Short answer: the JBL Pulse 5. It ranks #47 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $224.99 and is still sold new; the Xdobo X8 ranks #158 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Pulse 5 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A waterproof party speaker with a built in light show, app EQ and linking with up to 100 other JBL speakers. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 10dB, against 65Hz for the Xdobo X8. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Xdobo X8. The tradeoff: Bass does not reach as deep as others, and the plastic scratches easily.
The Xdobo X8 is the lighter choice. A cheap splash resistant speaker that plays loud for background music outdoors, with aux and microSD playback. At 1.9 lbs (860 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Pulse 5 at 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Pulse 5 lacks. The tradeoff: The single full-range driver is the limitation.
Buy the JBL Pulse 5. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Xdobo X8 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A waterproof party speaker with a built in light show, app EQ and linking with up to 100 other JBL speakers.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Pulse 5 | Xdobo X8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $224.99 | $35 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #47 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #158 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | ~65Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1500 g) | 1.9 lbs (860 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 4.2” x 8.4” x 5.2” (107 x 214 x 131 mm) | 8.7” x 3.7” x 2.8” (220 x 95 x 72 mm) |
| Drivers | 64mm woofer, 16mm tweeter | 66mm full-range driver |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 60W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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