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Skullcandy Barrel Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£220
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • Audio output power: 60.00 W
  • Battery life: 12 hours
  • IP rating: IPX5
  • Bluetooth version: 5.3
  • Weight: 5440 g

Skullcandy Barrel review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

7.0

Technical Score

20.0%

9.2

User score

Very good
7.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

6.5

Audio

20.0%

7.5

Battery

18.0%

7.4

Durability

16.0%

7.0

Connectivity

8.0%

7.7

Controls

3.0%

3.9

Design

3.0%

7.7

Smart features

Very good
9.2

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(296)
amazon
5.0
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(340)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

Exceptional
  • 6.9
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    5.1

    IP rating

    20.0%

    4.1

    Weight

    15.0%

    5.2

    Battery life

  • 7.1
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    8.1

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    5.2

    Battery life

    15.0%

    4.1

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 6.9
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    8.1

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    4.1

    Weight

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Skullcandy Barrel is a heavy-duty portable Bluetooth 5.3 boombox speaker engineered with a 60W rated power output, featuring one 6.5-inch woofer and two 2.25-inch drivers to deliver loud, full-frequency sound. Designed for outdoor events, it boasts an IPX5 water-resistant rating, dynamic LED light bars that sync to the music, and SKDY Multi-Link technology capable of connecting up to 99 compatible speakers wirelessly. Key advantages include an integrated power bank utilizing USB-A and USB-C outputs to charge mobile devices, a dedicated Bass Boost mode, and a solid 12-hour battery life that fully recharges in 3.5 hours. However, it is quite bulky and heavy at approximately 12 lbs, depends on a proprietary AC barrel adapter for charging rather than standard USB-C input, lacks dedicated smartphone app support, and some users note a slight lack of deep sub-bass extension at higher volumes.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Skullcandy Barrel

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

6.5

Audio

20.0%

7.5

Battery

18.0%

7.4

Durability

16.0%

7.0

Connectivity

8.0%

7.7

Controls

3.0%

3.9

Design

3.0%

7.7

Smart features

7.0
Skullcandy Barrel has a technical score of 7.02 points, which is higher than 62% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(296)
amazon
5.0
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(340)

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

9.2
Skullcandy Barrel has a user score of 9.16 points, which is higher than 82.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
10
Skullcandy Barrel has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 66.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.4

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

8.0
Skullcandy Barrel has a quality-to-price ratio of 8 points, which is higher than 68.5% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

60.00 W
Skullcandy Barrel has an audio output power of 60.00 W which is higher than that of 79.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.5% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 60.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

48.00 mm
Skullcandy Barrel has a driver unit size of 48.00 mm which is smaller than that of 56.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.3% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 48.00 mm.
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

3
Skullcandy Barrel has 3 drivers, which is more than 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 3.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

50.00 Hz
Skullcandy Barrel has a lowest frequency of 50.00 Hz which is lower than that of 59.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.1% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 50.00 Hz.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Skullcandy Barrel supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

5.3
Skullcandy Barrel supports Bluetooth version 5.3 which is newer than that of 78.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.6% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 5.3.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

10.00 m
Skullcandy Barrel has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 m.
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP; SPP
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

12 hours
Skullcandy Barrel has a battery life of 12 hours which is longer than that of 47.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 15.7% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

4,400 mAh
Skullcandy Barrel has a battery capacity of 4,400 mAh which is larger than that of 74.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.4% of portable speakers.
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

3 hours
Skullcandy Barrel has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Skullcandy Barrel has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

IPX5
Skullcandy Barrel has an IP rating of IPX5 which provides worse ingress protection than 62.3% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 15.3% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Skullcandy Barrel is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Skullcandy Barrel is dust resistant. 48.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

?
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Skullcandy Barrel lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

top
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Skullcandy Barrel does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Skullcandy Barrel does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Skullcandy Barrel does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

5,440 g
Skullcandy Barrel weighs 5,440 g which is heavier than that of 89.8% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

30 cm
Skullcandy Barrel has a height of 30 cm which is taller than that of 90.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

56.01 cm
Skullcandy Barrel has a width of 56.01 cm which is wider than that of 99.1% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

24.384 cm
Skullcandy Barrel has a depth of 24.384 cm which is deeper than that of 93% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

strap/handle/shoulder
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

Skullcandy
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Skullcandy Barrel supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

OTA; App
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Skullcandy Barrel does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Skullcandy Barrel vs the average portable speaker

  • 40 W more audio output power
    Skullcandy Barrel has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 60.00 W.
    What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
    When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 W

    Skullcandy Barrel has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).60.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Skullcandy Barrel has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    Simultaneous Bluetooth devices: 2.
    What it is: The number of source devices that can stay connected at the same time.
    When it matters: When switching between several connected source devices matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Skullcandy Barrel has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    Skullcandy Barrel has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphones can reduce surrounding noise during capture.
    When it matters: When calls or voice commands must remain clear around background noise.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Skullcandy Barrel has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • Has an equalizer
    Skullcandy Barrel has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
    What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
    When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Skullcandy Barrel has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • 1,800 mAh more battery capacity
    Skullcandy Barrel has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
    When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 5000 mAh

    Skullcandy Barrel has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).4400 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • Supports aptX
    Skullcandy Barrel supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
    Supports the base Qualcomm aptX codec.
    What it is: Indicates whether the Qualcomm aptX Bluetooth codec is supported.
    When it matters: When improved Bluetooth audio quality matters with compatible source devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Skullcandy Barrel supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • Has a power bank function
    Skullcandy Barrel has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can send power to charge another device.
    When it matters: When the speaker should also charge a phone or another device.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Skullcandy Barrel has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    Skullcandy Barrel has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 3.
    What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
    When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Skullcandy Barrel has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).3 vs 2
  • 40 W more audio output power
    Skullcandy Barrel has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (60 W vs 20.00 W).
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    Skullcandy Barrel has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    Skullcandy Barrel has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
  • 10 Hz deeper bass extension
    Skullcandy Barrel has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    Skullcandy Barrel has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Supports aptX
    Skullcandy Barrel supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • 1 more USB ports
    Skullcandy Barrel has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    Skullcandy Barrel has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
  • 0.3 Bluetooth levels newer
    Skullcandy Barrel has a newer Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (5.3 vs 5.0).
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    Skullcandy Barrel supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 1,800 mAh more battery capacity
    Skullcandy Barrel has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Has a power bank function
    Skullcandy Barrel has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Skullcandy Barrel includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Has an equalizer
    Skullcandy Barrel has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Supports party mode
    Skullcandy Barrel supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Includes a travel bag
    Skullcandy Barrel includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    Skullcandy Barrel supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports firmware updates
    Skullcandy Barrel supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Controls
Design
Smart features
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Skullcandy Barrel has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • 2,000 Hz lower maximum frequency
    Skullcandy Barrel has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (18,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    Upper frequency-response endpoint: 18000 Hz.
  • 2 mm smaller main driver
    Skullcandy Barrel has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (48 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 48.00 mm.
  • 4,640 g heavier
    Skullcandy Barrel is heavier than the average portable speaker (5,440 g vs 800 g).
  • 37.91 cm wider
    Skullcandy Barrel is wider than the average portable speaker (56 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 17.6 cm taller
    Skullcandy Barrel is taller than the average portable speaker (30 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 16.08 cm deeper
    Skullcandy Barrel is deeper than the average portable speaker (24.4 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Skullcandy Barrel has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Skullcandy Barrel has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • 2,000 Hz lower maximum frequency
    Skullcandy Barrel has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (18,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    Upper frequency-response endpoint: 18000 Hz.
    What it is: The highest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
    When it matters: When upper-treble extension and high-frequency detail matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 20000 Hz

    Skullcandy Barrel has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (18,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).18000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 4,640 g heavier
    Skullcandy Barrel is heavier than the average portable speaker (5,440 g vs 800 g).
    What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
    When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 1000 g

    Skullcandy Barrel is heavier than the average portable speaker (5,440 g vs 800 g).5440 g vs 800 g
  • 37.91 cm wider
    Skullcandy Barrel is wider than the average portable speaker (56 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
    When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 25 cm

    Skullcandy Barrel is wider than the average portable speaker (56 cm vs 18.1 cm).56.01 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 16.08 cm deeper
    Skullcandy Barrel is deeper than the average portable speaker (24.4 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
    When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 10 cm

    Skullcandy Barrel is deeper than the average portable speaker (24.4 cm vs 8.3 cm).24.384 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 17.6 cm taller
    Skullcandy Barrel is taller than the average portable speaker (30 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
    When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 20 cm

    Skullcandy Barrel is taller than the average portable speaker (30 cm vs 12.4 cm).30 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 2.44x more expensive
    Skullcandy Barrel is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£220 vs £90).
    Skullcandy Barrel is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£220 vs £90).£220 vs £90
  • 2 mm smaller main driver
    Skullcandy Barrel has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (48 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 48.00 mm.
    What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
    When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 50 mm

    Skullcandy Barrel has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (48 mm vs 50.00 mm).48.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
Total
Overall
Audio
Design

Graphic comparison of Skullcandy Barrel and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
296 Reviews
amazon
5.0
2 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
340 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: August 2026)

What customers like about Skullcandy Barrel?

  • Excellent value for money, especially when purchased on sale compared to more expensive alternatives
  • Delivers very strong volume and loud, room-filling sound quality
  • Punchy and deep bass performance, particularly when the Bass Boost mode is activated
  • Long-lasting battery life that reliably lasts through extended use or day-long events
  • Highly portable and easy to carry using the integrated handle and included nylon shoulder strap
  • Fun, dynamic LED light show that synchronizes nicely with the music beat
  • SKDY Multi-Link technology allows quick and easy pairing of up to 99 speakers
  • Sturdy, heavy-duty build quality that feels durable for outdoor party use
  • IPX5 water-resistance protects the unit well from splashes and rain

What customers dislike about Skullcandy Barrel?

  • Audio quality can sound muddy or poorly separated when playing certain genres like rock music
  • High frequencies and treble can become harsh, crackly, or distorted at lower or maximum volumes
  • The 12-pound chassis feels quite heavy and bulky for some users to transport comfortably
  • Exterior plastic shell does not have a rubberized finish, giving it a somewhat cheap or cheesy appearance
  • Lacks a dedicated smartphone companion application to customize EQ settings
  • Some users reported shipping issues with incorrect, low-voltage chargers included in the box
  • Battery drains significantly faster when simultaneously charging external devices and using the lights

Expert reviews

C
consumerreports.org
Unknown
Summary of the review
Skullcandy Barrel XT Wireless & Bluetooth Speaker Review
D
digitaltrends.com
15/11/2024
Summary of the review
Skullcandy Barrel review: a boombox that won't blow up your wallet

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