Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It ranks #37 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $149 and is still sold new; the Xdobo X8 ranks #158 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit. At 1.3 lbs (586 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Xdobo X8 at 1.9 lbs (860 g). It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Xdobo X8. Watch for: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing.
The case for the Xdobo X8: A cheap splash resistant speaker that plays loud for background music outdoors, with aux and microSD playback. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen lacks. The tradeoff: The single full-range driver is the limitation.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Xdobo X8 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | Xdobo X8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $35 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #37 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #158 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 1.9 lbs (860 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 8.7” x 3.7” x 2.8” (220 x 95 x 72 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 66mm full-range driver |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~65Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | - | 60W |
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