JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3: Compare and Contrast

What are the upgrade features between JBL Xtreme 3 and 2 and which will be best for what? Let's check the feature one by one:

JBL Xtreme 2: Pros and Cons

JBL Xtreme 3: Pros and Cons

Aesthetics and Build:

JBL Xtreme 2 and 3 have a similar cylindrical shape. There are few changes like logo design and legs on which the speaker sits. The Xtreme 2 has a rugged rubberized body and wrapped in good quality fabric grille. It sits on a stand so will remain stable and the build quality is pretty good.

Overall build quality with IP rating is better in JBL Xtreme 3 than 2. The Xtreme 3 has a rugged mesh grille and instead of the ‘feet’ in Xtreme 2, it sits on textured lines. Stability is good and overall build in excellent.

Sound Quality:

JBL Xtreme 2 has a balanced nature of sound. It is one of the best sounding Bluetooth speakers that has rolled of treble region, precise mids and deep low ends. Similar to the Xtreme 3, it can get quite loud. You can use it outdoors for large crowds.

Vocals are intelligible and loud, so dialog-heavy contents are enjoyable.  Soundstage is decent and broad. It produces pure and clean sound with excellent stereo imaging. Low ends are balanced and JBL doesn’t ‘overdo’ it. The general sound signature is satisfying and pleasing.

JBL Xtreme 3 has for drivers along with passive radiators. It has good soundstage and can get quite loud. It is one of the best outdoor Bluetooth speakers that has sturdy built. Different instruments in a song are presented with accuracy. The use of DSP enhances sound and maintains precision. At louder volumes, DSP comes in to avoid any distortion. In terms of low ends, Xtreme 3 shows amazing performance.

It has punchier and cleaner bass which is perfect for bass heads. Overall mids are crisp and highs are detailed. Since these Bluetooth speakers are mostly designed for parties and music, we didn’t bother when the Xtreme 3 showed average performance in movies. Music is well handled, with clear instruments and ample bass.

Ports:

Ports are safe under a waterproof flap on the rear side of the speaker. Both has Bluetooth but with different versions. They allow you to connect two smartphones to the portable Bluetooth speakers at a time. They also have 3.5mm aux port for wired connectivity.

Battery Life:

JBL Xtreme 2 has a battery life of 15 hours. It is more than enough to use on-the-go for few days. It charges via AC power adapter which isn’t the best way of charging. Battery lifetime is similar for Xtreme 3 as well but in real life it might vary.

Controls:

JBL Xtreme 2 doesn’t have built-in mic or voice assistants. But you can use your phone to use Google assistant or Siri. This feature isn’t present in Xtreme 3. Both these wireless Bluetooth speakers work with JBL Portable app. Xtreme 2 app doesn’t have EQ features whereas the Xtreme 3 does. With Xtreme 2 app, you can use Party mode to connect multiple speakers.

For Xtreme 3, use the app to connect PartyBoost supported speakers. In terms of physical control, they are almost similar. While the Xtreme 2 has Connect+ button, the Xtreme 3 has PartyBoost option. The buttons are easy-to-press.

Additional Features:

JBL Xtreme 2 will only connect to Connect+ speakers like JBL Charge 4 but isn’t backward compatible to Xtreme 2. In this same way you can also connect multiple speakers with Xtreme 3 but with PartyBoost compatible speakers. Comparing JBL Xtreme 2 vs 3, the Xtreme 3 has Bluetooth 5.1 and Xtreme 2 has v4.2

Parting Words:

Comparing JBL Xtreme 3 vs 2, the Xtreme 3 is costlier than Xtreme 2. Since they differ in audio quality, it might come down to users’ preference. JBL Xtreme 2 has a ‘soothing’ or ‘warmer’ audio profile with adequate bass. Which one should you choose? If you already own JBL Xtreme 2, then an upgrade to JBL Xtreme 3 with an extra cost isn’t worth it.

The Xtreme 3 charges over USB-C which is the easiest option. None of the speakers are highly portable that you would carry on hiking or long walks. In case you want such a speaker, have a look at JBL Charge 5. It is lighter and smaller in size.

FAQ:

Will JBL Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 3 float on water?

JBL Xtreme 2 or Xtreme 3 doesn’t float on water. You need to grab and take it out before it sinks far down into the water.