Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #98 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $69.95. The Dayton Audio Boost ranks #153, rated 2.4/5, at $29.98, $39.97 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Grip is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A small, fully waterproof speaker with app EQ, ambient lighting, Auracast linking and USB-C audio input. Its bass reaches about 68Hz before falling 10dB, against 87Hz for the Dayton Audio Boost. It is rated for 14 hours of battery against 6 for the Dayton Audio Boost. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Dayton Audio Boost lacks. The catch: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The case for the Dayton Audio Boost: A small, cheap soda can sized waterproof speaker with stereo pairing, microSD playback and an aux input. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Grip lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Grip. The tradeoff: Some midrange peaks, treble slightly rolled off.
Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $39.97 you would save on the Dayton Audio Boost does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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 Grip | Dayton Audio Boost | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $29.98 |
| Ranked | #98 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #153 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | 87Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 2x 1.5” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 3.5” x 3.5” x 4.3” (88.9 x 88.9 x 109.2 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 70W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
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