Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 5. It ranks #2 of 75 large speakers at $349.95; the B&O Beoplay A2 active ranks #16 and costs $400, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the B&O Beoplay A2 active side: B&O’s True360 sound from both sides. Set against that: Not stereo.
The case for the JBL Xtreme 5: Removable battery. The tradeoff: High priced.
One note: the B&O Beoplay A2 active is discontinued, but it still ranks #16 of 75 large speakers, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the B&O Beoplay A2 active if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the JBL Xtreme 5 if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beoplay A2 active | JBL Xtreme 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $349.95 |
| Ranked | #16 of 75 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #2 of 75 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 | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg |
| App | No | 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) |
| Output 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Max Volume | - | 110dB |
| Removable Battery | - | Yes |
| USB Audio | - | Yes |
The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beoplay A2 active: $400 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: B&O’s True360 sound from both sides. Customizable sound via Beoplay app. 22 hour battery (improved from original A2). Stereo pairing with a second A2 Active. Splash/dustproof, USB-C charging. ~1.1 kg with carry strap.
Cons: Not stereo. Discontinued.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10.1" x 5.6" x 1.7" (256 x 142 x 44 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 3" fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75" tweeters + 2x 3" passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
- Buy Used
- Links
JBL Xtreme 5: $349.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Removable battery. Quite deep bass. A fantastic sounding speaker
Cons: High priced. Some bass boost. A hole in the mid-upper bass which can’t be EQ’d out
Setup: Try this Oluv EQ for the most neutral sound
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | 13.6" x 6.5" x 6.1" (346 x 165 x 155 mm) |
| Drivers | 98x145mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Output Power | 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) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Audio | Yes |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Joy & Oluv’Sone🔈3DAudio🎧& Music: JBL Xtreme 5 - universal EQ for best sound overall
- Joy & Oluv’Sone🔈3DAudio🎧& Music: JBL Xtreme 5 - Best Bluetooth Speaker 2026 award
- Joy & Oluv’Sone🔈3DAudio🎧& Music: JBL Xtreme 5 vs Studio Monitors: too V-shaped or not to V-shaped, that’s the question!
- Joy & Oluv’Sone🔈3DAudio🎧& Music: JBL Xtreme 5 - outdoor test
- Joy & Oluv’Sone🔈3DAudio🎧& Music: Minirigs 4 with Sub 4 vs JBL Xtreme 5 - 1st impressions
- Oluv Patreon: VIFA Helsinki & JBL Xtreme 5 - listening test
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Xtreme 5 - 1st detailed impression with custom EQs
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Xtreme 5 - outdoor test
- Alan Ross Reviews: Brane X vs JBL Xtreme 5: Maximum Bass, No Mercy
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Xtreme 5 2026, massive upgrade over JBL Xtreme 4! Full tests!
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Xtreme 5 vs JBL Xtreme 4 in 2026
- Alan Ross Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5ImoaGw3t0
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Xtreme 5 or the amazing Tribit Stormbox Blast? 🤔
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Bose SoundLink Max
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Laney F67
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Marshall Middleton II
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Sony ULT Field 5
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Vifa Helsinki
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- JBL Xtreme 5 vs JBL Xtreme 3
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Klipsch Detroit
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Marshall Kilburn II
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Minirig mk3 with subwoofer
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Minirig mk4 with subwoofer
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Marshall Middleton
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Minirig mk2 with subwoofer
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Rocksteady Stadium Speakers and Subwoofer
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Sonos Move 2
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Sony SRS-XG300
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Ultimate Ears Epicboom
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Vifa Oslo
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.