Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex. It ranks #38 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $79.99. The Skullcandy Terrain XT ranks #170, rated 2.1/5, at $59.99, $20 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Bose Soundlink Flex is the better-sounding choice. A small, rugged waterproof speaker that survives drops and floats, with a warm, bass forward sound for casual outdoor use. Watch for: Warm sounding with overly boosted bass which drowns out midrange detail.
Why pick the Skullcandy Terrain XT: A waterproof speaker with a wrist wrap for carrying and pairing with other Skullcandy speakers. The tradeoff: Shares the Terrain line’s tuning: no bass, very rolled off treble, and distortion in the treble.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $20 with the Skullcandy Terrain XT does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex | Skullcandy Terrain XT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $59.99 |
| Ranked | #38 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #170 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 33ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 90dB SPL (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (SKDY Multi-Link, up to 99 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (589 g) | 1.6 lbs (720 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 3.1” x 3.1” x 6.3” (79 x 79 x 160 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 60mm full-range driver + 2x passive radiators | 2x 48mm drivers + passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (wrist strap) |
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