Short answer: the Skullcandy Barrel for the higher ranking, the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 for the lower price. The Skullcandy Barrel ranks #38 of 70 boombox speakers at $150. The Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 ranks #42 at $90, $60 cheaper.
On the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 side: Under $100 with thunderous bass and LED lights synced to music. Set against that: Lacking detail compared to the “Onn Large Party Gen 2” and not as deep of bass.
The case for the Skullcandy Barrel: Water-resistant (IPX5) with LED lightshow synced to music. The tradeoff: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Skullcandy Barrel if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $90 | $150 |
| Ranked | #42 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #38 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| FM Tuner | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Microphone Input | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | Yes | No |
| Power Bank | Yes | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| Output Power | 50W RMS / 200W peak | 60W |
| Dimensions | 9.61" x 10.94" x 15.08" | 11.81" x 22.05" x 9.60" |
| Weight | 11 lbs / 5 kg | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer + tweeters | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~50Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 104dB |
The Two Speakers In Full
Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2: $90 Walmart
Pros: Under $100 with thunderous bass and LED lights synced to music. Simple controls, solid Bluetooth range. Mic input for karaoke/emcee. Built-in FM radio with 16 presets. Aux port.
Cons: Lacking detail compared to the “Onn Large Party Gen 2” and not as deep of bass.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | 9.61" x 10.94" x 15.08" |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer + tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Output Power | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Party Mode | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 11 lbs / 5 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Links
Skullcandy Barrel: $150 Amazon
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.
| App | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | 11.81" x 22.05" x 9.60" |
| Drivers | 2x 20mm drivers |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 104dB |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Triple Threat Match 🔺 SkullCandy Barrel XT, Tribit Blast & Tronsmart Bang Max 📛 Bluetooth Boombox 🔋
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Skullcandy Barrel XT Boombox vs. JBL Partybox Encore Party Speaker.🛜 How Low Can You Go?😲
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Skullcandy Barrel XT Bluetooth Boombox Speaker 📦 Unboxing, First Look & 🔉 Sound Demo
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Skullcandy BARREL XT vs JBL Boombox 3 🤯Budget Banger vs Reigning Champ 🔋 Battery Powered 🏠 Indoors
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Skullcandy Barrel XT vs Soundcore Rave Party 2 (Stock & Custom EQ) 🛜 Battery Powered🔋Let’s Get It🧨
- Jagist reviews: Unboxing Of The Skullcandy Barrel XT
- Jagist reviews: W-king X20 Vs Skullcandy Barrel XT!!! 🤔😋
- Jagist reviews: W-king X20 Vs Skullcandy Barrel XT!!! 🤔😋
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Skullcandy Barrel XT vs ONN Medium Party Speaker Gen. 2 😬(Both Bass Boost On🔉) The Price is Right?🤑
- Josh’s Gadgets and More: Skullcandy Barrel XT vs ZZA K8 sound comparison
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.

