Short answer: the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi. It ranks #26 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $389.95. The Skullcandy Barrel ranks #60, rated 3.2/5, at $157.40, $232.55 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
What the Skullcandy Barrel does well: A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi lacks. The tradeoff: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
The JBL Boombox 3 Wifi is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A big, waterproof stereo boombox with Wi-Fi, a long battery and enough volume for any outdoor party. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 10dB, against 50Hz for the Skullcandy Barrel. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Skullcandy Barrel. The catch: Bass boosted.
Buy the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $232.55 saving on the Skullcandy Barrel is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers.
A big, waterproof stereo boombox with Wi-Fi, a long battery and enough volume for any outdoor party.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Skullcandy Barrel | JBL Boombox 3 Wifi | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $157.40 | $389.95 |
| Ranked | #60 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #26 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz | 43Hz |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 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, 5V/2A) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | 200W AC / 140W battery |
| Dimensions | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) | 19.1” x 10.1” x 7.9” (484 x 256 x 200 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 20mm drivers | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cable |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Strap | - | No |
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