JBL is the biggest brand when it comes to manufacturing quality speakers for various purposes and price ranges. In this article, we would be having a comparison between two of the best-selling JBL speakers available in the range of $300-$399. The JBL Boombox is usually priced $50 costlier than the Xtreme 2 and we would have an extensive review of which one is better worth your money.
| Product Image | Product Name | Product Price | Prime Availability | Purchase Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | JBL Boombox - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Black | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | JBL Xtreme 2, Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Black | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Table of Contents
Detailed Comparison
| Features | JBL Boombox | JBL Xtreme 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Driver Size | 20mm | 69.9mm |
| Audio Drivers Count | 4 | 2 |
| Dimensions | 495 x 254.5 x 195.5 mm | 200 x 307 x 459 mm |
| Weight | 5.25 kg | 2.39 kg |
| Lowest Frequency | 50 Hz | 55 Hz |
| Highest Frequency | 20000 Hz | 20000 Hz |
| Battery Power | 20000 mAh | 20000 mAh |
| Charging Time | 6.5 hours | 3.5 hours |
| Battery Life (advertised) | 24 hours | 15 hours |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| USB Ports | 2 | 1 |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 | IPX7 |
1. Design
The JBL Boombox is built slightly larger than the JBL Xtreme 2 in terms of both size and weight. Both the speakers have an ample number of buttons on the device to control the volume, playlist and, switch off and on the speaker. Both Boombox and Xtreme 2 are suitable for outdoor use.
All the JBL speakers have an IPX7 waterproof rating. So, they are ready to be used in pool parties and along-side beaches. The IPX7 protective seal safeguards the speaker against raindrops, dust, water splashes, etc.
If you are looking for more waterproof speakers to choose from, visit our review of the best waterproof Boombox in 2023 along with a detailed buying guide.
The quality of audio output from any JBL speaker depends upon the audio drivers they use. The JBL Xtreme uses a 69.9mm driver whereas Boombox uses a 20mm driver. Due to this, the sound quality of Xtreme 2 is more crisp and sharp.
Just like the size of the audio driver, the number of drivers is also an important factor in the design of any speaker. The JBL Boombox consists of 4 audio drivers compared to two in the JBL Xtreme 2. So, we can say that the Boombox balances out the size of drivers with the number of audio drivers.
The JBL Boombox can feel heavy and not a great choice for a speaker that you would like to travel with. If you are looking for more compact speakers, do check out our detailed analysis of the best portable Boombox in 2023.
2. Sound Quality
The JBL Boombox flaunts two 30 watt speakers that can also operate at 2×20 watt mode when the battery saver is enabled. The JBL Xtreme 2 on the other hand is equipped with 2×20 watt speakers. Hence, the Boombox is predominantly loud and should be the first choice for large-size events.
Similarly, the Boombox supports a frequency range of 50 Hz to 20 kHz as compared to the 55 Hz -20 Khz range of the Xtreme 2. Hence it is crisper and the lowers are much more accurate.
One department that favors the Xtreme 2 is that it has an exclusive noise-canceling microphone that connects voice calls smoothly. Besides, Xtreme 2 has a small built-in subwoofer to produce deep bass notes.
Both the speakers have almost similar passive radiators that produce rich tones even at extreme volumes. Both the speakers have identical SNR (Signal to Noise ratios) of 80dBs each.
Also, visit our review of the best-sounding Boombox in 2023 for more quality speakers with awesome music output.
3. Power
The Boombox features a large 2000mAh battery whereas the Xtreme 2 is powered by a 10000mAh battery. The Boombox is advertised to last a complete day on one full charge whereas the Xtreme 2 can go on for 15 hours without the need to plug again. Although in practical usage, the lifetime of Boombox varies from 12-15 hours and 6-8 hours for Xtreme 2 depending upon the volume and features enabled.
Since the Boombox relies on a battery almost double the size of that of Xtreme 2, it takes about 5 hours to complete from zero whereas the Xtreme 2 takes only 3 hours to achieve the same feat. Both the speakers have a LED indicator to display different battery levels.
4. Connectivity
Both JBL Boombox and Xtreme 2 are equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 to connect your speaker with Smartphone, PC, or smart TVs. Both of them also use a traditional AUX cable as found in other wired speakers.
The Xtreme 2 has 1 USB port whereas the Boombox 2 has 2 USB ports so you can use it while charging also. Both the speakers support the JBL Connect+ app so you can connect as many speakers as you want to a single device.
You can download the JBL connect+ using the below links:
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.harman.ble.jbllink
IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jbl-portable/id994041762
If you are looking specifically for speakers that support Bluetooth, don’t forget to visit our review of the best Bluetooth Boombox to buy in 2023.
JBL Boombox – Overview
- Boombox is one of the most powerful portable Bluetooth speakers out there.
- With its hard-hitting boost and massive 20,000 mAh battery, enjoy music 24 hours non-stop without missing a track.
- The compactibility of the speakers allows you to listen to music from sunrise to sunset.
- Add to that the promise of quality by JBL, it’s among the best-selling speakers of the last generation.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
JBL Xtreme 2 – Overview
- Xtreme 2 designed by JBL is the ultimate Bluetooth speaker that is both portable and provides an immersive and rich sound experience.
- The speaker is charged with four audio drivers, a 10,000 mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery with up to 15 hours of streaming, and two JBL Bass Radiators.
- The speakers are waterproof, rugged with an IPX7 rating along with the Connect+ app to connect as many number os speakers as you want.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Final Words
Both JBL Boombox and Xtreme 2 are exceptional speakers that are priced extremely well in our range. The best among the two will depend upon your needs. If you are in for a loud speaker that can last all day, Boombox without any doubt should be your first choice. But, if portability is the priority, Xtreme 2 is lighter and has a better noise-canceling performance. The charging time of Xtreme 2 is also about 2 hours shorter than that of Boombox but the battery life is also lower accordingly.
We hope you will agree with our verdict and were able to decide which among the JBL Boombox or Xtreme 2 is better for you. Also, check out our comparison of JBL Boombox Vs JBL Charge 4 and JBL Boombox Vs Partybox 300 for a more in-depth analysis of the best JBL speakers in 2023.
We regularly publish new articles regarding the latest trends in music and lifestyle. Make sure you bookmark us and we will make sure your next visit is worth it.