Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #80 of 144 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $99.95. The Skullcandy Terrain XL ranks #134, rated 2.1/5, at $79.99, $19.96 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
What the JBL Grip does well: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. 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: The loudest and longest-running of the Terrain line at 95dB and 18 hours, and the only one with 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, and the $19.96 you would save on the Skullcandy Terrain XL does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | Skullcandy Terrain XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $79.99 |
| Ranked | #80 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #134 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | - |
| 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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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
Skullcandy Terrain XL: $79.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: The loudest and longest-running of the Terrain line at 95dB and 18 hours, and the only one with a built-in microphone. IPX7 rated with a nylon wrist wrap. Multi-Link pairs it with other Skullcandy speakers.
Cons: Shares the Terrain line’s tuning: no bass, very rolled off treble, and distortion in the treble. The extra size buys volume and runtime, not better sound.
Full Skullcandy Terrain XL review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2 x 20W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 3.5” x 3.5” (190.5 x 88.9 x 88.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm drivers + passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB SPL (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (SKDY Multi-Link, up to 99 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (wrist strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs (635 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Newly Released! Skullcandy Terrain XL 🦨 Quick Overview & Sound Comparison with JBL Flip 6 & Tozo PA1 More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- FishBee Product Reviews: Why is NO ONE Buying the New Skullcandy Speakers?? More from FishBee Product Reviews →
- Flossy Carter: All The New SkullCandy Bluetooth Speakers More from FlossyCarter →
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