Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #98 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $69.95. The Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 ranks #177, rated 2.0/5, at $62.99, $6.96 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The JBL Grip is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A small, fully waterproof speaker with app EQ, ambient lighting, Auracast linking and USB-C audio input. At 0.8 lbs (385 g) it weighs much less than the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 at 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg). It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The catch: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 is the longer-running option. A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker that doubles as a power bank, with a clip for bikes, kayaks or backpacks. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 14 for the JBL Grip. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Grip lacks. The catch: Barely any bass, “pathetic sounding” said Jay’s Reviews of the line generally.
Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $6.96 with the Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | Altec Lansing Lifejacket 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $62.99 |
| Ranked | #98 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #177 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | - |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 4.5” (114mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 8.6” x 4.2” x 4.6” (218 x 107 x 117 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 10W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | Yes (mounting clip) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | Yes |
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