JBL Xtreme 4 vs Bose Soundlink Max: Which sounds better?

Both the JBL Xtreme 4 and Bose SoundLink Max are powerful outdoor speakers designed to deliver loud volume output and a tonne of bass. The JBL Xtreme 4 has an output power of 70W RMS (on battery mode) and a massive 100W (on AC power), while the Bose SoundLink Max has an approximate output power of 50W (although Bose does not disclose this figure).

The JBL Xtreme 4 has a rugged, cylindrical design that feels built for outdoor adventures and social gatherings, while the Bose SoundLink Max leans more towards a sleek, rectangular look with a silicone and metal finish, giving it a more polished vibe. Battery life is another point of difference— the Xtreme 4 offers up to 24 hours of playtime, whereas the SoundLink Max provides around 20 hours. Both speakers come with an IP67 rating, making them essentially waterproof and resistant to dust, so they are great for outdoor pool parties and outdoor events.

When it comes to sound, the SoundLink Max delivers a smooth and balanced audio experience with rich bass and clear vocals, making it a great pick for fans of genres like rock or hip-hop. The Xtreme 4, on the other hand, brings a more energetic and punchy sound, with crisp highs and deep bass that work well for lively listening. JBL packs in extra features like AI Sound Boost and Auracast for connecting multiple speakers, while Bose offers Bluetooth Multipoint, which lets you connect two devices at once.

Specs Comparison

The JBL Xtreme 4 delivers an all-rounded audio experience with its two 70 mm woofers and two 20 mm tweeters, providing a total output of 100W RMS in AC power mode and 70W RMS in battery mode. In contrast, the Bose SoundLink Max features two 89 mm transducers and one 23 mm transducer, complemented by two passive radiators, delivering a balanced and immersive sound. Both speakers are designed for portability, with the Xtreme 4 weighing approximately 2.1 kg and the SoundLink Max at 2.13 kg.

The Xtreme 4 offers up to 24 hours of playtime, while the SoundLink Max provides around 20 hours. Both models are rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, making them suitable for various environments. Connectivity-wise, the Xtreme 4 utilizes Bluetooth 5.3, and the SoundLink Max also employs Bluetooth 5.3, supporting SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs. Additionally, the Xtreme 4 includes features like AI Sound Boost and Auracast for multi-speaker connectivity, whereas the SoundLink Max offers SimpleSync technology for pairing with other Bose speakers.

Overall, the JBL Xtreme 4 emphasizes higher power output and extended battery life, while the Bose SoundLink Max focuses on delivering balanced sound with versatile codec support.

Comparison Table

In summary, the JBL Xtreme 4 offers higher output power and longer battery life, making it suitable for extended use and larger gatherings. The Bose SoundLink Max, while slightly heavier, provides features like Snapdragon Sound technology and a 3.5mm aux input, catering to those who need versatile connectivity options.

Sound Comparison

I tested out “Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)” “Sultans of Swing (Dire Straits)” and “Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars)” on each speaker because I like how each track highlights vocals, guitars, and bass notes. I turned up the volume in short intervals to gauge how the speakers handled low-end frequencies and overall clarity. The Xtreme 4 (with its dual 2.75-inch woofers and two tweeters) delivered a powerful thump in the bass region and I felt the kick drums had more weight during Uptown Funk. The Bose Soundlink Max (which uses a multi-driver array [with dual passive radiators]) gave me a slightly cleaner midrange presence in Sultans of Swing and I caught extra details in the guitar solos.

I kept an eye on how the speakers performed at moderate volumes for vocals in Billie Jean because I like picking out all the small elements. I found the Xtreme 4 produced a warm sound signature that complemented Michael Jackson’s voice without washing out the bass line. The Soundlink Max produced clear highs at similar volume levels and I thought the midrange felt a bit more defined, particularly when I focused on backing vocals. Both models offered decent stereo separation for portable speakers though neither replaced a true stereo setup. I also noticed minimal distortion at higher volumes on both speakers, even when I pushed them closer to their maximum output which was loud enough to fill my medium-sized living room.

I tried a few quieter jazz tunes (like “Take Five’s Dave Brubeck Quartet”) to check subtle instrument detail and I liked how the Bose maintained a balanced clarity in the saxophone and piano. The JBL offered a stronger low-frequency punch but sometimes overshadowed the upper harmonics if I turned it up too high. I felt more engaged by the Xtreme 4 during bass-driven tracks and I found the Soundlink Max more appealing for detailed listening sessions.

That being said, I liked the sound quality of the Bose SoundLink Max much more than the JBL Xtreme 4. While the JBL Xtreme 4 sounded punchy and tight with hard hitting bass notes, the Bose SoundLink brought a level of sub-bass performance that hits even harder and sounds very deep. The bass on the SoundLink Max has the low-end kind of punch and quality that you only get with higher end speaker models, and I really liked how crisp the vocals sounded with a distinct layer of sparkle and clarity. Songs like Billie Jean sounded especially fun to listen to on the Bose SoundLink Max, and the added bass thump really makes the soundtrack stand out with more gravitas than the JBL Xtreme 4.

Design Comparison

The Xtreme 4 measures roughly 12.8 x 5.4 x 5.1 inches and weighs around 4.5 pounds with a thick fabric and rubber covering plus an IP67 rating (useful if you want to bring it near a pool or a sandy spot). The built-in metal hooks on the sides let me attach the shoulder strap and I liked that they felt solid when I carried it around. The Bose Soundlink Max was a bit taller (roughly 13 x 6 x 5 inches) and weighed closer to 6 pounds, with a smooth shell and a sleek handle on top. It also came with water-resistant construction (though I noticed it had a slightly lower rating, more like IPX5), which felt enough for light moisture but might not handle as much dust and submersion. Both speakers had rubberized bases that kept them stable on most surfaces, and I appreciated the clean control layouts on top of each.

Compared to similar speakers such as the Sony SRS-XG500 and UE Hyperboom, the Sony was close in size to the Xtreme 4 but weighed a bit more and came with a wider handle that felt comfortable for carrying longer distances. The Hyperboom was taller and heavier, which made it less convenient to move around. I thought the Xtreme 4 was the more rugged option if I wanted something that could handle rougher outdoor use (especially with its IP67 sealing) while the Bose Soundlink Max looked more refined and had a sleek grip. The Sony offered a fabric finish like the JBL model, and the UE had a thick mesh material, but they each felt bulkier than the Soundlink Max. In the end I saw the Xtreme 4 as a tough and portable design made for frequent moves, whereas the Soundlink Max leaned toward a heavier but stylish approach for those who might leave it in one spot and appreciate the simple and sleek design.

The Verdict?

Although the JBL Xtreme 4 is clearly the more powerful speaker here with 100W RMS of output power on AC mode, I still felt that the Bose SoundLink Max had better sound quality. The bass on the SoundLink Max has very good depth – the kind of depth that you would expect from something like a Sonos subwoofer that punches deep and accentuates the entire listening experience. The SoundLink Max also delivered very clear highs and crisp details, the vocals just sounded much better on the SoundLink Max with better clarity and good soundstage. The SoundLink Max also comes with the latest audio codecs and is overall just a better looking speaker with its sleek design, while the JBL Xtreme 4 feels rugged and is the kind of speaker that you would only want to use outdoors. I did feel that the SoundLink Max provided better aesthetics and overall design, and highly recommend them if you are choose between the JBL Xtreme 4 and SoundLink Max.