Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #98 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $69.95; the Skullcandy Terrain XL ranks #168, rated 2.1/5, and costs $79.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
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 Skullcandy Terrain XL at 1.4 lbs (635 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the Skullcandy Terrain XL lacks. Watch for: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
What the Skullcandy Terrain XL does well: A very loud, long running Terrain speaker, waterproof with a wrist wrap and a built in microphone. The catch: Shares the Terrain line’s tuning: no bass, very rolled off treble, and distortion in the treble.
Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Skullcandy Terrain XL and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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 | Skullcandy Terrain XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $79.99 |
| Ranked | #98 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #168 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (SKDY Multi-Link, up to 99 speakers) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 1.4 lbs (635 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 2x 48mm drivers + passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 7.5” x 3.5” x 3.5” (190.5 x 88.9 x 88.9 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 2 x 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | Yes (wrist strap) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB SPL (Manufacturer specified) |
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