15

JBL Xtreme 2 Review

Kenn Muguna Avatar
Updated Jan 25, 2024 6:27 PM

True Score

85
83
15

Experts

92
18k

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The JBL Xtreme 2 had exports pleased with how well built it was for use outdoors and hailed its deep bass response. They also appreciated how loud it could get and that it had a USB output. However, they were unimpressed with its lack of WiFi connectivity and bulky build.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The JBL Xtreme 2 is a high-end Bluetooth speaker that was first launched in mid-2019. The speaker is an excellent choice for users who want to carry their music outdoors, as it has an IPX7 rating for water and dust resistance. It also ships with a shoulder strand for portability, and like most highly-rated speakers in the industry, it also supports a stereo output. The speaker’s battery life lasts about 15 hours, and it also ships with a carrying strap to make it a lot easier to carry around. The best Bluetooth speakers can pair with more than one device, and the Xtreme 2 falls in line with this since it can pair with two devices simultaneously. It also has good enough latency for Android and iOS devices to avoid lag when watching videos or streaming music. Its support for speakerphone functionality and both Google Assistant and Siri makes it a great addition to a smart home setup, but for users who don’t appreciate its lack of RGB lighting, our JBL Pulse 4 review may be worth looking into.

Consensus

our Verdict

The JBL Xtreme 2 was lauded by product testers for its suitability for outdoor use, long battery life, and easy-to-use companion app. Top testers from PC Mag liked that it could be linked to up to 100 JBL speakers by pressing its Connect+ button and were impressed with its bass depth during their sound tests. They also hailed it for its loud volume and were satisfied with its dust and water resistance. Reviewers from SoundGuys liked that it had a USB output to charge other devices. Speaking of ports, users who might be interested in a speaker with a guitar-in and mic-in port would be better off checking out our JBL PartyBox On The Go review.

The JBL Xtreme 2 also does have its share of drawbacks. Analysts did not appreciate its lack of WiFi connectivity, bulky build, and the fact that it was missing a graphic equalizer. They were also disappointed that it charges via an AC adapter.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Water and dust resistance
  • Long battery life
  • Multi-device connectivity
  • Loud volume
  • Stereo output

Reason to Avoid

  • Bulky build
  • Only charges through an AC adapter
  • No WiFi connectivity

JBL Xtreme 2 Specs

Battery LifeBattery Life15 hrs
Built In MicrophoneBuilt In MicrophoneYes
Charge TimeCharge Time3.5 hrs
SizeSize5.2" (h) x 11.3" (w) x 5.4" (d)
Smart AppSmart AppYes
Speaker PairingSpeaker PairingYes
Water ResistantWater ResistantYes
WattageWattage40W
Wireless RangeWireless Range30 ft

All Specs

Test Results

Battery Life (Hours)16.5333
Volume Output (dB)82.6
Low End Roll Off (Hz)142.544
High End Roll Off (Hz)6,544.625

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Product Comparison

JBL Xtreme 2 Review

True Score

85
83
86
81

Ranking

#

15

/

109

#

39

/

109

#

5

/

109

#

65

/

109

Market Context

The JBL Xtreme 2 is a high-end Bluetooth speaker that was first launched in mid-2019. The speaker is an excellent choice for users who want…

The JBL Xtreme 2 is a high-end Bluetooth speaker that was first launched in mid-2019. The speaker is an excellent choice for users who want to carry their music outdoors, as it has an IPX7 rating for water and dust resistance. It also ships with a shoulder strand for portability, and like most highly-rated speakers in the industry, it also supports a stereo output. The speaker’s battery life lasts about 15 hours, and it also ships with a carrying strap to make it a lot easier to carry around. The best Bluetooth speakers can pair with more than one device, and the Xtreme 2 falls in line with this since it can pair with two devices simultaneously. It also has good enough latency for Android and iOS devices to avoid lag when watching videos or streaming music. Its support for speakerphone functionality and both Google Assistant and Siri makes it a great addition to a smart home setup, but for users who don’t appreciate its lack of RGB lighting, our JBL Pulse 4 review may be worth looking into.

Lookswise, the JBL Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 3 might be difficult for buyers to differentiate, but the Xtreme 2 has both speakerphone and voice assistant…

Lookswise, the JBL Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 3 might be difficult for buyers to differentiate, but the Xtreme 2 has both speakerphone and voice assistant functionality while the Xtreme 3 does not. In contrast, the Xtreme 3 has a graphic equalizer that is missing on the Xtreme 2 and is also slightly lighter in terms of weight. Have a look at what else its got to offer in our JBL Xtreme 3 review.

The JBL Xtreme 2 offers speakerphone functionality and support for voice assistant support that is missing on the JBL Charge 5; however, the Charge 5…

The JBL Xtreme 2 offers speakerphone functionality and support for voice assistant support that is missing on the JBL Charge 5; however, the Charge 5 has a graphic equalizer while the Xtreme 2 does not. The Xtreme 2 also has a stereo output, while the Charge 5 does not.

The JBL Xtreme 2 is slightly lighter than the Sony SRS-XB43, but the Sony speaker comes with graphic presets and RGB lighting, both missing on…

The JBL Xtreme 2 is slightly lighter than the Sony SRS-XB43, but the Sony speaker comes with graphic presets and RGB lighting, both missing on the Xtreme 2. Still, the Xtreme 2 takes a shorter 2.7 hours to charge compared to the SRS-XB43, which takes up to 4.5 hours.

Battery Life

15 hrs

15 hrs

20+ hrs

24 hrs

Built In Microphone

Yes

n/a

No

Yes

Charge Time

3.5 hrs

2.5 hrs

4 hrs

5 hrs

Size

5.2" (h) x 11.3" (w) x 5.4" (d)

11.8" (w) x 5.3" (d) x 5.4" (h)

4.84" (h) x 12.8" (w) x 4.61" (d)

Smart App

Yes

Yes

JBL Portable

n/a

Speaker Pairing

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Water Resistant

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Wattage

40W

50W

30W

32W

Dig Deeper

JBL Xtreme 3 Review →

JBL Charge 5 Review →

Sony SRS-XB43 Review →

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

83

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

92

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

85

Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    100.6

    Category Trust Rating

    65
    If you like full immersive sound that will keep your party rocking until the early… Read More

    By:

    What Hi-Fi?
  • Sound Guys
    81.17

    Category Trust Rating

    78
    The portable JBL Xtreme 2 speaker can be submerged in water and still pump out… Read More

    By:

    Unknown
  • PC Mag
    43.6

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    With great sound and a versatile design, this is the best outdoor speaker of the… Read More

    By:

    Mike Lowe
  • Which?
    55.2

    Category Trust Rating

    NR
    The JBL Xtreme 2 is aimed at those looking for a heavy-duty portable speaker with… Read More

    By:

    Unknown
  • Trusted Reviews
    45.5

    Category Trust Rating

    90
    The large Bluetooth speaker to buy if you’re looking for a portable unit offering high… Read More

    By:

    David Carnoy
  • CNET
    36.25

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    One of the best portable speakers around, the Xtreme 2 offers sonic subtlety you wouldn’t… Read More

    By:

    Jonathan Bray