Short answer: the JBL Grip, if you are buying new. The Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 ranks higher than it (#5 vs #99 of 175 medium speakers, 4.4/5 vs 3.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the JBL Grip is still sold new at $69.95.
The Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. Its bass reaches about 56Hz before falling 10dB, against 68Hz for the JBL Grip. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Grip. The tradeoff: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video.
The JBL Grip is the lighter option. Ambient light on the back with settable themes. At 0.8 lbs (385 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 at 1.3 lbs (590 g). It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 cannot. Watch for: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
Buy the JBL Grip new; the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 | JBL Grip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 Discontinued | $69.95 |
| Ranked | #5 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #99 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (9 band) | Yes (7 band) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP68 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 150ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm) | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) | 16W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Strap | - | Yes (strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 compares with other leading options:
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Motion 300
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Motion+
- Denon Envaya DSB-250BT vs Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021
- Minirig 4 vs Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs B&O Beosound A1
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021: $60 Discontinued eBay
Older model: the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every Soundcore Boost generation.
Pros: A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. This upgraded version has a usb-c port while the old one has micro usb. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
Full Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 150ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes (9 band) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Speakertech: Anker soundcore Boost (Upgraded) vs minirig mini in stereo /2.0 (and changing the equalizer)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Denon Envaya DSB-250BT
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Motion+
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Minirig 4
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Motion 300
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs B&O Beosound A1
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge 6
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Flip 6
- See all 77 comparisons
JBL Grip: $69.95 Amazon $99.95 B&H Photo Video $69.95 Lowest eBay
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. Measured bass extension of ~68Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange
Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral
Full JBL Grip review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons