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 ranks #72 (rated 3.2/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Xtreme’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. At 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Xtreme at 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg). The tradeoff: 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.
Why pick the JBL Xtreme: 15 hour battery. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose SoundLink Plus lacks. Watch for: Issues with bass distortion at high volumes.
Buy the Bose SoundLink Plus. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Xtreme 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #72 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) |
| 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 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 9.1” x 3.9” x 3.4” (231 x 99 x 86 mm) | 11.1” x 5” x 4.8” (283 x 126 x 122 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2.5” (63.5mm) woofer + 1x ~0.78” (20mm) tweeter + 4x passive radiators | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | - |
| Maximum SPL | - | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 40W |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Bose SoundLink Plus compares with other leading options:
- Bose SoundLink Plus vs Vifa Helsinki
- Bose SoundLink Plus vs JBL Xtreme 5
- Bose SoundLink Plus vs Tribit Stormbox Lava
- Bose SoundLink Plus vs Brane X
- Bose SoundLink Plus vs Minirig 4 with subwoofer
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: $200 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Xtreme 5, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5, released Apr 2026. See every JBL Xtreme generation.
Pros: 15 hour battery. IPX7 water resistance. JBL Connect for pairing with other JBL speakers. Built-in microphone for calls.
Cons: Issues with bass distortion at high volumes. An older speaker outclassed by newer releases of the Xtreme. External AC power brick for charging. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.1” x 5” x 4.8” (283 x 126 x 122 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons