[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The speaker is built nicely, it’s sturdy and designed well. However, the structure of the speaker is identical to a JBL Flip 4. Considering that there are speakers like Flip 6 and Charge 5 currently on the market, Flip Essential 2 might not be the optimal choice for everyone. It’s essentially an old Flip 4 with a USB Type-C charging port, with no JBL Connect+, and a single driver located on the left side (I’ll get into that later). Although it still produces powerful audio, there are better JBL alternatives available. ____________ There are still many positives about the speaker. For its size, the audio output is solid, it charges fast, and the battery life is above satisfactory as it would last an entire gathering, beach, or hiking session. The claimed 10 hours of battery life is quite accurate from my experience. The size itself is also a plus as it’s very compact and has a cylinder shape, it fits into many bags and holders. It’s simple to use and there are no special features that make the product complicated. Everything is straightforward and easy to operate. The strap is a great addition as well, makes it easy to transport the speaker or attach it to other objects. It is waterproof and can withstand dust and some mid-size shocks as well. While the volume control, play/pause, and Bluetooth buttons do not, the power button lights up and there is a 5-point LED battery indicator in the back. If you’re ever in doubt about the battery percentage of the device, that makes it very easy to see. ____________ Audio Quality: As mentioned, the speaker gets quite loud and the loudness is exactly what you’d expect from a JBL product. Even at the highest volume levels, there is barely any sound distortion, making the product a convincing choice. However, unlike its predecessor, Flip 4, the Essential Flip 2 has the single driver installed on the front left of the speaker. When you lay down the speaker flat horizontally and have it in its intended use position, the sound only comes out from the left side. Moreover, if you face the speaker directly, your left ear picks up the majority of the audio, making it very difficult to focus and enjoy the music. It was better to have the speaker on its side vertically to play audio. As far as bass goes, the speaker produces some good lows but it’s not very punchy. It doesn’t have the iconic powerful JBL bass. The bass radiators on the side work very well and they shake the surface in some cases, but they don’t produce a punchy bass. However, the highs and mids are very crisp and defined. The melodies and vocals come out very clear. Perhaps if the speaker had a little bass boost option, the bass then might’ve been able to keep up with the quality of mid and high frequencies. ____________ Overall, this is a solid speaker with a powerful output and basic features. It’ll be more than enough for a living room, backyard swimming/football session, or gatherings/picnics. As an audiophile who values punchy bass, louder audio, and bigger systems/devices, this wouldn’t be my first choice but for basic uses and its size, it’s a great option. The bass is still there, and the sound is very clear. It’s the type of speaker I’d take with me while traveling or going on a road trip. It’d be useful in certain occasions to get a much-needed volume boost or at least when the phone speakers aren’t enough, this speaker would be the perfect solution.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Great speaker. Small and easy to carry with great sound quality. I've gotten it wet a few times and the waterproofing is a great feature for outdoors. Perfect for boats, hikes, and anything on the go.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Ready outta the box and pairing the device very simple. Volume level is good and handles a boost quite well however a bit more bass please. Paracord is handy when I carry it along with work chores or relaxing.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Flip 3 Essential is awesome! This device is full sound in a compact mobile speaker. The Bass is amazing and does not drown out the Highs and Mids and it all sounds fantastic throughout the range of volume. This unit has sounds that you would expect out of a speaker twice this size. The battery life is very good as well, lasting up to 9 to 10 hours at various volume levels. The design is impressive as well, the exterior of the speaker feels very nice to handle when on the go, and it has a nice weight to it. The portable feels like a higher priced item with its materials and construction. The USB-C Charging is also great, so I don’t need numerous amount of different cables while on the go. Overall, it’s a great portable speaker for on the go. Whether at the office, in the yard, by the pool or working at an outdoor job site, the Flip 3 Essential will not disappoint!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Flip series of speakers has been a dependable go to portable speaker. Small size makes it easy to take anywhere, including your luggage, but it's got plenty of output to fill a room with excellent audio. I compared the Essential 2 model to the Flip 4 I already had and honestly, I couldn't tell the difference. The Essential 2 drops a couple of "less than commonly used" features, but keeps all the important functions and full sound capabilities. If the extras don't appeal to you, save a few bucks and go for the Essential 2, you won't be disappointed.

Great quality sound

Says 10hr battery life thats a lie it dies after 3 hrs of play time.smh

I have bought this last month . As it's written 10hrs playback time . But when I have used it battery working only 2-3 hrs.

This speaker is awesome! Great bass , Good volume.clear sound.. buy it ,no dissapointment here.Thx JBL

The product is always good but there’s no registration for customers from Canada :(