Short answer: the Polk Audio Atrium 4, if you are buying new. The JBL Control X Wireless ranks higher than it (#1 vs #11 of 13 outdoor speakers, 4.1/5 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 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 1.46 for the Polk Audio Atrium 4. Its bass reaches about 75.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 112.8Hz for the Polk Audio Atrium 4. The catch: Bass rolls off rapidly below 66Hz (-6dB) and battery life is modest at around 4 hours at moderate volume.
Why pick the Polk Audio Atrium 4: Extremely compact, lightweight (1.63 kg), and affordable outdoor pair with Speed-Lock quick mounting bracket. The tradeoff: 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 Wireless is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control X Wireless | Polk Audio Atrium 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 per pair Discontinued | $117.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 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 High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide | 4.5” (114mm) mineral-filled polymer cone woofer, 0.75” (19mm) anodized aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet |
| 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 | 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 | 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg) | 3.6 lbs (1.63 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 112.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 66.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 98.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.51 | 1.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.35 | 5.10 |
| Sensitivity | - | 89dB |
| Impedance | - | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | - | 10-80W |
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 X
- JBL Control X Wireless vs JBL Control 29AV-1
- See all 11 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
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs OSD Audio AP650
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs JBL Control 25-1
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs JBL Control 29AV-1
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs JBL Control 25T
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs JBL Control X
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs JBL Stage XD-5
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs RSL Outsider II
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs Revel M55XC
- See all 11 comparisons