The latest JBL Flip 6 portable speaker looks almost identical to the Flip 5. That’s certainly true for the outside appearance and design. However, JBL has a tradition of making small but powerful improvements that make their speakers some of the best Bluetooth speakers on the market.
We’ve used the new Flip 6 for a month to see what has improved and if it’s worth paying the $130 for the new model. Read our complete JBL Flip 6 review to find out.
JBL Flip 6: First Impressions and Specs
As you can see from the pictures, the Flip 6 isn’t a groundbreaking invention but instead a solid addition to the JBL’s lineup of portable Bluetooth speakers. In addition to its beautiful design, the Flip 6 boasts dual bass radiators that ensure outstanding bass performance. You can feel them pulsing on each side of the speaker when you play music.
One significant improvement that every outdoor enthusiast will appreciate is the official IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating. This makes JBL Flip 6 water-resistant and dust-resistant and a perfect companion for any beach trip or a pool party (the speaker also floats). Speaking of parties, there’s also a new companion app that allows you to adjust the equalizer settings to take the sound to the next level.
- Dimensions: 17.8 x 6.8 x 7.2cm
- Weight: 0.5kg
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C port
- Water & dust resistance rating: IP67
- Outer power: 20W RMS for woofer & 10W RMS for tweeter
- Battery life: 12hrs of music playing time
- Colors: black, gray, blue, light blue, red
- Price: $130.
The Flip 6 is another excellent example of portable JBL speakers capable of blasting loud and high-quality sound while also not taking a lot of space. You can put it on any surface and don’t have to worry about dust, sand, or water, thanks to the IP67 rating. It’s worth mentioning that Flip 6 is still just a wireless speaker. There’s no voice assistant integration, no mics for conducting phone calls, or an aux input for wired listening. However, the Flip 6 makes up for it by providing powerful audio performance and robust bass.
Design and Unpacking
The Flip 6’s design is on-brand, with the JBL logo now in all big letters, centered on the speaker’s body. When you feel the speaker, you’ll notice the textured accents here and there: for example, both the logo and the passive bass radiators now have a metallic feel.
The power button, Bluetooth button, and the USB-C charging port are all in the same places as the Flip 5. However, the panel that they’re on is now smaller compared to the predecessor.
There’s an adjustable strap that makes it easier to pick up the speaker, hang it or carry it with you. There’s also a small added rubber foot underneath the main panel that ensures your speaker’s stability so it won’t roll off your desk. It’s a more elegant solution than the larger rubber panel on the Flip 5.
The rubber Partyboost button, buttons to control volume levels, and the multifunction button for playback and track navigation are located in a separate line on the speaker’s fabric jacket. The multifunction button only allows you to skip tracks forward and not backward. Other than that, you have all the functionality you need on this control panel.
What’s in the Box
JBL Flip 6 comes in a stylish signature box with a magnet lock. Here’s what you’ll find inside the box:
- JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth portable speaker
- A silicone wrist strap
- USB-C charging cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety instruction
- Warranty card
In the quick start guide, you’ll find all the information you need about setting up and using your Flip 6. If you have a specific question about the functioning of Flip 6, you can address the Support on the official JBL website about it.
Audio Quality & Features
Don’t be fooled by the Flip 6’s compact size. This speaker can deliver volumes loud enough to fill not just your living room but even an outdoor space where there are no walls for the soundwaves to bounce from. The Flip 6 achieves this thanks to the dual passive radiators and a racetrack-shaped woofer—responsible for the low frequencies and midrange—they help deliver decent bass and mids. At the same time, a separate tweeter—responsible for the high frequencies—ensures there’s no sound distortion at high volumes.
If we’re talking numbers, the dynamic frequency response range of JBL Flip 6 is 63-20k Hz, with the output power of 20 W RMS for the woofer and 10 W RMS for the tweeter.
If you don’t know how to read those numbers, no worries. Here’s the takeaway: JBL Flip 6 performs equally pleasant no matter what kind of music you throw at it. You can expect strong bass lines, rich vocals, clear rap sequences, and smooth but clear instrumental melodies from this speaker.
If you want to step it up and boost the sound even more, you can use the JBL Partyboost feature to pair your Flip 6 to a compatible speaker (or several speakers, up to 100 actually) in a party (or mono) mode to create a wall of sound. So if you have any of the compatible JBL speakers like JBL Charge 5, a Flip 5, or an Xtreme 3, you can sync them together and truly get that party started.
You can enter the Partyboost mode by pressing the Partyboost button on the control panel or via the JBL Portable mobile app. And if you have 2 Flip 6 speakers, you can use the same button to pair them and play your music in stereo mode.
App and Connectivity
The JBL Portable app (previously JBL Connect) for Android and iOS unlocks more features that allow you to control your JBL speaker. Turn on your Flip 6 and run the app to pair your devices. From the app, you can turn on the Partyboost mode, access the user guide, turn the feedback tone on and off, use the Equalizer, and install software updates to ensure your speaker’s stable performance and long lifespan.
The app is simple and user-friendly, just like the speaker itself. In the Equalizer , you get to tweak Bass , Mid , and Treble . You can also use the app to change the name of your Flip 6 to a custom one.
Pairing your Flip 6 with a smartphone or other speakers is quick and easy, thanks to the Bluetooth version 5.1. You can also pair the speaker with two devices at once and take turns playing music with your friends.
Battery Life
JBL claims that the Flp 6 lasts for 12 hours of playback, which we found accurate during testing. When you want to top up the battery, the charging time from zero to full is about 2.5hrs, and you can use the included USB-C charging cable.
Flip 6 vs. Flip 5
If you’re a JBL user looking to upgrade your portable speaker from Flip 5 to Flip 6, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth it since the speakers look alike. Here are the main differences between the two speakers that will help you decide.
- Flip 6 uses a more recent Bluetooth version (5.1 over 4.2 in Flip 5) and provides better connectivity.
- IP67 is a stronger waterproof and dustproof rating than the IPX7 in Flip 5.
- Flip 6 features a significant improvement in sound quality, making it a more suitable speaker for big outdoor gatherings.
- Flip 5 is cheaper than Flip 6 ($110 vs. $130).
Should You Buy the JBL Flip 6?
The Flip 6 is an excellent addition to the JBL lineup. It lacks some features that people expect from modern wireless speakers, including voice assistant, speakerphone, AUX port, and Wi-Fi connectivity. JBL Flip 6 is a portable speaker that you can take with you on any adventure, and it’ll deliver excellent quality music no matter what environment you put it in.
If you already own a Flip 5, you might want to wait for the next generation to make the upgrade feel more substantial. However, the Flip 6 will make for a great pairing speaker for your Flip 5 if you want to use them in Partyboost mode.
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If you don’t have a full-sized printing machine at home and often need to print a document on the go, check out the Newyes portable printer . This wireless printer is lightweight and small enough to fit in your bag. Not to mention it’s environmentally friendly, since it uses thermal paper instead of ink.
Follow our review of the Newyes portable wireless thermal printer to see if it suits your printing needs.
Newyes Portable Wireless Thermal A4 Printer: First Impressions & Specs
When I was a student, I remember my university always required hard copies of documents. Luckily, there was a print shop on campus where I could always pop in to print something.
Then I became a professional, and to my surprise many life spheres still required me to have printed versions of documents with me. Of course you can get your own full-sized machine to print things at home, but if like me you live in a small apartment, you value every extra bit of space and don’t want a massive printer to take it up.
One day, when I was looking for a neighbor with a printer to help me with my event tickets, they introduced me to the concept of a portable printer. Seeing how easy it is to use, I immediately wanted to get my hands on one of those. So here I am, reviewing one of the most useful gadgets I received recently – the Newyes portable thermal printer.
Before we continue with this review, here is the full list of specs of this printer.
- Model: Newyes LD0801
- Dimensions: 10.4 x 1.2 x 2.28 in (265 x 58 x 30.5 mm)
- Weight: 16.8oz (475g)
- Paper format: A4
- Paper width: 210mm or 218mm
- Printing Type: thermal paper
- Resolution: 203DPI
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Charging port: USB type-C port
- Input Voltage: DC 5V / 2A
- Battery: 1200mAh lithium battery
- Charging time: 75 min
- Automatic shut down: after 30 minutes
- Stand-by: about 30 days
- Extra features: LED light, reset, on / off switch button
- Color: white, black
- Warranty: limited one year warranty
- Price: $199 on the Newyes website
If you find yourself in need of hard copies of important documents while on the move, the Newyes portable wireless thermal printer will become your go-to gadget. Newyes calls it “the world’s smallest printer”, and with the weight of under 500g this seems plausible. This mini printer offers a handy solution for those moments when you need to quickly print an important document but don’t have access to an office setup.
Operating this printer is a breeze – a simple Bluetooth connection is all that’s required. Once connected, just fire up the app, choose the file you want to print, and send it over. Efficiency is at the forefront, and you can easily print multiple sheets by inserting new pages back to back.
The only limitation this printer has is that it can only print in black. So even if your original file is in color, the printed document will still come out in black and white. Other than that – you can print a variety of file types including Excel, Word, PDF, JPG, PNG, and web pages – and it only takes seconds.
The Newyes portable wireless printer combines convenience, portability, and efficiency – all the things I appreciate in a modern gadget.
Design and Unpacking
Let’s have a closer look at the design and build of this smart printer, as well as what you get included in the package when you purchase it.
What’s in the Box
Here’s everything you’ll find when unpacking your Newyes portable thermal printer:
- The Newyes portable wireless thermal printer
- Bracket
- USB type-C cable
- Storage/carrying pouch
- 100pcs thermal printing paper
- User manual
You can use the Newyes portable printer right out of the box, as you’re all set with essential accessories. Aside from the printer itself, the package includes a bracket which will make printing more than one page smoother, a convenient storage bag for carrying your printer with you, a USB-C cable for charging, and a supply of 100 pieces of thermal paper to get you started.
One important thing to remember is that this printer only works with thermal paper. While thermal paper is significantly more expensive than normal paper, this printer also uses inkless printing and works without a ribbon and toner. Since you don’t have to spend money on ink, carbon ribbons or toner cartridges, you ultimately end up saving money with thermal paper.
The Newyes LD0801 is a pocket-sized printer that features straightforward design. For the purpose of this review, I had a printer in white color. The printer looks like a small white brick with just two pressable buttons on top – one for switching it on and off, and another for opening the printer’s cover. You’ll also see the paper entry slot on top of the printer.
On the side of the printer, you’ll find a single charging port.
The printer is made of plastic, but the build feels sturdy. I never have to worry about throwing it into my bag or damaging it when traveling. Besides, you can use a nice carrying pouch included in the package for protection.
Performance & Features
According to Newyes, the portable printer has a “handheld size and two times the weight of an iPhone”. This can give you an idea of how portable and convenient this little gadget is. In a month of testing, I used it at home, in a store, and even in a car while on the road.
Using the printer is unbelievably easy. Connect it to your mobile phone via Bluetooth, press the button to turn the printer on and put a sheet of thermal paper into the paper entry slot. Make sure to use thermal paper and not standard paper, and put it with the black marks facing down. Bear in mind that the thermal printer can only print in black and white and only on one (marked) side of the thermal paper sheet.
Then open the iPrint app on your smartphone. If you’re printing an A4 document, you can select one of two options – Photo Printing and Document Printing . Then choose the document from your phone’s files and print it.
The printer is reliable and in the time that I used it the Newyes LD0801 never let me down. The printing quality will surprise you, as it’s sometimes better than what you get from a full-sized printer. The printer supports printing in various formats, and you can use it to print documents from your smartphone (Android and iPhone), iPad, and Android tablet.
When fully charged, the printer can support up to 90 pieces of paper continuously, which is very impressive for a gadget of such a small size.
Software
The Newyes portable printer requires an iPrint app to operate. The app is available for free on iOS and Android. You’ll need to download the app on your device from the App Store or Google Play before you begin printing your documents.
The app has a simple and user-friendly design. You’ll need to pair your device with the printer on the first use via Bluetooth.
Depending on the type of document you want to print, you can choose different options from the app. There’s photo printing, document printing, web printing, and banner printing.
The app also has Materials and Template sections, where you can find various pictures and templates for printing to-do lists, post-its and holiday cards. You can also use the Newyes LD0801 as a label printer using these templates.
Battery Life
The Newyes portable wireless thermal printer is equipped with a decent 1200mAh lithium battery. This high-capacity battery allows you to print on the go without constantly worrying about running out of charge. When I received the printer, I charged it fully once, and it still hasn’t run out of battery after one month of use (I use it to print something almost every other day).
Charging this printer is quick and takes just over an hour to charge the printer from zero to full. The type-C charging cable facilitates a rapid charging experience. And if you run out of battery while on the go, you can quickly charge the printer from a portable power station or a power bank to continue printing.
The printer doesn’t support wireless charging, so I’d recommend always bringing the usb-c cable with you just in case.
Should You Buy the Newyes Portable Wireless Thermal Printer?
The Newyes portable thermal printer ensures high-quality wireless printing while on the go and easy operation. It’s not the most budget-friendly option, but this purchase will save you money and nerves in the long run thanks to its versatility and portable nature.
Personally, I can say that this printer made my life easier. So much that it’s probably my favorite smart gadget of the year. If you’re looking for a portable printer that won’t take any space in your house, I’d certainly recommend considering the Newyes LD0801 model.
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