As times are changing, technology has also evolved for the better. One of the results is the portable Bluetooth speakers. Gone are the days when you carry your pretty heavy audio equipment to fire up your party. Today, portability is the norm.
JBL, one of the most prominent brands in the audio industry, has also entered the production of portable Bluetooth speakers. They are offering two entry-level portable speakers in the market today, the JBL Xtreme 2 and the JBL Xtreme 3. Though they have a lot of similarities, they still have differences from each other.
Choosing which is better is always a struggle, which is why we are to help you get enlightened and be able to make the correct decision. We will make a side-by-side comparison to determine the better portable Bluetooth speaker.
Sound Quality
JBL Xtreme 2
The JBL Xtreme 2 is a portable Bluetooth speaker from one of the renowned brands for audio equipment, JBL. The product sounds better than what is expected of it. The JBL Xtreme 2 can handle the low frequencies impressively while having a balanced response to the higher frequencies.
The JBL Xtreme 2 is equipped with two woofers and two tweeters that are much capable of firing up a party. Its bass is deep and powerful for a pretty small speaker.
Audio Specifications of JBL Xtreme 2:
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Specifications |
| Type | Active |
| Transducer | 2 pcs. Woofer x 2.75 inches |
| Tweeter | 2 pcs. x 20mm |
| Rated Power | 2 x 20Watts |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz – 20kHz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | >80dB |
The JBL Xtreme 2 can produce subwoofer-like bass responses. Its low frequencies do not easily get distorted even when the volume is cranked up. The mids and highs are also crisp and clear. Everything is well-balanced, which is pretty impressive for this portable speaker.
JBL Xtreme has been one of the top-selling portable Bluetooth speakers on Amazon. Amazon gave an average score of 4.7 stars out of 5 stars from its 10,037 reviews. The reviewers also gave an average score of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars for its sound quality, praising its exceptional sound quality.
The JBL Xtreme2 is one of the best portable Bluetooth speakers in the market for its excellent sound quality. This can go toe-toe with some studio monitor speakers because of its versatility. You can’t really go wrong if you choose this portable speaker for its superb sound quality.
JBL Xtreme 3
A newer version of JBL’s portable Bluetooth speakers, JBL Xtreme 3 is a wireless speaker intended to bring the bass to their party. It is a powerful party companion like its predecessor, the JBL Xtreme 2.
The JBL Xtreme 3 is also equipped with two drivers and two tweeters, delivering loud and crisp sound quality. Its low notes do not easily get distorted at high volumes.
Audio Specifications of JBL Xtreme 3:
| JBL Xtreme 3 | Specifications |
| Type | Active |
| Transducer | 2 pcs. Woofer x 70 mm |
| Tweeter | 2 pcs. x 20 mm |
| Rated Power | 2 x 25 Watts (Woofer)2 x 25 Watts (Tweeter) |
| Frequency Response | 53.5Hz – 20kHz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | >80dB |
The JBL Xtreme 3 delivers great low-frequency depth and prevents distortion by thinning the bass when the volume is cranked up. Just like its predecessor, the JBL Xtreme also has a well-balanced sound, with clear mids and highs.
The JBL Xtreme 3 has not reached the same sales record as the JBL Xtreme 2 since it only became available to the public last November 2020. Amazon gave an average score of 4.6 stars out of stars. Its reviewers also gave an average score of 4.4 stars out of 5 stars.
Although JBL Xtreme is still new in the market and more expensive than its competitors, it is really worth it for its sound quality. I love the fact that it produces a well-balanced sound without sacrificing the low notes, which is impressive.
Build Quality
JBL Xtreme 2
When it comes to portability and durability for Bluetooth speakers, JBL Xtreme 2 is maybe what you are looking for. JBL has again produced an outstanding product that can stand the test of time. This beast is built like a tank, heavy and bulky but still portable.
Dimensions of the JBL Xtreme 2:
| Height | Width | Depth | Weight | |
| JBL Xtreme 2 | 136mm | 288mm | 132mm | 2,393g |
The JBL Xtreme 2 has an almost cylindrical shape with bulges in the center. It is clothed with a tough fabric grille and chunk rubber port covers, making it waterproof. It has a waterproof rating of IPX7, which means that it can survive a dip underwater to a depth of 1.5 meters. It is also capable of withstanding any rain or splashbacks.
If you are asking why it is still portable even though it is bulky, the JBL Xtreme 2 has two metal loops at the top of the speaker and includes a durable shoulder strap in the box. This lets you comfortably bring the Bluetooth speaker everywhere you want to go, whether on the beach or party outdoors.
It has a small stand built to the bottom of the speaker to help prevent it from rolling away every time you put it down. The dual passive radiators of the JBL Xtreme 2 gives it a muscular vibe, completing its beautiful aesthetics.
JBL Xtreme 2 is advertised to last for 15 hours of constant playback without charging. Still, one of the reviewers online stated that they were able to squeeze out 19 hours and 57 minutes of continuous playback at an output of 75dB (SPL), which is pretty impressive if you are staying outdoors for a long time.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars for its battery life and durability. It was also given a score of 4.6 stars out of 5 stars for its portability from the same website.
Although its price may not be as budget-friendly as you want to be, its build quality is impressive, stands a beating, and is water-resistant. This is a good choice if you want a quality Bluetooth speaker.
JBL Xtreme 3
JBL really has a knack for creating great portable speakers. The JBL Xtreme 3 is robust, built to stand a long time of beating, as expected from an outdoor portable speaker. It is the type of speaker you can take to a beach or park without worrying about its safety.
Dimensions of the JBL Xtreme 3:
| Height | Width | Depth | Weight | |
| JBL Xtreme 2 | 136 mm | 298.5 mm | 134 mm | 1,968 g |
The JBL Xtreme 3 has a cylindrical build with two passive radiators on both ends. An engraved JBL logo can also be seen in front of the speakers with its gunmetal finish.
It is wrapped in a grille cloth, surprisingly pleasant to touch. It is still an IPX7 waterproof certified, but an improvement from the JBL Xtreme 2 is that it is now also dustproof, which is pretty slick. It can still go underwater for an elevation of 1.5 meters for as long as 30 minutes without getting damaged.
The JBL Xtreme 3 still comes with two metal hoops up top and a shoulder strap to be able to bring it anywhere with comfortability. The new rubberized diagonal embossed lines replace the older rubber feet designs to ensure that the speakers do not easily roll away.
Just like the JBL Xtreme 2 is advertised, the JBL Xtreme 3 is also said to last for 15 hours of constant playback without charging. Still, one of the reviewers online stated that they were able to squeeze out 19 hours and 38 minutes of continuous playback at an output of 75dB (SPL), which is a shorter time than the JBL Xtreme 2 with the same settings.
Amazon gave an average score of 4.4 stars out of 5 stars for its battery life.
The JBL Xtreme 3 is not really cheap. Still, the value is really worth considering when you include its new features like IPX6 dustproof certification, a higher power rating than the JBL Xtreme 2, and the neodymium-magnet speakers used. Its build quality is impressive in comparison to its price.
Controls
JBL Xtreme 2
The JBL Xtreme 2 is equipped with a 3.5mm audio cable input and Bluetooth connectivity to use for its maximum purpose. It is compatible with any smartphone or tablet.
Bluetooth specification of the JBL Xtreme 2:
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Specifications |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth profiles | A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.6, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2 |
| Bluetooth Frequency | 2.402 – 2.480Ghz |
| Bluetooth transmitted modulation | GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK |
| Bluetooth transmitter power | 0 – 12.5dBm |
The JBL Xtreme 2 is only equipped with a Bluetooth 4.2 version with and default SBC codec, which means it is not compatible with any high-quality codecs. Its Bluetooth connectivity is capable of reaching an average distance of 30 feet. Its downside is that it will not be able to take advantage of what aptX and AAC has to offer, where it produces low latency while watching videos, so you can expect some delay if you are watching some Youtube videos.
JBL Connect+ is also available for this model, which lets you connect up to 100 JBL speakers. This is perfect for larger parties, although hopefully, your friends also own JBL speakers so that you can take advantage of this feature.
The JBL Xtreme 2 can also take calls as it has a built-in microphone to pick up your voice; although it is not exactly built for conference calls, still a pretty great feature. It also allows you to charge your phone via its USB port as it can function as a power bank.
The JBL Xtreme’s features are really what you expect from a JBL product. Although it is quite pricey for those looking for budget-friendly speakers, I still believe it is still worth every penny.
JBL Xtreme 3
Similar to the JBL Xtreme 2, the Xtreme 3 also has a 3.5mm audio cable input and Bluetooth connectivity to be able to connect to your smartphones and tablets.
Bluetooth specification of the JBL Xtreme 2:
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Specifications |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth profiles | A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.6 |
| Bluetooth Frequency | 2400 MHz – 2483.5 MHz |
| Bluetooth transmitted modulation | GFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK |
| Bluetooth transmitter power | <12.5dBm (EIRP) |
The JBL Xtreme 3 is compatible with the 5.1 Bluetooth version. It allows connecting two devices simultaneously, so people can take turns to play their tunes. It only supports AAC and SBC Codecs, which is still subpar when watching online videos as it results in a slight delay.
It is compatible with the JBL Portable app, where you can adjust EQ and link up to other JBL speakers via PartyBoost, but the ability to take calls just like the Xtreme 2 has been removed in this newer version. It can still function as a power bank similar to the Xtreme 2 with its USB-C charging port.
The compatibility of the JBL Portable app to the JBL Xtreme 2 is an excellent feature for those who want to have a better mix for the lows, mids, and highs. It is still expensive and more costly than the JBL Xtreme 2, and sadly, there is still no wi-fi connectivity, which is pretty disappointing. This is a deal-breaker for the price I will pay as there is still no improvement in this area.
Price
JBL Xtreme 2
Amazon gave a score of 4.4 stars out of 5 stars for its value for money. It is admittedly expensive; still, many reviewers praise it for its worth.
The JBL Xtreme 2 is not as cheap as you want to, but it delivers a solid high-quality audio performance. With portability, durability, connectivity, waterproof and exceptional audio quality, the JBL Xtreme 2 has it all. Therefore, if you can afford this product, then you should buy this.
JBL Xtreme 3
Amazon gave a score of 4.0 stars out of 5 stars for its value for money. Many of the reviewers like its price point but there were also others that are questioning why there is still no wi-fi connectivity for this model.
Although the JBL Xtreme 3 delivers impressive audio quality, its price is costly. Its connectivity is still limited as it cannot connect to a wireless network. Therefore, it can be a deal-breaker for those who want more advanced connectivity options.
Pros and Cons
JBL Xtreme 2
Pros:
- Loud, well-balanced sound
- IPX7 Waterproof
- Decent battery life
- Solid build quality
- Bass notes is not overbearing to listen to
- Great mic quality for speakerphone
Cons:
- Bulky
- No wi-fi connectivity
- No USB charging
- No track navigation buttons
JBL Xtreme 3
Pros:
- Rugged and waterproof build
- Impressive details and dynamics
- Great left/right balance
- Realistic distance rendering
- Good timbre performance overall
- Powerful bass
- Can be linked with multiple JBL speakers
- Dustproof certified
Cons:
- Expensive
- No speakerphone function
- Still no wifi-connectivity
- Fewer compression artifacts present at max volumes
Which is better?
Both models have their pros and cons, but if I have to choose between the two, I’ll go for the JBL Xtreme 2. A cheaper option with almost identical features, I think the JBL Xtreme 2 has a better value for its money.
There is a reason why JBL is a renowned brand for audio speakers, and these two products are a testament to this. You are not making a mistake if you buy either of the two.
The JBL Charge 4 and 5 are also worth considering.
