Short answer: the Xiaomi Sound Play. It ranks #84 of 173 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $40; the JBL Grip ranks #96, rated 3.1/5, and costs $69.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
Why pick the JBL Grip: A 0.8 lbs (385 g) IP68 waterproof speaker with 14-hour battery life, a 7-band app EQ and ambient back lighting with settable themes. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Xiaomi Sound Play lacks. Watch for: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The case for the Xiaomi Sound Play: Clear, controlled sound with good vocal presence that avoids the boomy muddiness of many cheap speakers. The catch: Less bass depth and punch than the JBL Grip, and bass thins out noticeably at full volume.
Buy the Xiaomi Sound Play. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Grip and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A 385 g IP68 waterproof speaker with 14-hour battery life, a 7-band app EQ and ambient back lighting with settable themes.
Amazon $99.95 B&H Photo Video $69.95 Lowest eBay
Clear, controlled sound with good vocal presence that avoids the boomy muddiness of many cheap speakers.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | Xiaomi Sound Play | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $69.95 | $40 |
| Ranked | #96 of 173 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #84 of 173 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast, up to 100 speakers) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 0.9 lbs (415 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 6.0 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 1x full-range driver + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 2.7” x 7.9” x 2.5” (69.5 x 201.1 x 63.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 18W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes (infinity mirror top and base light ring) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | Yes (rubber strap) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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