Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 5 for portability, the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 for warmer sound. The Xtreme 5’s key feature is a removable battery, but the source calls it high priced. The Go + Play 2 is warm with boosted bass and is not as loud as others, so it is the pick if you value tone over battery flexibility.
Worth knowing: the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 is discontinued, though it still ranks #23 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality, so a used unit beats most of what is still sold new. The Harman Kardon Go + Play 2’s replacement, the Harman Kardon Go + Play 3, is rated 4.4/5 at $385.
Buy the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 at $350 if you want a boombox speaker. Buy the JBL Xtreme 5 at $399.95 if you want a large speaker instead.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Xtreme 5 is rated for 28 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Xtreme 5 at IP68 (extended submersion) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 at no water resistance.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 | JBL Xtreme 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 Discontinued | $399.95 |
| Ranked | #23 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #2 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Latency | 0ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz | 43Hz (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP68 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 33ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LC3 |
| App | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (7 band) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C, 5V/3A) |
| USB Playback | No | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Amplifier Power | 100W AC / 30W battery | 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) |
| Dimensions | 20” x 9” x 9.5” (508 x 228.6 x 241.3 mm) | 13.6” x 6.5” x 6.1” (346 x 165 x 155 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 90mm (3.5”) woofers (front and rear firing) + 2x 20mm tweeters | 98x145mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 6.0 |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| Removable Battery | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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