Gadgetory

at first glance JBL's flipped for Bluetooth portable speaker looks very similar to the flip three but it's actually a slightly bigger speaker weighing in at one point one four pounds or 0.14 pounds more than its predecessor and is covered in a more durable fabric with a tighter weave it's part of that external design change the flip for gets some changes on the inside including new drivers and presumably a bigger battery that delivers 12 hours of battery life instead of the flip Three's 10 hours the speaker is also now fully waterproof instead of just splash proof like the flip three the flip four can be sewed up vertically or laid down horizontally and comes with a removable lanyard that allows you to hang the speaker from a shower head or a branch outside available in six colors it costs a hundred dollars so how much better is the flip four and how does it stack up against the wireless mini Bluetooth speaker competition at its price point short answer the first question is that it's actually a significant upgrade over the flip three not only does it play a little louder but it sounds better with improved bass response and slightly better clarity I compare this speaker to Ultimate Ears a wonder boom which also costs a hundred dollars the Wonder boom is shorter and squatter and delivers more bass it comes off as a bigger speaker than the flip for however with some tracks the flip four sounded more natural particularly in the mid-range and I preferred it sound when listening to certain songs overall the one room does come out on top for sound quality that's a close race effort size and price the flip four is a very good performer and as such extras as a built-in microphone so it works as a speakerphone it's easily the best flip yet I'm David karmic for cnet.com thanks for watching Oh