Short answer: the Skullcandy Barrel. It ranks #60 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $157.40; the EcoXGear Defender ranks #84, rated 2.5/5, and costs $299.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The EcoXGear Defender is the longer-running option. 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 Skullcandy Barrel. The tradeoff: Its single front-facing driver layout has narrow dispersion: clarity and detail drop noticeably when you move off-axis, and the soundstage is limited.
The Skullcandy Barrel is the better-sounding choice. A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the EcoXGear Defender. The catch: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the Skullcandy Barrel. It is rated higher for sound quality than the EcoXGear Defender and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank.
A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| EcoXGear Defender | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $157.40 |
| Ranked | #84 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (App EQ) |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.1A) | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| FM Tuner | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 60W |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 15.4” x 9.6” (170.2 x 391.2 x 243.8 mm) | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 52mm full-range driver | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~50Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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