JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3: Side by Side Comparison

JBL Xtreme 3 vs 2, which is the best? Most users often prefer JBL Xtreme 2 over 3 due to its warm and neutral sound signature. JBL Xtreme 3 has IP67 rating whereas JBL Xtreme 2 model has IPX7 rating. This means if you go on beaches often, go with the Xtreme 3. It has impressive bass and there is EQ setting in the mobile app. On the other hand, if voice controls are important to you, the Xtreme 2 is the one. It works with voice assistants but relies on the smartphone. The Xtreme 2 and 3 are good for listening to music and perform loudly in outdoor spaces. JBL Xtreme 2 is an affordable and good-sounding Bluetooth speaker. Whereas JBL Xtreme 3 is the upgraded version with few more features.

Pros

  • Rugged and waterproof design
  • Large and powerful sound output
  • Long battery life (up to 15 hours)
  • Built-in power bank for charging devices
  • JBL PartyBoost feature allows for syncing with other JBL PartyBoost compatible speakers

Cons

  • High price point
  • Large and heavy design may not be as portable as other options

Advance Comparison

Model

JBL Xtreme 2

JBL Xtreme 3

Brand Name

JBL

JBL

Rating
Mixed Usage
6.5
5.7
Music:
6.5
6.7
Movies:
6.3
5.9
Outdoors:
7.4
7.8
Podcasts
7.3
7.2
Voice Assistant:
5.2
1
GENERAL
Recommended Usage
Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers[ Waterproof]
Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers[ Waterproof]
Release Year
2019
2020
Power Source
AC & Battery
Battery & USB
Multi-Device Pairing:
Yes
Yes
BUILD QUALITY
Material Quality
Great
Great
Water Resistance:
Submersible (IPx7)
Submersible (IPx7)
Dust Resistance
Unspecified
Dust-Proof (IP6x)
Floats In Water:
Unspecified
Unspecified
STYLE
RGB Light:
N/A
N/A
Color Variation
Black, Blue, Red, Green, and Camouflage.
Black, Blue, and Camo.
Sizes And Variants
N/A
N/A
PORTABILITY:
Power Source:
AC & Battery
Battery & USB
Hand Carry
Yes
Yes
Weight
5.1 lbs (2.3 kg)
4.2 lbs (1.9 kg)
Volume:
272 in³ (4,463 cm³)
250 in³ (4,093 cm³)
Connectivity:
Bluetooth and Wired
Bluetooth and Wired
BATTERY:
Battery Powered:
Yes
Battery Life
14.6 hrs
12.7 hrs
Charging Time:
2.7 hrs
2.1 hrs
Power Saving:
Yes
Yes
Charging Port:
AC
USB-C
Bluetooth Specification:
Bluetooth:
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Version:
4.2
5.1
Bluetooth Range:
272.3 ft (83.0 m)
190.3 ft (58.0 m)
Bluetooth iOS Latency:
31 ms
134 ms
Bluetooth Android Latency:
25 ms
122 ms
Multi-Device Pairing:
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Specification:
Wi-Fi:
N/A
N/A
Wi-Fi Version:
N/A
N/A
Wi-Fi Frequency Band:
N/A
N/A
Apple AirPlay:
N/A
N/A
AirPlay Latency:
N/A
N/A
Google Chromecast:
N/A
N/A
Chromecast Latency:
N/A
N/A
Wired Connectivity:
Aux Input:
Yes
Yes
USB Audio:
N/A
N/A
Other Ports:
Yes
Yes
CONTROLS (physical buttons):
Ease Of Use:
Great
Good
Music Play/Pause [Button/Touch]:
Yes
Yes
Call Answer/End [Button/Touch]:
Yes
N/A
Volume Up/Down [Button/Touch]:
Yes
Yes
Track Next/Previous [Button/Touch]:
Yes
Yes
Microphone On/Off:
N/A
N/A
Additional Controls:
Yes
Yes
VOICE CONTROL:
Voice Assistant:
Yes
Yes
Voice Activation:
N/A
Yes
Speakerphone:
Yes
Yes
Alexa:
No
No
Siri:
Yes (Requires Smartphone)
No
Google Assistant:
Yes (Requires Smartphone)
No
Microphone Mute:
Yes
No Microphone
Far-Field Performance:
Excellent
No Microphone
Ambient Noise Performance
Poor
No Microphone
App:
App Name:
JBL Portable
JBL Portable
iOS:
Yes
Yes
Android:
Yes
Yes
EQ:
No
Graphic
Stereo Pair Mode:
Yes
Yes
Party Mode:
Yes
Yes
Multi-Room:
N/A
N/A
AUDIO QUALITY [TESTED RESULT]:
Frequency Response Accuracy:
Alright
Alright
Soundstage:
Decent
Mediocre
Dynamics:
Fair
Alright
IN THE BOX
Accessories:
JBL Xtreme 2 speaker, Carrying strap, Power cord and power adapter
JBL Xtreme 3 speaker, Carrying strap, AC adapter with USB-C connection cable
User manual:
Yes
Yes

Comparatives Review


Best Feature: JBL Xtreme 2
 

Best Feature: JBL Xtreme 3

JBL Xtreme 2 has a carrying strap that has a bottle opener which comes in handy while partying. It uses JBL Connect+ feature to pair up to 100 JBL Connect+ speakers. You can use the speaker to receive calls. Noise-canceling microphone ensures clear phone call. You can use it to charge other devices.

 

JBL Xtreme 3 is lighter than 2 and has excellent portability. Simply attach a removable carrying strap to the hooks and carry it. Instead of Connect+, it has PartyBoost feature that will connect other PartyBoost compatible speakers.

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

Pros

Cons

  • Noise/echo cancelling microphone
  • Voice support
  • Excellent performance
  • Warm sound
  • No Wi-Fi

JBL Xtreme 3: Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

  • Impressive design
  • Portable
  • EQ options
  • affordable
  • Relatively Expensive

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.

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