JBL Xtreme 2 Review: Best Portable Speaker Under $400

The JBL Xtreme 2 is a wireless boombox speaker. It is one of the brand’s largest, loudest and portable speakers that has taken a different kind of approach in the smart speaker section. It doesn’t come with Wi-Fi and integrated voice assistant.

However, the audio quality of JBL Xtreme 2 sounds great. In fact, it is much more refined and balanced compared to its predecessor.

This portable speaker is perfect for audiophiles who have the desire to strike a balance of deep bass, crystal clear sound waves that bring life to your home and parties. But don’t buy JBL Xtreme 2 if you are expecting a portable speaker to deliver ferocious or cartoonish bass. The name of its brand suggests otherwise.

JBL Xtreme 2: Design and Features

The JBL Xtreme 2 is a large portable speaker that runs on a fully rechargeable battery pack. Unlike other portable speakers, this gadget isn’t meant to sit in one spot. You also can’t send music directly to it using Spotify Connect or request via voice command in contrast to Amazon Echo.

Regardless, JBL Xtreme 2 is an oversized version of portable speakers. It comes with a strap attached to each end via two carabiners for easy carrying, which truly cemented the identity of JBL Xtreme 2 as a boombox style unit. While this gadget is kind of too big to take with you on the plane, it isn’t an issue for day trips.

The grille is tough and texture is rugged, made with nylon-based fabric and rubber seal that provides superior water-resistance. If you accidentally drop JBL Xtreme 2 in water, it will be fine because it is built with an impressive IPX7 rating. It has already been tested to withstand up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes.

However, the main question isn’t how well JBL Xtreme 2 performs outdoors, it will be fine as long as you take good care of it. The question is how good does it look in your home? To be honest, it does look less grown-up than most smart speakers in the market.

It comes with large passive radiators at each end with those metal carabiner hooks hanging out. Likewise, the JBL logo doesn’t live up to the idea of being fancy. While I have a soft spot for this gadget, I definitely wouldn’t want to place it in the middle of my lounge.

Speaking of the specifications, JBL Xtreme 2 is simple but has the right features for a speaker in this category. It comes with a large battery that provides up to 15 hours of run time which is impressive for a huge portable speaker like JBL Xtreme 2.

One of the main advantages is that you can recharge your phone with JBL Xtreme 2. It features a full-size USB port and even tells you how much battery juice it has left.

Although, extras on JBL Xtreme 2 seems to be destined to go unused by many. You can set the buttons on the top to access your phone’s digital assistant. Furthermore, you can use JBL Connect+ to sync with multiple JBL speakers to play the same audio feed.

Other than these extras, the JBL Xtreme 2 covers all the basics that a portable speaker typically does. You can alter volume, play, pause or skip music by tapping on the buttons built on the top of the speaker. Plus, it comes with a built-in mic that let you answer any incoming phone calls while your handset is connected.

Additionally, you can communicate with your digital assistant via the JBL Xtreme 2. However, you need to keep in mind that this functionality only works with a pair of headphones. It is not a smart speaker at all until you press the button to access your phone’s digital assistant.

JBL Xtreme 2: Sound Quality

Imagine a JBL Xtreme 2 sitting on the table, emitting waves of booming sound and living your parties up is easy to do. But the sound doesn’t match these pictures.

JBL Xtreme 2 does sound better than it should be, with an advanced refinement and a strike of balance. In fact, it is one of the best wireless speakers to date. The bass is seamlessly integrated that manages to deliver powerful and deep kick drums.

The rest of the sound is somewhat on the par with the best you will hear at the price. Treble is sweet, detailed and smooth. Although, the mids are well textured, but not the scooped vacuum as anticipated.

JBL Xtreme 2 comes with two built-in 2.75 inch woofers and two 20mm drivers. The integrated passive radiators help disperse the sound evenly in the room and that involves a big-scale stereo. In a nutshell, it is a great wireless speaker that will perfectly fit in your home and parties. But make sure you buy one with the right expectations.

Why Buy the JBL Xtreme 2?

The JBL Xtreme 2 encompasses all the features that makes it one of the best wireless bluetooth speakers. It delivers refined sound with a strike of perfect balance. The tone fidelity associates with a hi-fi wireless boombox unit exceptionally well.

But does that mean those who are expecting this speaker to deliver extreme bass will be disappointed? Possibility. But the JBL Xtreme 2 is capable of generating deep, powerful, low-end bass. Apparently, the team who is behind tuning were somewhat aiming higher than a club-style boombox unit.

In fact, it is a better match for shelving on your TV desk or simply for an outdoor party.

Final Verdict

The JBL Xtreme 2 is a large, wireless bluetooth speaker that is definitely worth the money if you want to experience high-fidelity and powerful sound.