Above vs. FUNBOY: Which Float Brand Deserves Your Summer?
When it comes to pool floats, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re planning a pool day, heading to the lake, or traveling somewhere sunny, the right float can turn a good afternoon into a great one. But picking a float isn’t just about looks - it’s about quality, comfort, how easy it is to pack, and whether it holds up after the third or fourth use.
If you’ve been browsing online or scrolling through Instagram, you’ve probably seen two names pop up more than once: FUNBOY and ABOVE. They’re both known for eye-catching floats and a more elevated experience than what you’d get at the local big-box store. But beyond that, they’re two very different brands with different ideas of what a great float should be.
Here’s a side-by-side look at how the two really stack up - from materials and design to portability and price.
Overview:
Portability: What Happens After the Pool?
Design: Loud vs. Low-Key
Check out Funboy’s Pink Glitter Flamingo!
FUNBOY is known for bold, colorful, Instagram-ready floats. Think hot pink lips, rainbow unicorns, champagne bottles - even inflatable private jets. It’s playful and definitely made to stand out, especially in group photos or themed parties. Their style leans flashy and trendy.
ABOVE takes a completely different route. Their floats are simple, clean, and more neutral in color. Designed for adults, they’re more about relaxation and less about novelty. If you like clean design, earthy tones, and outdoor gear that fits a modern aesthetic - think of Above as the float that blends in with your space instead of shouting over it.
Check out Above’s Sunset Chaser Float!
Check out Above’s Star Spangled Float!
In short: FUNBOY is for when you want to be the center of attention. Above is for when you want something that fits into a more refined setup.
Comfort: Functional vs. Fun
This might be the biggest difference between the two brands.
FUNBOY’s floats look great in pictures, but comfort tends to take a back seat to creativity. Some of their novelty shapes just aren’t built for long-term lounging. Many floats don’t offer much back or neck support, and some can feel unstable if you’re trying to fully relax for more than a few minutes.
Above floats are intentionally designed for extended comfort. They’re wider, have built-in headrests, and offer better balance and body support. If you want to spend the whole afternoon drifting in the pool with a book or napping under the sun, Above was made for that.
In other words: FUNBOY is fun for 20 minutes. Above is what you’ll still be on two hours later.
Durability & Materials
Both brands use PVC, but there’s a noticeable difference in the way they’re built.
FUNBOY floats tend to range from 0.25mm to 0.30mm in thickness, which is fairly standard. They hold up decently well with average use, but they’re more susceptible to punctures or slow leaks - especially when shaped into more complex forms (like swans or speedboats).
Above keeps it straightforward and strong. All their floats use 0.30mm thick PVC, and because the designs are cleaner and less gimmicky, the seams are more reliable and the overall durability is better. Fewer curves and “extra” parts mean fewer places for wear and tear.
Simply put: Above floats last longer, especially with regular use in lakes, pools, and even saltwater.
Portability: What Happens After the Pool?
Let’s face it - no one likes wrestling with an inflatable float at the end of the day. Getting it deflated, dried off, folded, and packed up is never fun, especially if it's big or oddly shaped.
FUNBOY floats don’t come with much in the way of storage help. Once deflated, they’re still kind of awkward and bulky, and most people end up just throwing them in a closet or garage.
Above floats are designed to be travel-friendly. They pack down easily into reusable, compact boxes that actually fit into a suitcase or beach bag. If you’re someone who brings your float to the lake or packs it for a vacation, this kind of portability makes a big difference.
Price & Value
FUNBOY’s pricing reflects its design-heavy, novelty approach. Floats generally run between $59 and $129. You’re paying for style and brand name - and in some cases, collaboration drops with other lifestyle companies.
Above is more affordable, with their signature loungers priced at $32.99. And while it’s cheaper, it’s not “cheap.” The materials and durability actually beat many higher-priced options. So while FUNBOY gives you the moment, Above gives you the season - maybe even more.
If you care about long-term value, Above probably offers a better return.
Customer Experience
Both brands are online-first, but the experience is different.
FUNBOY is a larger company, so while they do offer customer service, the process can be a bit more hands-off or delayed - especially during peak summer months.
Above is a smaller, more personal brand. You can reach us directly at floatwithabove.com or social. The customer care feels more hands-on and human, which is nice when you’re dealing with something like a faulty valve or shipping issue.
Which Float Fits You?
It depends on what you’re looking for.
If your priority is a float that pops on social, adds fun to a party, or makes people say “Where’d you get that?”, FUNBOY delivers on the visual wow factor.
But if you’re looking for something you can actually use all summer - at the lake, by the pool, or while traveling - Above stands out. The comfort is better. The quality is higher. And the designs are made to last without screaming for attention.
It’s not about one brand being “better” - it’s about which one fits your lifestyle. FUNBOY is big on aesthetics. Above is big on usability. If your idea of the perfect summer includes long floats, cold drinks, and not having to buy a new inflatable every year, Above is worth checking out.
Want to see what Above’s all about?
Browse the full float collection at floatwithabove.com. Whether you’re heading to the lake, the pool, or packing for your next trip, you’ll find a float that’s actually made for adults - and made to last.