Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 5 if you want a current, full-size portable speaker. It ranks #2 of 120 large portable speakers at $399.95, while the discontinued Beoplay A2 active ranks #16 at $400. The A2’s slim, two-sided design is still appealing, but the JBL is the much more capable choice for bass, outdoor use, and long-term ownership.
The Xtreme 5 is built for substantially bigger sound. Its bass reaches well below 40Hz, it plays cleanly at high volume, and its off-axis dispersion is unusually strong for a portable speaker. It also adds IP68 protection, a removable battery, 7-band app EQ, Auracast pairing, USB-C audio, and a 28-hour claimed battery. Use the recommended custom EQ, since the stock presets and a mid-upper-bass dip keep it from sounding its best out of the box.
The A2 active makes sense only for its particular form factor. True360 playback spreads sound from both sides, and its 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) body, carry strap, USB-C charging, aux input, power-bank function, and second-speaker pairing remain useful. It is mono rather than true stereo, has no stated IP rating, and is no longer sold new.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 5 for deeper bass, higher output, modern weather protection, a replaceable battery, and active retail support.
Buy the B&O Beoplay A2 active only if you find one in good condition and specifically value its thin two-sided design, aux input, and omnidirectional presentation.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the JBL Xtreme 5 at IP68 (extended submersion) against the B&O Beoplay A2 active, which has no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beoplay A2 active | JBL Xtreme 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $399.95 |
| Ranked | #16 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #2 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP68 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C, 5V/3A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (7 band) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 6.0 |
| Dimensions | 10.1” x 5.6” x 1.7” (256 x 142 x 44 mm) | 13.6” x 6.5” x 6.1” (346 x 165 x 155 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 3” fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75” tweeters + 2x 3” passive radiators | 98x145mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 60W | 1 x 90W RMS Woofer + 2 x 20W RMS Tweeter (AC power mode) 1 x 60W RMS Woofer + 2 x 15W RMS Tweeter (Battery mode) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | Yes (carry strap) | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Removable Battery | - | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 43Hz (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
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