change?

[@TheDaniel6221]

16:10 instant like for you because of the music :D

[@alanrossreviews]

i'll take that 😛🤗:)

[@koptepgames6436]

I got the JBL Xtreme 2 for my birthday!

[@alanrossreviews]

happy birthday 😝😜

[@arminaspenkauskas702]

How much did you pay cuz on my birthday i bought a charge 4 and paid 150 euros

[@ashleylorenzpe7530]

How about the pulse 2. It can update to a JBL Connect plus? pls reply.

[@aykirkpatrick]

Ashley Lorenz Pe nope...

[@aykirkpatrick]

only charge 3 and xtreme can update

[@semiboy22]

@@aykirkpatrick rlly extreme you mean charge 3 dumb shit

[@animeshkarmakar4677]

Which is more louder in full volume?

[@alanrossreviews]

its about equal, depends on the track with charge 3 louder with heavy tracks and flip 4 louder with bass high end heavy tracks.

[@animeshkarmakar4677]

Actually I have jbl extreme, but I want to switch to a smaller speaker due to it portability.

[@aofekfarangi4676]

so which one should i buy ?

[@alanrossreviews]

my preference is the charge 3 with treble boost.

[@zivhl]

alan ross how can I boost the treble?

[@alanrossreviews]

use an equalizer app

[@drumspell]

Could you boost the Mids with an EQ on the Flip 4?

[@alanrossreviews]

of course, but it wont sound as full as the charge 3.

[@uzi-games9757]

What equalizer settings u recommend on the charge 3 ?? Reply plz

[@alanrossreviews]

thats very much personal taste but clearly some treble boost would help. At very high volume i boost bass and treble but at the cost of some increased distortion. The trouble is at very high volume the bass reduction is quite pronounced. I have replied :)

[@SuperJuvexxx]

+alan ross almost 3 weeks ago i Did an update on my charge 3 and the treble incredibly improved a lot, i think that after the last update there is no need for an EQ

[@zivhl]

SuperJuvexxx how did you update the charge 3?

[@SuperJuvexxx]

using the official app

[@jamesmcgowen9891]

SuperJuvexxx or you can just get a charge 3 and a flip 4 and pair them together and have the best of both worlds

[@EssexHouseMax]

I noticed the distortion at full volume on the charge 3 listening thru my Skull Candy Hesh 3s...the flip 4 definitely sounds better overall and the power amp app I have can easily give it more bass on demand..flip 4 already in the mail 😎

[@alanrossreviews]

well glad you found the video useful enough to make a choice. They have very different sound signatures but yes the charge 3 falls apart when pushed.

[@prasadoxy8814]

Great thanks

[@shadowsansei]

Should i change flip 4 into charge 3???

[@alanrossreviews]

why? dont you like the flip 4? its a matter of taste, they have a different sound signature. Charge 3 has better mids.

[@shadowsansei]

Alan Ross Reviews, Thank you for feedback. I really like JBL flip 4 but i think that JBL charge 3 has more bass and it is powerful than flip 4. Okay, thank you!😎

[@alanrossreviews]

it goes a little deeper than the flip 4 and sounds more rounded in the bass but the flip 4 has a more punchy bass as it is tuned that way.

[@kismicracjak1727]

Your right about them not being HI FI lol. Watched a few vids to understand them yours were great. Daughters getting a charge 3.... thanx!... I'll stick with my 25 yr old jbl HI fi. 😋 love the Betty Boop.

[@alanrossreviews]

i think they say harman kardon for serious listening jbl for fun. for me i like the jbl form factor, very usable as a travel speaker. yeah betty boop has it going on :)

[@Xfalcons38]

u say charge 3 ( for mids ) and adjust highs with eq why not slight tweaking with the flip 4

[@alanrossreviews]

not much use if you jump from device to device. Anyway the flip cant manage a sound as big as the charge 3, its simply smaller.

[@Xfalcons38]

@@alanrossreviews I agree but I can't decide as u have both I want to know which would be better with eq I dont want loudness I want proper quality sound

[@alanrossreviews]

@@Xfalcons38 well everyone has a difference opinion on this. For me that means the charge 3.

[@Xfalcons38]

@@alanrossreviews could u pls help me out? As I am from Bangladesh I usually listen to melodious bangla and hindi songs I also like songs like faded love me like u do , u belong with me perfect etc no rock or electronic If u have any suggestion for me I can't decide cause stores in our country doesn't allow usually to check and compare products before buying u can open to check only after u confirm that you are buying that ow I also heard that after updating charge 3 its sound quality has improved a lot and it got connect plus

[@todedragos]

hi! can you help me please ? i want to decide between charge2+ vs flip4 :) kudos!

[@alanrossreviews]

flip 4 :)

[@YoRHaUnit2Babe]

Here in dutch we have the flip four for 88 euros And the charge 3 for 107.40 euros

[@berkdzhannikolaev3992]

No the flip in Netherland is 91 euro and the charge 3 is 99 euro

[@deeptoot1453]

The part when you started nit picking about ''one having more sense to use than the other'' killed me hahahahaha. Man, Brits really like to complain don't you;) Still great review tho!

[@alanrossreviews]

ha! more of a moan than a complaint :) just trying to tell it from my own angle! so basically your complaining that brits complain?? :)

[@weezerfanatic5320]

Alan Ross Reviews boom roasted

[@Nick11114]

in my country these two have 80€ difference with the charge 3 being the more expensive one

[@alanrossreviews]

crazy pricing policy at JBL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Nick11114]

alan ross right out of my mouth

[@zapdust2928]

Better to buy it at the official jbl sites than

[@johnhibbs815]

i have both of these.i bought the flip 4 at walmart here in the U.S.for 99.00.i bungied it to handlebars on my yamaha and it worked pretty good till i got over 50 mph.I just bought the charge 3 at same walmart for 130.00.going to try it on my harley

[@arboldechorizos]

great video.

[@alanrossreviews]

ty :)

[@duartecosta9801]

man, you're nervous!! But besides that, loved the review! Big thanks and keep going

[@alanrossreviews]

nervous? nah you got the wrong guy :) Thanks for the feedback anyway!

[@duartecosta9801]

alan ross ahahah OK OK... but you have to admit the you were struggling a little bit to speak fluently in one or other time

[@alanrossreviews]

maybe, i see what you mean. The thing is i dont know what im gonna say till i do the video, im kinda thinking on my feet and i was kinda still considering in my head what i thought of everything. Also probably had a bad day :)

[@duartecosta9801]

alan ross i know what you mean, you want to tell everything precisely as it and that's the best way to be! That happens to me many times as well, specially when i don't want to say anything to soon or to late when there's everything in my head ready to blow out of my mouth

[@timothy790110]

@@duartecosta9801 I bet you like people pointing it out too.

[@christianmarloncortazar8213]

What kind of music is this ???...

[@alanrossreviews]

this?

[@sviatiik]

15:48 tell a song please

[@alanrossreviews]

white comic - this aint the end of me

[@sviatiik]

Alan Ross Reviews thank you very much

[@jameszhang6974]

In my country, the charge 3 is 220$ and flip 4 is 140$(not including tax)

[@alanrossreviews]

crazy how its different everywhere

[@Xfalcons38]

in my country flip 4 is 9k and charge 3 is 14k

[@yengiangnguyen7264]

the sound of Flip 4 seems more solid

[@alanrossreviews]

solid?

[@yengiangnguyen7264]

crispy

[@alanrossreviews]

:) well it sounds different thats for sure. Crispy would be the boosted treble i guess.

[@robert_6-_896]

To me its a bit too crispy high pitched charge is more balanced it sounds more full

[@erickmaxsp]

Antonio Banderas

[@alanrossreviews]

hello 😝

[@deeptoot1453]

JBL Charge 3 totally destorys the Flip 4 imo. I tested both of them and I wanted to add a Flip 4 to my JBL collection and to be able to connect it with my Charge 3 but the sound quality of the Flip 4 is just so much poorer (especially if you listen to music that a lot of emphasis on the lows).

[@alanrossreviews]

i also prefer the charge 3 but i think it comes down to taste, they have different signatures. Also the flip 4 going as loud as the charge 3 is impressive given how much smaller it is. But yeah, to me the charge 3 is a step up from the flip 4, but others will say the opposite.

[@jeramydavin4061]

I like charge 3 sound better. Flip 4 sounds like it's in a can.

[@alanrossreviews]

yes i prefer the fuller sound of the charge 3s but the lack of high end is an issue, you have to equalise them imho.

[@YoRHaUnit2Babe]

and the Xtreme for 199,-

[@alanrossreviews]

wrong video?

[@YoRHaUnit2Babe]

Maybe ХД ЙА ЗЕ ХОРОШО

[@uzi-games9757]

What 😶

[@angeliewish6678]

Thankyou Antonio banderas for THE CHARGE 3 WINS!!!

[@alanrossreviews]

you found me out!!!!!!!!!!!!! not sure there is a winner, different signatures, different uses.

[@aradelisha8900]

Jbl flip 4 win

[@alanrossreviews]

This is a bit old, you know we now have a flip 5 and charge 3 right?

[@aradelisha8900]

@@alanrossreviews for you, which one is the best? flip 4 or charge 3 between the quality of the sound and the bass?

[@alanrossreviews]

@@aradelisha8900 charge 3