Short answer: the JBL Flip 7, if you are buying new. The JBL Flip 5 ranks higher than the Skullcandy Terrain XL (#79 vs #171 of 182 medium speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the JBL Flip 7, is rated 4.2/5 at $149.95 and is still sold new.
The JBL Flip 5 is the better-sounding pick. A compact, light waterproof speaker with a carry strap and USB-C charging. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Skullcandy Terrain XL lacks. The tradeoff: Boosted upper bass.
The Skullcandy Terrain XL is the longer-running pick. A very loud, long running Terrain speaker, waterproof with a wrist wrap and a built in microphone. It is rated for 18 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Flip 5. Watch for: Shares the Terrain line’s tuning: no bass, very rolled off treble, and distortion in the treble.
Buy the JBL Flip 7, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Flip 5; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Skullcandy Terrain XL.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 5 | Skullcandy Terrain XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $64.97 Discontinued | $79.99 |
| Ranked | #79 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #171 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 95dB SPL (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (SKDY Multi-Link, up to 99 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (540 g) | 1.4 lbs (635 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm fullrange | 2x 48mm drivers + passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2.7” x 2.9” (181 x 69 x 74 mm) | 7.5” x 3.5” x 3.5” (190.5 x 88.9 x 88.9 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | 2 x 20W |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | Yes (lanyard) | Yes (wrist strap) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Flip 5: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and Techder Audios.
- Skullcandy Terrain XL: reviews by FishBee Product and Flossy Carter.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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