JBL Boombox 3 vs Xtreme 4: Which sounds better?

The JBL Xtreme 4 is JBL’s latest speaker released in May 2024 and comes with new added features that make it a formidable speaker. Comparatively, the JBL Boombox 3 has been around for a long time and is still a powerhouse Boombox speaker that delivers a tonne of volume and power. Both speakers are rather large with the JBL Boombox 3 being the larger speaker and also comes with a dedicated woofer which provides a slightly lower frequency response which enhances its bass performance. The Xtreme 4 introduces features like AI Sound Boost and Auracast, providing smarter sound management and broader connectivity options. Both speakers are equipped with a built-in battery that provides up to 24 hours of battery life.

Personally, I prefer the sound performance of the JBL Boombox 3 – it has massive volume output and a very nice bass frequency curve which extends down to the low-end sub bass. The JBL Xtreme 4 sounds similar to the previous Xtreme 3 model and comes with marginal improvements – it is still a very expensive speaker for its size compared with the JBL Boombox 3. If I had to choose, I would still go for the JBL Boombox 3 even though the Xtreme 4 is a newer model.

Specs Comparison

The JBL Boombox 3 speaker is essentially designed as a 3-way speaker system including a dedicated subwoofer, delivering a dynamic frequency response range from 40 Hz to 20 kHz. This setup produces deep bass and clear highs, making it suitable for bass heads and those who enjoy EDM and rock music. Its IP67 rating means that it’s both dustproof and waterproof, adding to its durability. Weighing approximately 6.7 kg (14.7 lbs) and measuring 48.2 cm x 25.7 cm x 20.0 cm the speaker relatively large but still portable. The Boombox 3 offers up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, with a charging time of about 6.5 hours. It also features Bluetooth version 5.3 for stable connectivity and includes a built-in power bank for charging devices.

In contrast, the Xtreme 4 provides a balanced sound profile with its dual woofers and tweeters, offering a dynamic frequency response range from 44 Hz to 20 kHz. It shares the same IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating, making it great for outdoor use. The Xtreme 4 is more compact, weighing around 2.1 kg (4.63 lbs) and measuring 29.7 cm x 14.9 cm x 14.1 cm, enhancing its portability over the Boombox 3. It also features up to 24 hours of playtime with a shorter charging time of approximately 3.5 hours. Equipped with Bluetooth version 5.3, it supports features like Auracast for multi-speaker connections and includes a built-in power bank.

While the Xtreme 4 comes with several newer features like Auracast support, it still can’t beat the fact that the JBL Boombox 3 is the more powerful speaker which has a built-in sub and delivers up to 180W of powerful sound while connected to AC.

Specs Table

Here is the detailed specs comparison breakdown between the JBL Boombox 3 and the JBL Xtreme 4:

The JBL Boombox 3 offers a significantly higher wattage and power output when connected to AC power. It also has a more powerful 3-way speaker system compared to the Xtreme 4’s dual woofers and tweeters. Both speakers feature an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and similar battery life, but the Boombox 3 takes longer to charge. The Xtreme 4 is more compact and portable, making it a better choice for those looking for a lighter and easier-to-carry speaker.

Sound Performance Comparison

The JBL Boombox 3 is definitely a louder speaker with much more booming bass. When I played Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” the bassline hit like a steady heartbeat—deep and immersive. With its  3-way speaker system with a dedicated subwoofer, the bass-heavy tracks had an extra punch that filled the outdoor patio with rich and filling sound.

Switching to “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Boombox 3 did a great job capturing the layers of the song. The mids were clear, and the highs, like Freddie Mercury’s falsetto, sounded crisp and very clean. However, the highs didn’t shine as much as the bass which seemed to take center stage. Even at higher volumes, there was no distortion, which makes it perfect for outdoor parties if you want to blast music through the night.

When I played “Blinding Lights,” the Boombox 3 created a cinematic feel. The thumping bassline carried the song, and the synths sounded vibrant. However, some of the finer details in the highs felt like they got lost. Overall, this speaker is made for bass heads and anyone who wants to feel the bass in the music with its rich low-end thump.

The Xtreme 4 brings a more refined sound to the table. When I played Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” I noticed how well-balanced it sounded. The bass wasn’t as overpowering as the Boombox 3, but it was tight and controlled. The mids stood out more, letting Ed Sheeran’s vocals take the spotlight. The dual 25W system handled the details well, especially in acoustic songs.

With “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Xtreme 4 surprised me. It captured the complexity of the song beautifully. The vocals were clear, the guitar riffs had a nice edge, and the transitions between soft and powerful sections felt natural. It didn’t have the room-shaking power of the Boombox 3, but it was impressive for its size.

“Blinding Lights” sounded great on the Xtreme 4. The synths were sharp and lively, while the bass had enough punch to keep the energy high. The overall sound felt less overwhelming, which made it easier to listen to for longer periods.

Design

The Boombox 3 comes with a sturdy metal handle and silicone grips, enhancing its portability despite its larger size. Its dimensions are 48.2 cm in width, 25.7 cm in height, and 20.0 cm in depth, and it weighs approximately 6.7 kg. The IP67 rating makes this speaker both dustproof and waterproof and suitable for poolside parties or outdoor adventures. The design includes twin sidecaps and a signature fabric that adds to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

In contrast, the Xtreme 4 offers a more compact and lightweight design, making it easier to carry around. It measures 29.7 cm in width, 14.9 cm in height, and 14.1 cm in depth, with a weight of around 2.1 kg. Like the Boombox 3, it is IP67 rated which provides full protection against dust and water. The Xtreme 4 also features a durable fabric material and a built-in carrying strap, enhancing its portability for on-the-go use.

When comparing these JBL models to other speakers in a similar price range such as the Sony SRS-XP700 and the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II, both JBL speakers win in terms of design and specs. The Sony SRS-XP700 is larger and heavier, which might affect portability, but it offers impressive sound quality with deep bass and clear highs. The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II delivers 360-degree sound and has a sleek, cylindrical design, but its IP55 rating makes it less resistant to dust and water compared to the IP67 rating of the JBL speakers. JBL has made speakers that can really stand the test of time with their extremely durable design.

The Verdict?

The JBL Boombox 3 is one of the most powerful Bluetooth speakers we have tested that can pump out a massive 180W of output power (while connected to AC). This speaker is extremely loud and bass-heavy and is great for parties and poolside events. On the other hand, the JBL Xtreme 4 offers a more balanced sound that works well for different genres. It’s not as loud or bass-heavy, but it’s more versatile and easier on the ears. That said, the JBL Xtreme 4 is by no means a small speaker and it is still quite heavy and bulky, making them only worthwhile for parties and outdoor events.

Personally, I would pick the JBL Boombox 3 over the JBL Xtreme 4. If you are looking at getting a loud and bass-heavy party speaker, the JBL Boombox 3 is definitely much more value for money since the Xtreme 4 is is quite heavy and is designed for outdoor parties anyway – the bass on the Boombox 3 is definitely much deeper and feels more powerful. Between the two, the JBL Boombox 3 delivers much heavier and punchy bass, and makes it more suited for EDM and rock music. The JBL Xtreme 4 sounds more refined and balanced, and while it’s nicer to listen to if you prefer acoustic vocals with bright high-end ranges, ultimately it’s not the kind of speaker that will perform and deliver the same level of beats as the JBL Boombox 3 would.