JBL Xtreme 3 vs. Boombox 2 in Comparison

Since the 1950s, the JBL brand has stood for quality and high standards in the field of home speakers. The US company, which is now part of the Harman Group, has been satisfying the ever-increasing demand for mobile and outdoor speakers with top-quality products for years. Two of JBL's most popular Bluetooth speakers, the [url="https://amzn.to/3iWja8f",name="Boombox 2",title=""] and the [url="https://amzn.to/3t7tpLB",name="JBL Xtreme 3",title=""] are to be subjected to a direct comparison at this point.

Functions Xtreme 3 vs. Boombox 2

Both model series, the Boombox and Xtreme series, enjoy great demand, which is due to their design, their extensive functionality and the innovative software features, among other things.

The PartyBoost connectivity software, developed by JBL itself, replaces the well-known and valued JBL ConnectPlus in the latest generation of speakers. This has thus been replaced by a more energy-efficient variant. However, the purpose has remained the same. With the help of the software, both the Xtreme 3 and the Boombox 2 can be connected and synchronized with up to 100 other speakers. However, this functionality is only possible in conjunction with devices that also have PartyBoost. There is no backwards compatibility with ConnectPlus.

Both Bluetooth speakers are waterproof to a certain degree. Here, the Boombox 2, which is protected with the IPX7 standard, has clear advantages over the IP67-protected Xtreme 3. IPX7 even allows a short immersion in water, while IP67 primarily provides protection against light splashing water.

The Xtreme 3 also has two rather analog gadgets, but they seem quite useful within the target group: For example, the speaker is equipped with a carrying strap and bottle opener. The Boombox 2, on the other hand, only has a carrying handle.

Sound

When it comes to sound, the advantages are clearly on the side of the Boombox 2. With a rated power of 2 x 40 watts while the box is connected to the mains and 2 x 30 watts in battery mode, the Bluetooth speaker leaves the Xtreme 3 far behind with a rated power of 2 x 25 watts in AC mode and only 2 x 15 watts in battery mode.

Although the Xtreme 3 has four drivers as opposed to only two on the Boombox 2, that still doesn't help the Xtreme 3 sound any better. The Boombox 2 has a broader and deeper sound spectrum and also leaves the in-house competitor behind in terms of volume.

Battery performance

The Boombox 2 is also ahead in terms of battery performance. Although both devices have a battery capacity of 10,000 mAh, the Xtreme 3 only gets an operating time of 15 hours from it. The Boombox 2, on the other hand, offers a whole 24 hours of playback time.
As a small compensation, the JBL Xtreme 3 is recharged in just 2.5 hours. The JBL Boombox 2 needs 6.5 hours for that.

Connections

Both Bluetooth speakers are equipped with Bluetooth 5.1, which ensures a stable connection with excellent playback quality.
In addition, both devices have an optical input in the form of a 3.5 mm mini-jack connector.

Dimensions

The Boombox 2 has a much more bulky appearance. With a length of 48.5 cm and a height and width of 25.7 cm x 20.1 cm, the speaker is a relatively large representative of mobile speakers. The Xtreme 3 comes across much more compact. It is only 29.8 cm long and has a height and width of 13.4 cm x 13.6 cm.
The clear difference in size is also reflected in the weight. While the Xtreme 3 weighs just under two kilograms, the Boombox 2 weighs three times as much. That makes it the less mobile variant in a direct comparison, which is better suited in the home garden than when camping at the lake.

[url="https://amzn.to/3iWja8f",name="Boombox 2",title=""]

[url="https://amzn.to/3a9aEyI",name="Xtreme 3",title=""]

Price-performance

The Boombox 2 is significantly more expensive than the Xtreme 3 due to its features, size and energy efficiency. At 499 euros MSRP, it is one of the higher-priced models on the market, but it also has a lot to offer.

The Xtreme 3 is considerably cheaper at 299 Euros RRP. However, the price is also reflected in the overall package.

Both offer a good price-performance ratio in their respective categories in total and are thus hardly comparable.

When will the JBL Boombox 3 arrive?

So far, JBL has not announced the Boombox 3. Thus, a release date is currently unknown. The Boombox 1 was released in September 2017, while the Boombox 2 was launched in March 2020. If this release cycle of about 2.5 years continues, we could expect the Boombox 3 in September 2022. However, this is purely speculative.

Conclusion about the comparison of the JBL Xtreme 3 and Boombox 2

The JBL Boombox 2 and the JBL Xtreme 3 both offer the high sound and case quality that you can expect from JBL.
Those willing to dig a little deeper into their pockets for full sound during nearby outdoor activities should consider the Boombox 2.

On the other hand, those who are looking for a speaker that is portable and can be taken along on occasional outdoor activities without being inconvenienced by its weight or dimensions should rather look into buying the Xtreme 3.
No matter what the final decision, as a JBL customer you will be rewarded with quality and functionality.

The Bluetooth speakers are available from Amazon, among others:

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