The JBL Xtreme 4 and Sony XG300 are portable Bluetooth speakers designed for outdoor sound performance. Comparing the JBL Xtreme 4 with the Sony XG300, the Xtreme 4 speaker wins hands down in terms of power output, design and portability. The Xtreme 4 has a full output power of 100W RMS on AC mode which dwarfs the Sony SRS-XG300’s 17W power output, and has way more bass punch especially for EDM, rock and hip-hop music genres.
The Sony SRS-XG300 comes with built-in features like customizable RGB lighting and compatibility with Sony’s Fiestable app, which provides access to additional party functionalities. It also supports voice assistants via a paired smartphone and includes a retractable handle for portability. In contrast, the JBL Xtreme 4 focuses on delivering a balanced sound profile with a robust bass response, making it a good speaker for bass heads. Both speakers are designed for portability and outdoor use, providing water and dust resistance.
Specs Comparison
While both speakers are designed for outdoor use, the JBL Xtreme 4 delivers a powerful 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. It offers up to 24 hours of playtime and has an IP67 rating, making it both waterproof and dustproof. The Xtreme 4 also includes features like AI Sound Boost and Auracast support for multi-speaker connectivity.
On the other hand, the Sony SRS-XG300 is equipped with two 61 mm x 68 mm woofers and two 20 mm tweeters and delivers clear and dynamic sound. It provides approximately 25 hours of battery life and has an IP67 rating which makes it essentially waterproof like the Xtreme 4 speaker. The SRS-XG300 features a retractable handle for easy transport and customizable RGB lighting to enhance the party atmosphere. It also supports Sony’s Fiestable app, providing additional party functionalities.
The JBL Xtreme 4 focuses on delivering a high-powered audio performance with features that enhance sound quality and connectivity, making it suitable for those who want robust sound and extended playtime. The Sony SRS-XG300, while also providing quality sound, emphasizes portability and additional features like lighting effects and app integration, appealing to those who enjoy customizable aesthetics and interactive functionalities.
Table Comparison
| Feature | JBL Xtreme 4 | Sony SRS-XG300 |
| Output Power | – AC Mode: 2 x 30W RMS (woofers) + 2 x 20W RMS (tweeters) – Battery Mode: 2 x 20W RMS (woofers) + 2 x 15W RMS (tweeters) | Approx. 17W |
| Frequency Response | 44 Hz – 20 kHz | Not specified |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 25 hours |
| Charging Time | 3.5 hours | 5 hours |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 297 x 141 x 149 mm | 318 x 138 x 136 mm |
| Weight | 2.1 kg | 3.0 kg |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Additional Features | – AI Sound Boost – Auracast™ multi-speaker connection – Built-in powerbank – Replaceable battery – Fast charge (10 minutes for 2 hours of playtime) – JBL Portable app support – Made with recycled materials | – Retractable handle for portability – Customizable RGB lighting – Sony Music Center and Fiestable app support – Mega Bass and Live Sound modes – Echo canceling for calls |
From the table, you can see that the JBL Xtreme 4 offers higher specified output power and a slightly lighter design, making it suitable for users who want powerful sound and portability. The Sony SRS-XG300, while heavier, provides longer battery life and additional features like customizable lighting and app integration, appealing to those who value extended playtime and interactive functionalities.
Sound Comparison
I played “I Want You” by Moloko on both speakers. The Xtreme 4 produced a dynamic sound with well-defined high frequencies and full-bodied mids, though I initially found the bass somewhat lacking on some segments of the music. However, after adjusting the EQ settings via the JBL Portable app, the bass response improved significantly, providing a more balanced and immersive listening experience.
Switching to the Sony SRS-XG300, I noticed a different audio profile. Playing “Twist of Cain” by Danzig, the speaker delivered a warm and rich sound, with a pronounced bass presence that added depth to the track. The mids and highs were clear, but the overall emphasis leaned towards the lower frequencies, creating a more bass-forward experience. This characteristic made genres like rock and electronic music particularly enjoyable, as the bass added a layer of intensity to the listening session.
In terms of volume, both speakers are capable of filling a room or outdoor space with sound. The Xtreme 4, when plugged in provided a much louder listening experience at full power with minimal distortion. The SRS-XG300 also performed well at elevated volumes, though its bass-heavy tuning occasionally overshadowed the mids and highs, depending on the track.
One thing that I liked about the JBL Xtreme 4 is that the highs and vocals are bright and well-defined, and have a good level of sparkle in them that the Sony SRS-XG300 seems to miss. The bass on the JBL Xtreme 4 is also well-accentuated and has plenty of depth – it’s the kind of bass that punches deep and tight and does not muddy into the midrange frequencies. While the bass on the SRS-XG300 was commendable, it didn’t have the same low end punch as the JBL Xtreme 4 especially at higher volume levels.
Design Comparison
The JBL Xtreme 4 features a rugged, cylindrical shape wrapped in a durable fabric material and protected by rubberized end caps. This design not only provides a sturdy feel but also contributes to its IP67 rating, making it completely waterproof and dustproof. The inclusion of a detachable carrying strap with a built-in bottle opener adds a practical touch for on-the-go use. In contrast, the Sony SRS-XG300 has a more refined aesthetic with a sleek, rectangular form factor and a retractable handle that seamlessly integrates into its design. The SRS-XG300 also features an IP67 rating, ensuring similar protection against the elements. Additionally, Sony incorporates subtle LED lighting at the ends of the speaker, adding a visual flair during playback.
Comparatively, I find that the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom and the Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II has comparable features to the Sony XG300. The Hyperboom showcases a minimalist, vertical design with a fabric exterior, emphasizing a modern look. It is engineered for portability with a pull-out strap, though it is heavier than both the Xtreme 4 and the SRS-XG300. The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II, on the other hand, features an elegant lantern-like design with a seamless aluminum body and a flexible fabric handle. While it offers water resistance with an IP55 rating, it falls slightly short of the IP67 protection provided by JBL and Sony.
The Verdict?
If I had to choose between the JBL Xtreme 4 and the Sony XG300, I would definitely go for the JBL Xtreme 4 speaker because it has a much higher 100W RMS output power compared to the Sony XG300’s 17W. I liked the sound performance on the Xtreme 4 better – the highs are crisp and well-defined, and vocals sounded nice to listen to without any harshness at higher volume levels. The bass on the Xtreme 4 definitely hits harder at higher volume levels, and it comes with two bass side radiators which greatly enhances the low-end thump which is notably missing from the Sony XG300 speaker. While the Sony XG300 does come with certain features such as customizable RBG lighting and built-in microphone for hands free calls that the JBL Xtreme 4 lacks, I felt that these were really unnecessary features as sound performance is the major deciding factor here. If you are a bass head looking for a speaker with deep bass and very clear highs and vocals, the JBL Xtreme 4 is definitely the one you should get.