Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #98 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $69.95; the B&O Beosound Explore ranks #142, rated 2.5/5, and costs $294.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The JBL Grip is the better-sounding, lighter option. 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 B&O Beosound Explore at 1.4 lbs (631 g). The tradeoff: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The B&O Beosound Explore is the longer-running pick. A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery. It is rated for 27 hours of battery against 14 for the JBL Grip. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Grip. The tradeoff: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality than the B&O Beosound Explore and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A small, fully waterproof speaker with app EQ, ambient lighting, Auracast linking and USB-C audio input.
A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | B&O Beosound Explore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $294.99 |
| Ranked | #98 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #142 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | ~70Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 1.4 lbs (631 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 2x 1.8” (46mm) full-range drivers |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 3.2” x 4.9” x 3.2” (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 60W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | Yes (carabiner) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Grip: