JBL Grip vs Xdobo X8

Last updated: October 21, 2026

Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #98 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.1/5) at $69.95 and is still sold new; the Xdobo X8 ranks #158 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.

JBL Grip vs Xdobo X8

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 Xdobo X8 at 1.9 lbs (860 g). It is rated IP68 against IPX5 for the Xdobo X8. The catch: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.

Why pick the Xdobo X8: A cheap splash resistant speaker that plays loud for background music outdoors, with aux and microSD playback. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Grip lacks. The tradeoff: The single full-range driver is the limitation.

Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Xdobo X8 is discontinued.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.

JBL Grip

A small, fully waterproof speaker with app EQ, ambient lighting, Auracast linking and USB-C audio input.

Battery: 14 hrWaterproof: IP68Bass to: 68 HzWeight: 385 g
Amazon $99.95 B&H Photo Video $69.95 eBay
$69.95
Xdobo X8 Discontinued

A cheap splash resistant speaker that plays loud for background music outdoors, with aux and microSD playback.

Battery: 15 hrWaterproof: IPX5Bass to: 65 HzWeight: 1.9 lbs
eBay
$35

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.

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Specifications Side By Side

JBL Grip Xdobo X8
Price$69.95$35 Discontinued
Ranked#98 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#158 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesNo
Battery Life14 hours (Manufacturer specified)15 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bass Extension (-10dB)~68Hz~65Hz
BluetoothYesYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBCSBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified)
EQYes (7 band)Yes (multiple modes)
IP RatingIP68IPX5
Party ModeYes (Auracast)-
TWSYesYes
Weight0.8 lbs (385 g)1.9 lbs (860 g)
Bluetooth Version5.45.0
Drivers1x 43x80mm fullrange66mm full-range driver
Dimensions2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm)8.7” x 3.7” x 2.8” (220 x 95 x 72 mm)
Frequency Response70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)-
Amplifier Power16W60W
Digital Aux InputYes (USB-C)No
OmnidirectionalNoNo
LightsYes-
Aux InputNoYes
StereoNoNo
Power InputUSB-CUSB-C
StrapYes (strap)-
MicroSD Playback-Yes
Built-in Microphone-Yes

How JBL Grip compares with other leading options: