Short answer: the Skullcandy Barrel. It ranks #60 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5) at $157.40 and is still sold new; the Demerbox DB2 ranks #74 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Skullcandy Barrel is the better-sounding choice. A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Demerbox DB2 lacks. The tradeoff: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
The Demerbox DB2 is the longer-running, lighter pick. A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 12 for the Skullcandy Barrel. At 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) it weighs much less than the Skullcandy Barrel at 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg). The catch: Bass is not as deep as better speakers.
Buy the Skullcandy Barrel. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Demerbox DB2 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers.
A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Skullcandy Barrel | Demerbox DB2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $157.40 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #60 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #74 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) | 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes (Skullcandy app) | No |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| FM Tuner | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | 22W RMS |
| Dimensions | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) | 10.6” x 9.7” x 6.9” (270 x 246 x 175 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 20mm drivers | 2x 3” (76mm) aluminum cone full-range drivers |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power brick |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
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