Short answer: the JBL Charge 6. It ranks #12 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $149.95. The Skullcandy Terrain XL ranks #168, rated 2.1/5, at $79.99, $69.96 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Charge 6 is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. A waterproof medium speaker with a long battery and a power bank output, with more balanced sound than older Charge models. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 18 for the Skullcandy Terrain XL. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Skullcandy Terrain XL lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Skullcandy Terrain XL lacks. The tradeoff: Still some boosted bass by default.
The Skullcandy Terrain XL is the lighter pick. A very loud, long running Terrain speaker, waterproof with a wrist wrap and a built in microphone. At 1.4 lbs (635 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge 6 at 2.2 lbs (990 g). Watch for: Shares the Terrain line’s tuning: no bass, very rolled off treble, and distortion in the treble.
Buy the JBL Charge 6. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $69.96 you would save on the Skullcandy Terrain XL does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 6 | Skullcandy Terrain XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.95 | $79.99 |
| Ranked | #12 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #168 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 95dB SPL (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (SKDY Multi-Link, up to 99 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.4A) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (990 g) | 1.4 lbs (635 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.9” x 3.7” (228.8 x 98.5 x 94 mm) | 7.5” x 3.5” x 3.5” (190.5 x 88.9 x 88.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 2x 48mm drivers + passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 45W | 2 x 20W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (wrist strap) |
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