Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #98 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.1/5, at $69.95. The Walla Sound ranks #163, rated 2.2/5, at $49.99, $19.96 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Grip is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. 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 90Hz for the Walla Sound. It is rated for 14 hours of battery against 8 for the Walla Sound. It is rated IP68 against IPX5 for the Walla Sound. Watch for: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The Walla Sound is the lighter pick. A small shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone. At 0.7 lbs (300 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Grip at 0.8 lbs (385 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Grip lacks. The catch: No bass, gets distorted when turned up.
Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $19.96 with the Walla Sound does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A small, fully waterproof speaker with app EQ, ambient lighting, Auracast linking and USB-C audio input.
A small shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | Walla Sound | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $49.99 |
| Ranked | #98 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #163 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | ~90Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 0.7 lbs (300 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 30mm metal diaphragm driver |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 2.7” x 2.7” x 6.3” (68 x 68 x 160 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 10W (2 x 5W) |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Grip: