Short answer: the Gemini GRV-650L. It ranks #56 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $149.95; the Skullcandy Barrel ranks #60, rated 3.2/5, at $145. The price gap is small enough that the sound-quality ranking should decide it.
Why pick the Gemini GRV-650L: A great value party speaker with an included wireless mic, remote, FM radio and water resistance. The tradeoff: Not quite as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
The Skullcandy Barrel is the lighter, tougher pick. A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers. At 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Gemini GRV-650L at 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg). It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Gemini GRV-650L. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Gemini GRV-650L lacks. The tradeoff: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the Gemini GRV-650L. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $4.95 with the Skullcandy Barrel does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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
| Gemini GRV-650L | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.95 | $145.00 |
| Ranked | #56 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~47Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Power Bank | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| FM Tuner | Yes | No |
| Amplifier Power | 320W | 60W |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 10.2” x 14.4” (277 x 260 x 366 mm) | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” woofer + tweeter | 2x 20mm drivers |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Strap | No | - |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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