Short answer: the JBL Flip 7, if you are buying new. The JBL Flip 5 ranks higher than the Skullcandy Terrain XT (#79 vs #173 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, lighter option. A compact, light waterproof speaker with a carry strap and USB-C charging. At 1.2 lbs (540 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Skullcandy Terrain XT at 1.6 lbs (720 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the Skullcandy Terrain XT lacks. The tradeoff: Boosted upper bass.
The case for the Skullcandy Terrain XT: A waterproof speaker with a wrist wrap for carrying and pairing with other Skullcandy speakers. 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 XT.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Flip 5 | Skullcandy Terrain XT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $64.97 Discontinued | $59.99 |
| Ranked | #79 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #173 of 182 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 90dB 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) | 1.6 lbs (720 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) | 3.1” x 3.1” x 6.3” (79 x 79 x 160 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| 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 XT: 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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