Short answer: the Bumpboxx Flare8 Pro, if you are buying new, though neither ranks well in its class. The Bumpboxx Flare 8 ranks higher than the EcoXGear Defender (#82 vs #85 of 113 boombox speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Bumpboxx Flare8 Pro, is rated 2.8/5 at $449 and is still sold new. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 113 boombox speakers; for better sound, the Tribit Stormbox Blast ranks #2 at $199.99.
The case for the Bumpboxx Flare 8: A retro styled party speaker with FM radio, water resistance and high volume for small outdoor parties. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the EcoXGear Defender. The catch: Bass is thuddy rather than deep or controlled, and there is no app to improve the tuning.
The EcoXGear Defender is the longer-running, lighter pick. A rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank. It is rated for 25 hours of battery against 12 for the Bumpboxx Flare 8. At 10 lbs (4.54 kg) it weighs much less than the Bumpboxx Flare 8 at 19 lbs (8.62 kg). Watch for: Its single front-facing driver layout has narrow dispersion: clarity and detail drop noticeably when you move off-axis, and the soundstage is limited.
Buy the Bumpboxx Flare8 Pro, the replacement for the discontinued Bumpboxx Flare 8; it is rated higher for sound quality than the EcoXGear Defender.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bumpboxx Flare 8 | EcoXGear Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $299.99 |
| Ranked | #82 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #85 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.62 kg) | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.1A) |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| FM Tuner | Yes | No |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 28” x 8” x 16” (711 x 203 x 406 mm) | 6.7” x 15.4” x 9.6” (170.2 x 391.2 x 243.8 mm) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Drivers | 8” woofer + tweeters | 52mm full-range driver |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 118dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Strap | - | No |
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