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JBL Xtreme 2 Review

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

True Score

83
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

    83
    82
    84
    78

    Ranking

    #

    22

    /

    109

    #

    39

    /

    109

    #

    5

    /

    109

    #

    77

    /

    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 →

    All Stores

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    • Save $30
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      Availability

      In Stock

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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

    83

    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