Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Control X Wireless is the better pick: it ranks #1 of 13 outdoor speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5), against #8 (rated 3.2/5) for the JBL Control X.
The JBL Control X Wireless is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Spinorama measurements on spinorama.org yield a preference score of 4.51 (7.35 with a subwoofer) with smooth predicted in-room response (0.655 smoothness) and tightly controlled directivity (SPDI deviation 3.14dB) from JBL’s High Definition Imaging waveguide. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.51 against 2.50 for the JBL Control X. Its bass reaches about 75.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 108.4Hz for the JBL Control X. Watch for: Bass rolls off rapidly below 66Hz (-6dB) and battery life is modest at around 4 hours at moderate volume.
Why pick the JBL Control X: Spinorama preference score of 2.50 (5.87 with subwoofer). The catch: Marked peak around 1.5kHz to 2kHz and uneven on-axis treble response require EQ for best tonal balance.
Buy the JBL Control X Wireless only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control X Wireless | JBL Control X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 per pair Discontinued | $205 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #1 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #8 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide | 5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with HDI waveguide |
| Amplifier Power | 30W Class-D per speaker | - |
| Configuration | Active 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Bluetooth | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 | - |
| Battery Life | 4 hours | - |
| Enclosure | Ported, rear Slipstream port | Ported, rear Slipstream port |
| Dimensions | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg) | 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 108.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 66.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 90.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.51 | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.35 | 5.87 |
| Sensitivity | - | 87dB |
| Impedance | - | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | - | 20-100W |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Control X Wireless compares with other leading options:
- JBL Control X Wireless vs Revel M80XC
- JBL Control X Wireless vs Focal Chorus OD 706 V
- JBL Control X Wireless vs Focal 100 OD6
- JBL Control X Wireless vs Revel M55XC
- JBL Control X Wireless vs RSL Outsider II
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 Wireless: $499.95 per pair Active Discontinued eBay
Pros: Spinorama measurements on spinorama.org yield a preference score of 4.51 (7.35 with a subwoofer) with smooth predicted in-room response (0.655 smoothness) and tightly controlled directivity (SPDI deviation 3.14dB) from JBL’s High Definition Imaging waveguide. Independent built-in 30W Class-D bi-amplification and wireless stereo Bluetooth operation make it fully self-contained for patio or outdoor listening without running speaker wire or needing an external amplifier. Measured bass extension of 75.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass rolls off rapidly below 66Hz (-6dB) and battery life is modest at around 4 hours at moderate volume. The model is discontinued so availability is restricted to existing stock or the pre-owned market. High-frequency extension drops off above 16kHz on-axis.
Full JBL Control X Wireless review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 30W Class-D per speaker |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 66.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Battery Life | 4 hours |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 3.0 |
| Configuration | Active 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 High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide |
| Enclosure | Ported, rear Slipstream port |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.51 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.35 |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Control X Wireless vs Revel M80XC
- JBL Control X Wireless vs Focal Chorus OD 706 V
- JBL Control X Wireless vs Focal 100 OD6
- JBL Control X Wireless vs Revel M55XC
- JBL Control X Wireless vs RSL Outsider II
- JBL Control X Wireless vs JBL Stage XD-5
- JBL Control X Wireless vs JBL Control 29AV-1
- JBL Control X Wireless vs OSD Audio AP650
- See all 11 comparisons
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