JBL Control X Wireless vs OSD Audio AP650

Last updated: October 5, 2026

Short answer: the OSD Audio AP650, if you are buying new. The JBL Control X Wireless ranks higher than it (#1 vs #10 of 13 outdoor speakers, 4.1/5 vs 2.9/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the OSD Audio AP650 is still sold new at $199.99.

JBL Control X Wireless vs OSD Audio AP650

The JBL Control X Wireless is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. 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 2.12 for the OSD Audio AP650. Its bass reaches about 75.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 95.2Hz for the OSD Audio AP650. The catch: Bass rolls off rapidly below 66Hz (-6dB) and battery life is modest at around 4 hours at moderate volume.

The case for the OSD Audio AP650: Affordable $200/pair price with a solid 6.5” woofer. Watch for: Preference score is 2.12 (5.30 with sub) due to notable mid-frequency irregularities and uneven directivity through the crossover handover.

Buy the OSD Audio AP650 new; the JBL Control X Wireless 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 Wireless OSD Audio AP650
Price$499.95 per pair Discontinued$199.99 per pair
Ranked#1 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers#10 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers
Drivers5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide6.5” polypropylene cone woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter
Amplifier Power30W Class-D per speaker-
ConfigurationActive 2-wayPassive 2-way
BluetoothYes-
Bluetooth Version3.0-
Battery Life4 hours-
EnclosurePorted, rear Slipstream portSealed composite IPX6 all-weather
Dimensions9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm)12”H x 8”W x 8”D (305 x 203 x 203 mm)
Weight6.5 lbs (2.95 kg)8.6 lbs (3.9 kg)
Bass Extension (-3dB)75.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org)95.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-6dB)66.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org)74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-10dB)55.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org)48.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Spinorama Preference Score4.512.12
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.355.30
Sensitivity-90dB
Impedance-8 ohms
Power Handling-150W

More top alternatives to JBL Control X Wireless:

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

JBL Control X Wireless ranking card

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.

Amplifier Power30W 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 Life4 hours
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth Version3.0
ConfigurationActive 2-way
Dimensions9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm)
Drivers5.25” (133mm) polypropylene graphite-filled cone woofer, 1” (25mm) CMMD Lite dome tweeter with High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide
EnclosurePorted, rear Slipstream port
Spinorama Preference Score4.51
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.35
Weight6.5 lbs (2.95 kg)

OSD Audio AP650: $199.99 per pair Amazon eBay

OSD Audio AP650 ranking card

Pros: Affordable $200/pair price with a solid 6.5” woofer. Klippel NFS tests show reasonably smooth listening window directivity in the lower registers and bass reaching 74.7Hz (-6dB). High 90dB sensitivity makes it easy to power with inexpensive multi-zone amplifiers. Measured bass extension of 95.2Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Preference score is 2.12 (5.30 with sub) due to notable mid-frequency irregularities and uneven directivity through the crossover handover. High-frequency treble rolls off early compared to indoor hi-fi designs.

Bass Extension (-10dB)48.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)95.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-6dB)74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
ConfigurationPassive 2-way
Dimensions12”H x 8”W x 8”D (305 x 203 x 203 mm)
Drivers6.5” polypropylene cone woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter
EnclosureSealed composite IPX6 all-weather
Impedance8 ohms
Power Handling150W
Sensitivity90dB
Spinorama Preference Score2.12
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub5.30
Weight8.6 lbs (3.9 kg)