Short answer: the B&O Beosound Explore, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #142 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 2.5/5) at $294.99 and is still sold new; the Xdobo X8 ranks #158 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 177 medium speakers, and the EarFun Uboom L, ranked #2 at $49.79, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
What the Xdobo X8 does well: A cheap splash resistant speaker that plays loud for background music outdoors, with aux and microSD playback. It keeps a wired aux input, which the B&O Beosound Explore lacks. The catch: The single full-range driver is the limitation.
The B&O Beosound Explore is the longer-running, lighter choice. A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery. It is rated for 27 hours of battery against 15 for the Xdobo X8. At 1.4 lbs (631 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Xdobo X8 at 1.9 lbs (860 g). It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Xdobo X8. The tradeoff: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
Buy the B&O Beosound Explore. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Xdobo X8 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A cheap splash resistant speaker that plays loud for background music outdoors, with aux and microSD playback.
A rugged waterproof speaker with an anodized aluminum design, a strap and carabiner, and a long real world battery.
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
| Xdobo X8 | B&O Beosound Explore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $35 Discontinued | $294.99 |
| Ranked | #158 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #142 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~65Hz | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (860 g) | 1.4 lbs (631 g) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 3.7” x 2.8” (220 x 95 x 72 mm) | 3.2” x 4.9” x 3.2” (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 66mm full-range driver | 2x 1.8” (46mm) full-range drivers |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | 60W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 91dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (carabiner) |
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