Short answer: the Bose SoundLink Plus. It ranks #25 of 105 large speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $179.99 and is still sold new; the JBL Xtreme 2 ranks #60 (rated 3.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Xtreme 2’s replacement, the JBL Xtreme 5, is rated 4.6/5 at $349.99.
The Bose SoundLink Plus is the better-sounding, longer-running option. IP67 rated, IP67 water/dustproof. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Xtreme 2. At 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Xtreme 2 at 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg). Watch for: Boosted thuddy bass, but not as deep as the SoundLink Flex and you should probably just buy one of those instead if you want a Bose.
The case for the JBL Xtreme 2: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose SoundLink Plus lacks. The catch: External AC power brick for charging.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Plus. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Xtreme 2 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Plus | JBL Xtreme 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $199.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | No | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 9.1” x 3.9” x 3.4” (231 x 99 x 86 mm) | 11.3” x 5.4” x 4.2” (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2.5” (63.5mm) woofer + 1x ~0.78” (20mm) tweeter + 4x passive radiators | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 54Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 40W RMS |
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How Bose SoundLink Plus compares with other leading options:
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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
Bose SoundLink Plus: $179.99 Amazon $179.99 eBay
Same family: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen (smaller model, rated 3.8/5), the Bose SoundLink Max (smaller model, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5) and the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 (smaller model, rated 3.6/5). See every Bose SoundLink Flex, Micro, Max and Plus generation.
Pros: IP67 rated, IP67 water/dustproof. Close to 20 hour battery life. Vibrant sound with booming bass, clean mids. Bluetooth 5.4 with good range. Premium tactile grille, smooth silicone. Quality build at $180.
Cons: Boosted thuddy bass, but not as deep as the SoundLink Flex and you should probably just buy one of those instead if you want a Bose.
Full Bose SoundLink Plus review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.1” x 3.9” x 3.4” (231 x 99 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2.5” (63.5mm) woofer + 1x ~0.78” (20mm) tweeter + 4x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) |
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JBL Xtreme 2: $199.99 Discontinued Amazon $199.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Xtreme 5, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5, released Apr 2026.
Older model: the JBL Xtreme (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5). See every JBL Xtreme generation.
Pros: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. IPX7 water-resistant. Amazing real-world battery: ~20 hours at 75dB (vs 15hr claim). USB-A port charges other devices. Optional carry strap. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-10dB).
Cons: External AC power brick for charging. Boosted bass. Treble harsh at high volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 5.4” x 4.2” (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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