Comparison Review: JBL Boombox vs JBL Xtreme

November 27, 2017 11:15 am

JBL wireless speakers continue to get bigger and bigger over the years – the latest being the JBL Boombox. So, how does it compare to the JBL Xtreme? Find out here in our JBL Boombox vs JBL Xtreme Comparison Review.

Comparison Review: JBL Boombox vs JBL Xtreme

JBL Boombox vs JBL Xtreme – Battle of the Build Quality

Both speakers are quite robust and large, featuring a mesh fabric exterior designed to keep moisture out of its enclosures. Side-by-side, the JBL Boombox is visibly larger, subsequently weighing more. Honestly, Boombox looks like a large Xtreme with a handle. Boombox measures up at 10 x 19.5 x 7.7 inches with a weight of 11.6 lbs while the Xtreme measures up at about 5 x 11 x 4.83 inches, weighing in at 4.7 pounds.

JBL Boombox vs JBL Xtreme – Features

JBL Boombox, like the Charge 3 and Flip 4, are waterproof with an IP rating of IPX7. To note, the waterproof feature is vastly different from a product that is splashproof, like the Xtreme. This means that the JBL Boombox can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Oh, and it also floats. This is not the same for the Xtreme which is splashproof, most likely IPX4. This means the Xtreme can survive splashes of water, but please don’t dunk it.

Both speakers can act as a power bank, with the Xtreme equipped to juice one device with its 10,000 mAh battery and Boombox equipped to juice up to two devices at a time with a rechargeable battery of 20,000 mAh. On that note, the Xtreme has a run time of up to 15 hours while Boombox can reach up to 24 hours of music playback, depending on the volume. These rechargeable USB ports are located under the rubber seal on both speakers. The Xtreme also features an aux port, while Boombox features an aux port, and a port for a wall adapter.

Both speakers are optimized to sync with other wireless speakers built with the same syncing technology. The JBL Xtreme features Connect which is able to link with other Connect-enabled speakers while Boombox features Connect+ and is able to link with other Connect+ enabled speakers, like the JBL Flip 4 and Pulse 3. This feature for both speakers is really cool. However, Connect+ allows up to 100 Connect+ enables devices to sync to one another. P.S. Due to software limitations, JBL Xtreme will only be able to sync with other Connect speakers and most likely won’t be able to connect to any new JBL speakers. You literally could throw a house party and have music heard in every part of your home… patio, backyard, living room, den, bedroom, bathroom?! You get the point. Both speakers are party approved.

JBL Boombox vs JBL Xtreme – Sound

Boombox takes sound a step further by allowing users to tailor their sound to their environment with two different listening modes – Indoor and Outdoor. As you probably guessed, Indoor is better suited when playing Boombox indoors and the same for Outdoor. But I bet you’re wondering what that actually sounds like? Well, Indoor Mode is Outdoor mode adds an audible boost to the bass which compensates for the low end that is naturally lost when listening outdoors. Boombox also has a wider soundstage, better bass resonance (through to the sub-bass), and separation. In terms of volume, JBL Boombox gets much much louder. Honestly, I could hardly handle it at 100 percent. In addition, at full volume there is some distortion in the bass. As for the JBL Xtreme, it’s still a great speaker in terms of sound. It’s detailed across lows, mids, and highs with a nice bit of depth in the bass with mids and highs positioned a bit more forward. It makes for a nice, full, and punchy sound signature. This is also found in JBL Boombox, though, the bass is deeper and exposed more sub-bass for a smoother tone overall.

JBL Boombox vs JBL Xtreme – Overall Performance

Both speakers provide a stellar performance. but if you are looking to invest in a new wireless speaker here are a few things to consider. JBL Boombox has a wider soundstage, louder volume, Connect+, and a much higher price tag. Its $449.95. Granted, it’s also on a Cyber Monday special at select locations. Pick it up at the lowest price on Amazon.

JBL Xtreme is lighter, brighter (in tone), but uses Connect, an older version to sync with other wireless speakers. This leads me to believe it may be expired soon. However, it’s much cheaper than JBL Xtreme, touting a much more affordable price tag of $149.95. Snag it at the lowest price on Amazon and JBL.