Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 5 if you want a current, full-size portable speaker. It ranks #2 of 77 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 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.
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 77 large speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beoplay A2 active | JBL Xtreme 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $399.95 |
| Ranked | #16 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #2 of 77 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 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 | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Max Volume | - | 110dB |
| Removable Battery | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 9, 2026 at 6:54 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beoplay A2 active: $400 Discontinued eBay
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 and no longer sold new. Discontinued.
Full B&O Beoplay A2 active review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| 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 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
- Links
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JBL Xtreme 5: $399.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Removable battery. Quite deep bass, reaching well below 40Hz. A fantastic sounding speaker with excellent off-axis dispersion, a big step up from older JBL portables. Beats the Soundcore Boom 2 and Tribit Stormbox Blast on bass depth and clarity. Plays clean at volume, unlike the JBL Boombox 4.
Cons: High priced. Some bass boost. A hole in the mid-upper bass which can’t be EQ’d out. Default EQ presets are weak (Signature is boring, Chill and Vocal are close to unusable) - needs the custom EQ to sound its best. Bigger and heavier than the Xtreme 4.
Setup: Try this Oluv EQ for the most neutral sound
Full JBL Xtreme 5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| 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 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| 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 (USB-C, 5V/3A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Joy & Oluv’Sone🔈3DAudio🎧& Music: JBL Xtreme 5 - universal EQ for best sound overall More from Oluv’Sone →
- 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 More from alanrossreviews →
- 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? 🤔
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