Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Flip Essential is the better pick: it ranks #89 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5), against #158 (rated 2.3/5) for the Xdobo X8. If you want one new, the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE replaces the JBL Flip Essential and is rated 3.6/5 at $115.53.
The JBL Flip Essential is the better-sounding, lighter option. A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening. At 1 lbs (471 g) it weighs much less than the Xdobo X8 at 1.9 lbs (860 g). It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the Xdobo X8. The catch: Bass is lighter than the JBL Flip 5 and the 80Hz claimed low-frequency limit means it cannot deliver real low-end weight.
The Xdobo X8 is the longer-running option. A cheap splash resistant speaker that plays loud for background music outdoors, with aux and microSD playback. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 10 for the JBL Flip Essential. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Flip Essential lacks. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The catch: The single full-range driver is the limitation.
Buy the JBL Flip Essential only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Flip Essential 3 SE, which replaces the JBL Flip Essential.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A light, simple waterproof speaker with an aux input, good for travel and casual listening.
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
| JBL Flip Essential | Xdobo X8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 Discontinued | $35 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #89 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #158 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (multiple modes) |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Weight | / 1 lbs (471 g) | 1.9 lbs (860 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange | 66mm full-range driver |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 2.5” x 2.5” (169 x 64 x 64 mm) | 8.7” x 3.7” x 2.8” (220 x 95 x 72 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 60W |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~65Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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