Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 5 is the more practical premium portable because its battery can be replaced, while the Bose SoundLink Plus is a smaller IP67 option with a less convincing sound balance. JBL is 2 of 120 and Bose is 25 of 120.
The SoundLink Plus has an IP67 enclosure but its thuddy, boosted bass does not reach as deep as Bose’s own Flex. The Xtreme 5 is also built for outdoor use and gives owners a removable battery, an advantage for years of regular use. Its main drawback is that it commands a premium for that durability and serviceability.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Plus if you want a compact IP67 Bose speaker and prefer its size over deeper bass.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 5 if a replaceable battery and a more durable long-term portable matter more than initial cost.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A waterproof mid size speaker with vibrant sound, booming bass, clean mids, a long battery and premium build.
A large waterproof speaker with deep bass, wide, clean sound at volume and a removable 28 hour battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose SoundLink Plus | JBL Xtreme 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.00 | $399.95 |
| Ranked | #25 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #2 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C, 5V/3A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| EQ | No | Yes (7 band) |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 6.0 |
| Dimensions | 9.1” x 3.9” x 3.4” (231 x 99 x 86 mm) | 13.6” x 6.5” x 6.1” (346 x 165 x 155 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2.5” (63.5mm) woofer + 1x ~0.78” (20mm) tweeter + 4x passive radiators | 98x145mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Removable Battery | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier 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) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 43Hz (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
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