Unleash Powerful Sound Everywhere
There’s no better way to get the party going than cranking up the volume on the JBL Xtreme 2. This portable unit is hands down an impressive speaker that delivers clean, clear, balanced sound. It excels in every way in the portable Bluetooth speaker category, from delivering loud audio to pumping out a ton of bass that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs.
The JBL Xtreme 2 isn’t anywhere near regular portable speakers. You’d be hard-pressed to find another unit that fires such levels of sound for its size. That’s why we’ve decided to let you in on the secrets of this beast in our JBL Xtreme 2 review. Read on to find out why we love it.
Features
On the surface, the JBL Xtreme 2 looks like a remnant from the era of boom boxes. It has a rugged look thanks to its robust metal base construction and tough fabric covering.
Portability
This thing is bigger than other regular portable Bluetooth speakers, with dimensions of 5.35 x 11.33 x 5.19 inches (13.6 X 28.8 X 13.2 cm).
At 5.29 lbs (2.4 kgs), one wonders how it’s even portable. Well, the speaker has two metal loops as well as a woven nylon strap. All you have to do is fix the strap onto the loops and sling it over your shoulder as you head to the beach. There’s also a metal piece attached to the shoulder strap that doubles up as a bottle opener for when you need to crack one on the go.
At the top of the speaker, you’ll find all the button controls, including the power button. At the back, you’ll find the ports safely tucked away under a waterproof flap. Be warned; the flap can be challenging to open, which is great for the waterproof aspect. Fortunately, this gets easier over time.
The Sound
The sound is produced by two 2.75” woofers, two 20 mm (0.78”) tweeters and dual passive radiators located at each side of the speaker’s enclosure. All the drivers are powered by a stereo Class-D amp that pumps out 20 Watts RMS per channel for a total of 40 Watts RMS when the speaker is connected to an AC outlet.
When the JBL Xtreme 2 is running on battery, the power is throttled back to around 30 Watts at maximum volume to extend the battery life. However, JBL didn’t disclose the power output when running on battery; the provided number is an approximation.
The frequency response, on the other hand, ranges from 55Hz to 20kHz, while the signal-to-noise output is a little over 80dB.
Connectivity
This speaker is compatible with Bluetooth 4.2 and connects up to 30 feet away. You will not experience slack or stuttering at all when using iPhone or Android devices. But I was a bit disappointed with the fact that the speaker isn’t compatible with AAC and aptX, though this isn’t much of a deal-breaker.
The other downside is the fact that it doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi audio streaming via Google Chromecast. It’s also not voice-enabled via Google Assistant or Alexa (although this can be accessed via buttons).
You’ll also be thrilled to know that the JBL Xtreme 2 pairs very well with both Android and iPhones, and can pair up to two smartphones or tablets at a go.
It’s simply a Bluetooth speaker, although you can use the Connect+ to wirelessly pair up to 100 JBL Connect+ speakers to boost the sound level. As cool as this seems, I don’t see its practicality unless you have several JBL speakers idly lying around. However, if you do use it, this option works well, and the speakers sync up perfectly.
Design
JBL went for a rather bold design with the Xtreme 2. This isn’t a speaker you’d like to have in your living room- it’s specifically made for the outdoors. There are three colors to choose from: dark blue, midnight black, and forest green.
The outer part is covered by a tough fabric and sturdy metal construction, giving the speaker an extremely high waterproof rating of IPX7. This means it can survive being immersed in water up to depths of 4.9 feet (1.5m). It also means it’s more than capable of withstanding splashes when used near a pool or the beach.
Basically, this is one tough contender in the outdoor field and can endure all the rough and tumble outside. There’s also a small stand built into the design so you can conveniently place it down without it rolling over.
READ: Loudest Bluetooth Speaker for Outdoors
Sound Performance
The Xtreme 2 is a massive speaker, and its brazen design suggests it has the bass power to match. It features two passive radiators that amplify the bass output. The result is a deep and sensibly dominant audio, that’s not only coherent but also controlled.
JBL’s tuning is also above par, and reverberates throughout the sound. The mids are surprisingly balanced, and the treble sounds crisp and clean at about 80% of the volume and becomes a bit harsh at full volume, which is no surprise given the size of the speaker.
The speaker’s striking stereo imaging clearly shows JBL’s efforts in delivering excellent audio; that’s not only pure but simple. Just don’t expect the kind of bass fit for a full boom box, but rather subtle kick drums and bass drops, without any excesses.
Ruggedness
The JBL Xtreme 2 sports a rather rugged look that’s suited for the outdoors. It looks nowhere near the compact smart speakers of today. It’s rather too huge to fit in your backpack, and too shouting to be put in a living room.
However, this gallant and aggressive appearance is accompanied by some of the loudest sounds you’ll hear from a Bluetooth speaker this size. JBL didn’t adopt eye-catching neutrality. But what the Xtreme 2 lacks in design, it makes up for in audio quality, and it does a pretty commendable job in that regard.
READ: Best Sounding Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Battery Life
You’d think that because of the big size of the Xtreme 2, you would naturally have a long battery life. Still, surprisingly the JBL only claims about 15 hours of continuous playback, without, of course, charging any other device via the USB port.
You can squeeze out up to 19 hours of playtime from its rechargeable Li-ion battery as long as the volume is at 50%, and no devices are charged using the speaker’s battery. It offers a decent battery life, which is good enough for a night out at the beach. However, you’re going to need to charge it soon enough, which is quite annoying if you don’t have a power outlet available where your party is.
Speaking of charging, the JBL Xtreme 2 doesn’t charge using the micro-USB or USB-C port. To charge it, you’ll need to use the included power adapter, which I find rather inconvenient for a speaker that has a 10,000mAh battery.
The good thing is that it charges in 3.5 hours using the AC power adapter. You also get to use the internal battery as a power back if needed to charge your phone or tablet.
READ: Best Bluetooth Speaker for Tailgating
Pros and Cons of the JBL Xtreme 2
Pros
- Loud, balanced sound
- Not too much bass
- Extremely waterproof
- Tough exterior
- Good battery life
Cons
- Limited wireless connectivity
- The rugged look does not suit indoors
- Does not charge via USB-C port or micro USB
Is it Worth the Money?
My biggest complaint with the speaker is its price. I feel it should cost a little bit less. If you think the price is too much, you can look for the original version (older model), the JBL Xtreme for way less.
However, the JBL Xtreme 2 is for who is looking for a speaker that has good audio quality, can get loud, and will last you up to 15 hours of constant playback. It’s also an excellent option for those who like the outdoors and want to have a speaker that delivers good sound quality but don’t want to worry about damaging it if it gets wet because of rain or because it fell in the water.
Thanks to its IPX7 rating means you don’t have to worry about water damaging it at the beach, plus the shoulder strap makes it easy to carry around despite its size.
Warranty
The JBL Xtreme 2 has a 1-year warranty covering parts and labor in case of manufacturing or materials defect.
What’s in the Box?
- 1 x JBL Xtreme 2 speaker
- 1 x power adaptor
- 1 x shoulder strap
- 1 x quick set up guide
- 1 x warranty card
Final Thought
To this end, I can confidently say the JBL Xtreme 2 is the ultimate portable Bluetooth speaker that readily delivers excellent audio and immersive stereo experience. It is perfect for party animals who like to turn up some serious amount of volume to their numerous outdoor adventures. I think JBL did a commendable job with this surprise package.
Enjoy your music no matter how Xtreme it may get! Happy listening.