JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 [2023 Review]

The JBL Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 3 speakers are a great, portable, and rugged way to get heavy bass and a loud outdoor party started. While the JBL Xtreme speakers are not the most sophisticated among the largest, loudest Bluetooth speakers we examine, they are an excellent option.

Both of these speakers are durable, portable options for folks who frequently party outside and listen to bass-heavy music. They do not distort at high volumes, and the bass is powerful enough to be felt and move you, even in noisy environments.

We included more information for you about both of these models in our JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 review. If you are interested in these models, keep reading our JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 review for more information below.

Winner of JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3: Xtreme 3

When contrasted to the JBL Xtreme 2, the JBL Xtreme 3 has a more recent Bluetooth technology, as well as improved sound production thanks to a higher rated speaker strength and a larger speaker frequency response range.

The Xtreme 3 can also recharge its inbuilt batteries more quickly as well as provide greater dust resistance. The Xtreme 2’s only distinction over the current model is that the older model features a speakerphone that may be used to take calls straight.

For this reason, the winner of this JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 review is Xtreme 3.

JBL Xtreme 2

JBL Xtreme 2

Features: The JBL Xtreme 2 is a small Bluetooth speaker with a very well mid-range that can effectively reproduce vocals and lead components. Although we don’t presently test for water resistance, it has an IPX7 rating.

It also comes with a bottle opener incorporated into the shoulder strap, so you can drink while listening to music. Sadly, it is lacking in low-bass and lacks a graphic EQ for fine-tuning its sound.

Nevertheless, because it can grow extremely loud, it is best used in large or busy areas, however, there is some reduction at maximum level. Keep reading for JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3.

The JBL Xtreme 2 is a large wireless boombox speaker. It is a little bigger than the original Xtreme, but you would have to compare the two to notice any difference. JBL has not gone for audience neutrality here, as it is too large to fit in airline hand baggage for weekend trips and potentially too bold for some living spaces.

You will not discover any high-quality codec support on the JBL Xtreme 2 because it uses Bluetooth 4.2 and the default SBC codec. So, while the Bluetooth range was around 30 feet and rarely lagged or missed within that range, you will not be able to use aptX or AAC.

And that includes the low bandwidth element when watching youtube, so if you are using this as the speaker for your YouTube videos, anticipate some minor delay.

JBL Xtreme 3

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Features: One of the best-sounding pure portable speakers is the JBL Xtreme 3. It is small enough to sling over your shoulder and carry around with you, yet it sounds nice enough to be used as your main hi-fi if you’re not fussy.

The JBL Xtreme 3 costs £279, which is similar to the Xtreme 2’s initial price of £279 in 2018. Keep reading for JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3.

The outside portions of the JBL Xtreme 3 are made of durable nylon webbing, and the speaker is water-resistant to IP67. Rain isn’t an issue, and it can be submerged in water – but we did not have access to a swimming pool to test whether it floats.

The two large metal loops on the top of the Xtreme 3, which the supplied carry handle can quickly clip onto for carrying this speaker over your shoulder, are impossible to miss.

This feature will divide the crowd: some will prefer a more modest design with a carrying case, while others will appreciate the convenience of not having to give up a hand to carry it around.

The physical control keys are located between the carry straps and include on/off, Bluetooth connectivity, independent plus and minus volume settings, and a JBL app/multi-speaker pairing management.

JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 Comparison

The JBL Xtreme 2 continues this basic approach to sound and received a similar reception from critics, who thought it was a significant improvement. The bass is significantly deeper with more dynamic and detail than the original Xtreme.

The volume is similar—just a bit louder—but there is often greater performance at high volumes with less distortion.

The JBL Xtreme 3 gains a slightly deeper, richer, more rounded bass than the Xtreme 2, and goes just a decibel or two louder than the Xtreme 2, according to the initial critics.

The high end is more prominent, which can add clarity, especially outside, but can sound stinging to certain ears at very high volumes indoors.

Though the difference is minor, the JBL Xtreme 2 appears to some to be somewhat warmer than the Xtreme 3.

Because the Xtreme 3 has a somewhat deeper and more present bottom end in its mix than the previous two Xtreme speakers, it does not need to boost its bass as much as the previous two Xtreme speakers.

JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 Sound Quality

Despite roughly the same number of speakers, the JBL Xtreme 3 can be louder than the Xtreme 2, thanks to its 50w power output versus the latter’s 40w. The Xtreme 3 still sounds really good at greater volumes, however, the Xtreme 2 begins to have troubles.

When it comes to audio quality, the Xtreme 3 is unquestionably superior. It offers a powerful and boomy bass that will make bass-heavy music fun to listen to.

The mid-range is somewhat pushed back, which affects vocals slightly; nevertheless, the highs are slightly enhanced, resulting in clear and concise high-frequency tones.

The Xtreme 2, on the other hand, has a less powerful bass response, but it still sounds great. The mid-range is adequate, and vocalists and lead instruments can be easily heard. However, the treble range is underappreciated, resulting in a muffled and gloomy sound.

JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 Durability

The JBL Xtreme 2 has an IPX7 rating, which means it can be immersed for 30 minutes at a depth of up to 1 meter. Dust particles are not protected in any way.

The JBL Xtreme 3 has an IP67 rating, which means it can withstand being submerged for up to half an hour at a depth of 1 meter. In addition, the latest model is completely dust-proof.

JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 Frequency Response

The frequency response range of the JBL Extreme 3 is considerably smaller than that of the JBL Xtreme 2. As a result, it produces lower bass frequencies with greater precision.

The following are the specifications:

55.0 Hz to 20 kHz Xtreme 2

53.5 Hz to 20 kHz Xtreme 3

JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 Dimensions and Size

The JBL Xtreme 2 weighs 2393 grams, which is slightly more than the JBL Xtreme 3, which weighs 1968 grams. The size of the third-generation Xtreme is slightly larger than the previous iteration. The following are the complete measurements:

136.0 mm x 288.0 mm x 132.0 mm Xtreme 2

136.0 mm x 298.5 mm x 134.0 mm Xtreme 3

JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 Battery Life

The JBL Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 3 both have up to 15 hours of music playback duration. However, it is a different scenario when it comes to charging time. The JBL Xtreme 2 requires at least 3.5 hours to completely charge, however, the Xtreme 3 just needs 2.5 hours.

The Xtreme 2 charges with a micro-USB cable, however, the Xtreme 3 uses the newer USB-C standard cable.

Conclusion: JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 [2023 Review]

Portable speakers are convenient to have since they allow you to listen to music with your friends wherever you go. JBL has been developing portable speakers for a long time and has firmly established itself as the market leader.

If you want strong speakers in a small package, their Xtreme range of Bluetooth speakers is one of the best. In this article, we compared the JBL Xtreme 2 to the newer JBL Xtreme 3 to discover which one provides the best value for money.

According to our JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 review, the winner is Xtreme 3 because it has far superior qualities. We hope you liked our JBL Xtreme 2 vs Xtreme 3 review and it was helpful.