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 #6 (rated 3.4/5) for the RSL Outsider II.
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 2.93 for the RSL Outsider II. Its bass reaches about 75.5Hz before falling 3dB, against 87.9Hz for the RSL Outsider II. The tradeoff: Bass rolls off rapidly below 66Hz (-6dB) and battery life is modest at around 4 hours at moderate volume.
The case for the RSL Outsider II: Scores 2.93 on spinorama (6.07 with subwoofer) tested on Klippel NFS. Watch for: Modest sensitivity and limited dynamic ceiling at high listening levels outdoor.
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.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Control X Wireless | RSL Outsider II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 per pair Discontinued | $300 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #1 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #6 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 | 6.5” mineral-filled polypropylene cone woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| 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 composite enclosure |
| Dimensions | 9.3”H x 6.5”W x 6.3”D (235 x 165 x 159 mm) | 12.5”H x 7.8”W x 7.2”D (318 x 197 x 184 mm) |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg) | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 75.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 87.9Hz (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) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.51 | 2.93 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.35 | 6.07 |
| Sensitivity | - | 88dB |
| Impedance | - | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | - | 25-100W |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- JBL Control X Wireless vs Revel M80XC
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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 JBL Stage XD-5
- JBL Control X Wireless vs JBL Control X
- JBL Control X Wireless vs JBL Control 29AV-1
- JBL Control X Wireless vs OSD Audio AP650
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RSL Outsider II: $300 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: Scores 2.93 on spinorama (6.07 with subwoofer) tested on Klippel NFS. Neutral listening window across the midrange and wider vertical coverage than typical 2-way budget competitors. Reaches 74.7Hz at -6dB with clean low-end transition. Measured bass extension of 87.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Modest sensitivity and limited dynamic ceiling at high listening levels outdoor. Cabinet and bracket feel somewhat lightweight, and the model has been discontinued by RSL.
Full RSL Outsider II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 87.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
| Dimensions | 12.5”H x 7.8”W x 7.2”D (318 x 197 x 184 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” mineral-filled polypropylene cone woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite enclosure |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 25-100W |
| Sensitivity | 88dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.93 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.07 |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons