JBL Flip 7 vs JBL Grip: I tested these Bluetooth speakers side-by-side to see which is worth buying

To Flip or to Grip?

Versus By Harry Padoan published 20 December 2025

(Image credit: Future) Jump To:

• Price & availability
• Specs
• Features
• Sound quality
• Design
• Value
• Verdict

Share Share by:

• Copy link
• Facebook
• X
• Whatsapp
• Reddit
• Pinterest
• Flipboard
• Threads

Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google JBL Flip 7

The JBL Flip 7 is an astonishingly good performer, and a significant upgrade on its predecessor. It sounds excellent, with impeccable bass performance given its limited confines. It's also full of neat features, offers plenty of playtime, and delivers so much bang for your buck.

Pros

• Brilliant full-bodied sound
• Strong battery life
• Phenomenal value

Cons

• No LED lighting
• A little pricier than the Grip
• Some may prefer Grip's upward design

JBL Grip

The JBL Grip is a fun entry into the audio giant’s large array of Bluetooth speakers, boasting an ultra-durable, attractive, and slim build. It’s also packed with a range of smart features and performs pretty well sonically, despite some inherent limitations linked to its small form.

Pros

• Appealing lighting and look
• Convenient can-shaped design
• Tempting sub-$100 / £100 price tag

Cons

• No USB-C audio
• Doesn't offer the sonic depth of the Flip 7
• Slightly lower battery life too

JBL is probably the first name that comes to mind whenever I think about Bluetooth speakers. The audio specialist has delivered time after time, with rugged, swell-sounding models that we've reviewed highly time after time.

So, if you're looking to grab a JBL speaker which one is best? Well if you're after something super-portable, you could do a whole lot worse than the JBL Flip 7 or the JBL Grip. These small-sized audio companions both impressed me in their own ways, but which one would I recommend?

Well, I've tested them side-by-side, and now I'm here to give you the lowdown. We'll cover features, sound quality, design, and even value for money, in order to find out which speaker you should buy. These both performed very well indeed, easily competing with the very best Bluetooth speakers around, so scroll on down to find out which one I'd pick...

JBL Flip 7 vs JBL Grip: price and availability

The JBL Flip 7 released in March 2025, more than three years after its predecessor. It's usually available for $149 / £129 / AU$179. However, I've seen it go on sale for less already in some territories, falling lower than $110 / £80 in the US and UK respectively over Black Friday.

Meanwhile, the JBL Grip arrived in September 2025, and is the very first speaker in its line. It’s priced at a mid-point between the JBL Clip 5 and Flip 7, and will usually set you back $99.95 / £89.99 / AU$129. You can purchase both of these models in a range of colors, such as: Black; Blue; Pink; Purple; Red; Squad (camo); and White.

JBL Flip 7 vs JBL Grip: specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

JBL Flip 7 vs JBL Grip: features

As you'd probably expect, there are a lot of similarities between the JBL Flip 7 and Grip in terms of features. Both pack in Auracast connectivity, neat EQ options, and AI Sound Boost tech for optimized audio. (On daisy-chaining them for beefier audio, forget JBL's older Partyboost tech; it's all about Auracast now for connecting multiple speakers – and happily, both models have it).

However, there are some notable differences between these cylindrical Bluetooth speakers.

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors