Short answer: the Polk Audio Atrium 4, if you are buying new. The JBL Control X ranks higher than it (#8 vs #11 of 13 outdoor speakers, 3.2/5 vs 2.6/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Polk Audio Atrium 4 is still sold new at $117.
The JBL Control X is the more accurate choice. Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 2.50 against 1.46 for the Polk Audio Atrium 4. Watch for: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance.
What the Polk Audio Atrium 4 does well: Extremely compact, lightweight (1.63 kg), and affordable outdoor pair with Speed-Lock quick mounting bracket. Watch for: Small 4.5” driver restricts low-end performance; bass extension drops steeply past 98Hz (-6dB) with little acoustic energy below 100Hz.
Buy the Polk Audio Atrium 4 new; the JBL Control X is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control X | Polk Audio Atrium 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $205 per pair Discontinued | $117.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #8 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #11 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide | 4.5” (114mm) mineral-filled polymer cone woofer, 0.75” (19mm) anodized aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 89dB |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W | 10-80W |
| Enclosure | Ported, rear Slipstream port | Sealed all-weather Mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Dimensions | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) | 8.6”H x 5.7”W x 6.6”D (219 x 144 x 168 mm) |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) | 3.6 lbs (1.63 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 112.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 98.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 | 1.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.87 | 5.10 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Control X compares with other leading options:
- JBL Control X Wireless vs JBL Control X
- Revel M80XC vs JBL Control X
- Focal Chorus OD 706 V vs JBL Control X
- Focal 100 OD6 vs JBL Control X
- Revel M55XC vs JBL Control X
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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
JBL Control X: $205 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Stage XD-5, ranked higher, estimated 3.3/5.
Pros: Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). Features JBL’s High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide for wide, controlled 60-degree horizontal directivity. Distortion remains low through the midband, and the ported cabinet delivers usable mid-bass energy for its modest footprint. Measured bass extension of 108.4Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance. Bass extension falls off below 90Hz (-6dB), and the speaker is discontinued.
Full JBL Control X review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide |
| Enclosure | Ported, rear Slipstream port |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W |
| Sensitivity | 87dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.87 |
| Weight | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Polk Audio Atrium 4: $117.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Extremely compact, lightweight (1.63 kg), and affordable outdoor pair with Speed-Lock quick mounting bracket. Clean build quality that easily survives harsh rain and sun exposure. Smooth dispersion pattern (+60/-70 degrees horizontal). Measured bass extension of 112.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Small 4.5” driver restricts low-end performance; bass extension drops steeply past 98Hz (-6dB) with little acoustic energy below 100Hz. Notable mid-treble shelf gives it a forward, bright presentation and yields a low 1.46 preference score.
Full Polk Audio Atrium 4 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 112.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 98.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 8.6”H x 5.7”W x 6.6”D (219 x 144 x 168 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.5” (114mm) mineral-filled polymer cone woofer, 0.75” (19mm) anodized aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather Mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 10-80W |
| Sensitivity | 89dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.10 |
| Weight | 3.6 lbs (1.63 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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