LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Skullcandy Barrel

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Short answer: the LG Xboom Stage 301 for better sound quality, the Skullcandy Barrel for the lower price. The LG Xboom Stage 301 ranks #23 of 73 boombox speakers at $279.99. The Skullcandy Barrel ranks #39 at $150, $129.99 cheaper.

The case for the LG Xboom Stage 301: Wedge-style design works as a karaoke hub with removable/replaceable battery. The tradeoff: overpriced for what it is.

On the Skullcandy Barrel side: Water-resistant (IPX5) with LED lightshow synced to music. Set against that: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.

Buy the LG Xboom Stage 301 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Skullcandy Barrel if the price matters more than sound quality.

If water resistance matters to you, the Skullcandy Barrel at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the LG Xboom Stage 301 at IPX4 (splashing).

Buy the LG Xboom Stage 301 at Amazon ($279.99) →Buy the Skullcandy Barrel at Amazon ($150) →

LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Skullcandy Barrel

Specifications Side By Side

LG Xboom Stage 301 Skullcandy Barrel
Price$279.99$150
Ranked#23 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#39 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
Bass Extension (-10dB)43Hz~50Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)-
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, SBCSBC
IP RatingIPX4IP67
Party ModeYes (Auracast)No
StereoPartially (1 woofer)Yes
OmnidirectionalNoNo
Weight13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg
AppYes (LG Xboom app)Yes (Skullcandy app)
EQYes (App EQ)Yes (App EQ)
TWSNoYes
Power BankNoNo
USB PlaybackNoNo
Built in MicrophoneNoNo
Power InputUSB-C-
Output Power120W60W
Dimensions8.7" x 3.1" x 3.5" (220 x 80 x 90 mm)11.8" x 22.1" x 9.6" (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm)
Drivers6.5" woofer + dual 2.5" midrange drivers (Peerless)2x 20mm drivers
Digital Aux InputNoNo
FM Tuner-No
Max Volume-104dB
Buy the LG Xboom Stage 301 at Amazon ($279.99) →Buy the Skullcandy Barrel at Amazon ($150) →

More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:

The Two Speakers In Full

LG Xboom Stage 301: $279.99 Amazon

LG Xboom Stage 301 ranking card

Pros: Wedge-style design works as a karaoke hub with removable/replaceable battery. Multiple standing positions. AI audio optimization via Dual-Bar lighting.

Cons: overpriced for what it is. Not the greatest frequency response.

Full LG Xboom Stage 301 review and specifications →

AppYes (LG Xboom app)
Bass Extension (-10dB)43Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsAAC, SBC
Built in MicrophoneNo
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions8.7" x 3.1" x 3.5" (220 x 80 x 90 mm)
Drivers6.5" woofer + dual 2.5" midrange drivers (Peerless)
EQYes (App EQ)
IP RatingIPX4
OmnidirectionalNo
Output Power120W
Party ModeYes (Auracast)
Power BankNo
Power InputUSB-C
StereoPartially (1 woofer)
TWSNo
USB PlaybackNo
Weight13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg
Check current price at Amazon ($279.99) →Search eBay for LG Xboom Stage 301 →

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

Skullcandy Barrel: $150 Amazon

Skullcandy Barrel ranking card

Pros: Water-resistant (IPX5) with LED lightshow synced to music. 12 hour battery life. Bass Boost mode. Multi-Link feature connects up to 99 speakers. Doubles as phone charger.

Cons: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers. Not as loud as the top ranked speakers. Rolled off treble.

Full Skullcandy Barrel review and specifications →

AppYes (Skullcandy app)
Bass Extension (-10dB)~50Hz
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Built in MicrophoneNo
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions11.8" x 22.1" x 9.6" (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm)
Drivers2x 20mm drivers
EQYes (App EQ)
FM TunerNo
IP RatingIP67
Max Volume104dB
OmnidirectionalNo
Output Power60W
Party ModeNo
Power BankNo
StereoYes
TWSYes
USB PlaybackNo
Weight11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg
Check current price at Amazon ($150) →Search eBay for Skullcandy Barrel →

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.