Short answer: the JBL Grip for better sound quality, the Dayton Audio Boost for the lower price. The JBL Grip ranks #80 of 144 medium speakers, rated 3.1/5, at $99.95. The Dayton Audio Boost ranks #123, rated 2.4/5, at $29.98, $69.97 cheaper.
Why pick the JBL Grip: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. The tradeoff: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The case for the Dayton Audio Boost: Compact soda-can design, dual passive radiators, IPX5 waterproof, wireless stereo pairing capability, MicroSD card support. The catch: Some midrange peaks, treble slightly rolled off.
Buy the JBL Grip if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Dayton Audio Boost if the price matters more than sound quality.
Battery life favors the JBL Grip: rated for 14 hours against 6 hours for the Dayton Audio Boost.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | Dayton Audio Boost | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $29.98 |
| Ranked | #80 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #123 of 144 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 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 | - |
| 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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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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 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 →
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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
Dayton Audio Boost: $29.98 Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact soda-can design, dual passive radiators, IPX5 waterproof, wireless stereo pairing capability, MicroSD card support. Measured bass extension of 87Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Some midrange peaks, treble slightly rolled off. Not much bass. Same hardware as the Boat Stone 350/352/358
Full Dayton Audio Boost review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 87Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.5” x 3.5” x 4.3” (88.9 x 88.9 x 109.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.5” full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (426 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
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