Sonos Play 1 vs JBL Flip 4 comparison

Sonos Play 1 or JBL Flip 4 - choose the perfect option for you

These two speakers can satisfy people who like to enjoy music wherever they go. They are quietly powerful and they output clear sound even if the volume is high. You will get deep bass and clear high frequencies without noise or distortion. Both look attractive and they are built well. However, if we compare JBL Flip 4 vs Sonos Play 1, we will see that there are some differences between these models.

JBL is waterproof and it is a bit smaller, but it still can provide you with amazing sound. It has a powerful wireless module so you can enjoy skip-free audio playback. Plus, it supports a voice assistant function.

Sonos Play 1 or JBL Flip 4

Sonos Play 1 is a bit more complex. It supports pairing with other devices, which lets you build powerful audio setups. It can work with Alexa devices. Another great feature about it is its application that has all the functionality you may need. This model is also humidity resistant.

The advantage of JBL Flip 4 is its reliability, it is waterproof, and so you can take it wherever you go without worrying about it. Of course, it is quite powerful as well. The disadvantage is that heavy bass can make the main speaker quieter.

The advantage of Sonos Play 1 is its extra features, like multi-room, Alexa, an application, etc. Moreover, it is compatible with 3rd party application. While the disadvantage of this model is that it the application has some errors and it may not work properly.

If you want to buy a good speaker and you need to choose JBL Flip 4 or Sonos Play 1, then you should understand if you need a device that has many extra functions versus a device that is just can withstand the most extreme conditions. If you need any special features, then Sonos is for you, but if you need a durable device then consider getting JBL. Do not forget about the price, that is the factor where Sonos loses (it is more expensive).

Sonos Play 1 – a compact and powerful solution

This model is completely humidity resistant. It outputs clear and rich sound even at a high volume thanks to two drivers. This model supports the pairing technology that allows building an audio setup using several Sonos speakers. You can control the device via voice when it is connected to an Alexa device. It can be also controlled via an application.

Sonos Play 1 PROS:
  • Stable connection via a wireless module.
  • It can work with 3rd party automation applications.
Sonos Play 1 CONS:
  • The required software has some errors. It may require you to reboot devices.
  • Issues with Alexa.

JBL Flip 4 – a reliable solution

This is a waterproof model. It has a built-in battery that can guarantee up to 12 hours of playtime. It can use to up to two devices (tablets or smartphones) as a content source. The output sound is deep and clear. It has two drivers and a bass radiator. The JBL Connect function lets you connect more than 100 devices that support the JBL Connect function.

JBL Flip 4 PROS:
  • It supports the voice assistant integration function.
  • Distortion-free sound even at the maximum volume.
JBL Flip 4 CONS:
  • Heavy bass can make the speaker sound quitter and it adds some distortion.

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Comparison chart

Sonos Play 1
JBL Flip 4

Common

Model

Play 1
Flip 4

Brand

Sonos
JBL

Rating on Amazon

4.4
4.5

Reviews on Amazon

4016
6548

Ways to play

Bluetooth

WIFI

3.5 mm AUX

Card

NFC

Sygnal

Remote Control

Voice Recognition

Streams to device

1
2

Range signal

31 feet

Hands-Free Speakerphone Functionality

Best for devices

all Bluetooth enabled
all Bluetooth enabled

Connection

Integrated into multi-room system

Wireless standards

AM/FM Radio

Online Music Services

Features

Type of sound

stereo
stereo

Colour

multiple
multiple

Material

aluminum
durable fabric

Form

rectangle
cylindric

Warranty

12 month

Usage

Outdors

Indors

Protection

Zippered protection

Water resistant

Dirt proof

Knobs

Volume

On/Off

Switch track

Connectors and Docks

USB

30-pin connections

9-pin Lightning connector

Micro USB

Power

AC power

Battery-powered

Battery

Rechargeable

Type

lithium-ion
lithium-ion

Battery included

Capacity

3000 mAh

Operation time

Line-in

has not

Whireless

12 hours
12 hours

Built-in

Built-in passive subwoofer

Carry handle

Tilt stand

Microphone

Rotating dock

Coming with

Traveling pounch

Micro USB Cable

3.5mm cable

Power bank slot

Power supply adapter

Dimensions

Size

4.7 x 4.7 x 6.4 inches
2.8 x 6.9 x 2.7 inches

Weight

64 ounces
16 ounces