Summer’s here, and with it comes the season of lounging, lakeside trips, and poolside parties. A good float isn’t just an accessory anymore - it’s a central part of how people relax and enjoy the water. With so many pool float brands available, choosing the right one can make a big difference in your experience.

Two brands you’ll come across in very different corners of the market are ABOVE and BigMouth Inc. While both cater to people who love time in the water, their products are made with completely different goals in mind. So which brand makes the better pool float for adults who want style, comfort, and quality? Let’s break it down.

Overview:

Brand Identity: Who Are They For?

Design Philosophy: Loud vs. Minimal

Material & Durability: One-Season Use or Built to Last?

Comfort & Usability: Aesthetic Isn’t Everything

Portability & Storage: Not All Floats Pack Well

Pricing: Initial Cost vs. Long-Term Value

Customer Support & Shopping Experience

Above vs. BigMouth

Brand Identity: Who Are They For?

Check out BigMouth’s Giant Frosted Donut Float!

 

BigMouth Inc. is best known for its loud, novelty designs. If you’ve ever seen a gigantic floating donut, a 7-foot pizza slice, or an inflatable wine bottle, there’s a good chance it came from BigMouth. Their floats are made to get attention - especially on Instagram. The brand is rooted in fun and humor, and their target audience tends to be partygoers, college students, or families with younger kids.

ABOVE, on the other hand, was created with a different audience in mind: adults who want a better float - one that actually feels good to use, looks stylish in modern spaces, and holds up through more than one season. With a smaller, curated collection of well-constructed, intentionally designed floats, Above prioritizes comfort, portability, and long-term use.

 

Check out Above’s Ariel’s Secret Float!

 

If BigMouth is about bold statements and party vibes, Above is about calm moments, thoughtful design, and relaxed luxury.

 

Design Philosophy: Loud vs. Minimal

Check out BigMouth’s Giant Cheeseburger Float!

 

Design is where these two brands really diverge.

BigMouth Inc. makes statement floats. Think bright colors, cartoon graphics, and playful shapes like avocados, emojis, and cheeseburgers. They’re designed to be fun, not necessarily to blend in with your backyard or match your aesthetic. Their appeal is mostly visual - fun for parties and social media photos.

 

Above takes a minimal approach. The colors are soft and neutral. The shapes are simple and functional. Instead of novelty, Above focuses on design that complements your environment, not competes with it. Whether you’re at the pool, dock, or beach, an Above float looks clean and elevated - like part of your outdoor decor.

 

For anyone looking to keep things stylish, cohesive, and mature, Above wins on design.

 

Material & Durability: One-Season Use or Built to Last?

BigMouth floats are typically made with standard vinyl, usually 0.18mm to 0.22mm thick. This is common across novelty float manufacturers, which helps keep prices low and designs bold. But thinner vinyl means the floats are more vulnerable to punctures, leaks, and sun damage - especially after frequent use or exposure to pool chemicals.

Above uses thicker, higher-quality PVC (0.30mm) for better durability, reinforced seams, and longer product life. The brand's floats are designed to hold up over multiple summers without stretching, deflating, or tearing. Above’s construction also allows it to support more weight - up to 300 lbs - making it more inclusive and reliable for adult use.

If you’ve ever had a float pop halfway through a weekend trip, you’ll understand the value of a float that can actually keep up with real use. Above gives you peace of mind.

 

Comfort & Usability: Aesthetic Isn’t Everything

Check out BigMouth’s Giant Balloon Animal Float!

 

While BigMouth floats are eye-catching, they’re not always designed with comfort in mind. Many are shaped in ways that make reclining awkward or unstable. They’re better for short-term use, fun photos, or floating near the edge of the pool - not extended relaxation.

Above floats, on the other hand, are made for lounging. The design is focused on real comfort: wider bases, smooth contours, and stable floatation that keeps you comfortably positioned in the water. Whether you're sunbathing for hours or reading by the dock, Above floats are designed to support your body, not just look good in pictures.

This difference matters for people who use their floats often, or for longer periods of time.

 

Portability & Storage: Not All Floats Pack Well

Anyone who’s tried to pack up a giant taco float knows the pain of traveling with novelty inflatables. BigMouth’s designs often include extended 3D features (like wings, tails, or bottle necks), which make them harder to fold down. And few come with reusable packaging -  most are sold in retail boxes that are thrown away.

Above ships each float in compact, reusable packaging designed for travel and storage. The floats pack flat, take up minimal space, and are easy to tuck into luggage or a beach tote. Whether you're driving to the lake or flying to a resort, Above floats are designed to go with you - without hassle.

 

Pricing: Initial Cost vs. Long-Term Value

BigMouth floats are generally inexpensive - you can find many for $20 to $40 depending on the size and design. That low entry point makes them attractive for impulse buys or themed parties. But because they’re less durable, the cost of replacements adds up fast.

Above floats are currently priced at $32.99 - not far from BigMouth’s mid-range items. But they’re built to last much longer. If you factor in that you won’t need to replace your float every summer (or mid-season), Above becomes the smarter buy over time.

It’s the difference between a fun one-off and a dependable staple.

 

Customer Support & Shopping Experience

BigMouth Inc. sells through large retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. While this makes their products easy to find, it also means customer service is handled by the retailer - which can vary in quality and speed.

Above is a direct-to-consumer brand, so your purchase and any support are handled through floatwithabove.com. This allows for a more streamlined, responsive customer experience. You can get answers quickly, follow the brand directly on social, and enjoy a more personal touch if something goes wrong.

 

Above vs. BigMouth

Choose BigMouth Inc. if you:

• Want bold, humorous, eye-catching floats for a themed pool party
• Are buying for kids, teens, or novelty lovers
• Don’t mind replacing your float after a few uses

Choose ABOVE if you:

• Want a float that blends into your lifestyle and outdoor setup
• Care about comfort, durability, and thoughtful design
• Are looking for a better long-term investment

In short: BigMouth is fun, but Above is functional. If you care about design, comfort, and getting more than one season out of your pool float, Above is the better choice.

Ready to float better?
Check out Above’s full collection of premium floats at floatwithabove.com