Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #99 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.1/5) at $99.95 and is still sold new; the Bose SoundLink Color II ranks #125 (rated 2.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Grip is the better-sounding, longer-running option. Ambient light on the back with settable themes. It is rated for 14 hours of battery against 8 for the Bose SoundLink Color II. At 0.8 lbs (385 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Bose SoundLink Color II at 1.3 lbs (600 g). It is rated IP68 against IPX4 for the Bose SoundLink Color II. The catch: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
What the Bose SoundLink Color II does well: Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Grip lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Grip. The catch: Boosted bass on Color II.
Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Bose SoundLink Color II is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | Bose SoundLink Color II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $139.00 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #99 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #125 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX4 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 1.3 lbs (600 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 2x 40mm full-range drivers |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 5.2” x 5” x 2.2” (132 x 127 x 56 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | - |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Grip: $99.95 Amazon $99.95 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. Measured bass extension of ~68Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange
Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral
Full JBL Grip review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Bose SoundLink Color II: $139.00 Discontinued Amazon $139.00 eBay
Pros: Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes. IPX4 splashproof. Supports multipoint pairing to two devices at once.
Cons: Boosted bass on Color II. Not as deep of bass as other models. Lacking midrange detail. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.
Full Bose SoundLink Color II review and specifications →
| Released | May 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.2” x 5” x 2.2” (132 x 127 x 56 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (600 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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