Short answer: the JBL Stage XD-5 on measured sound quality, the Polk Audio Atrium 4 on price. The JBL Stage XD-5 ranks #7 of 13 outdoor speakers, rated 3.3/5, at $499.95. The Polk Audio Atrium 4 ranks #11, rated 2.6/5, at $117, $382.95 cheaper.
The JBL Stage XD-5 is the better-sounding choice. Modern outdoor successor to the Control X, upgrading weatherproofing to a fully submersible IP67 waterproof rating with zero-bezel magnetic grilles. Watch for: Acoustic suspension design rolls off bass below 75Hz (-6dB), requiring boundary corner placement or a dedicated subwoofer for full-range musical foundation.
The case for the Polk Audio Atrium 4: 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 JBL Stage XD-5 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Polk Audio Atrium 4 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Stage XD-5 | Polk Audio Atrium 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 per pair | $117.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers | #11 of 13 in Outdoor Speakers |
| Configuration | Passive 2-way | Passive 2-way |
| Drivers | 5.25” (130mm) polycellulose cone woofer, 1” (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter on HDI waveguide with acoustic lens | 4.5” (114mm) mineral-filled polymer cone woofer, 0.75” (19mm) anodized aluminum dome tweeter with neodymium magnet |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V @ 1m) | 89dB |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W RMS | 10-80W |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite, IP67 waterproof | Sealed all-weather Mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Dimensions | 8.7”H x 6.4”W x 7”D (221 x 162 x 179 mm) | 8.6”H x 5.7”W x 6.6”D (219 x 144 x 168 mm) |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) | 3.6 lbs (1.63 kg) |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 25kHz (-6dB, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 112.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 98.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 74.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 1.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.10 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Stage XD-5:
- JBL Control X Wireless vs JBL Stage XD-5
- Revel M80XC vs JBL Stage XD-5
- Focal Chorus OD 706 V vs JBL Stage XD-5
- Focal 100 OD6 vs JBL Stage XD-5
- Revel M55XC vs JBL Stage XD-5
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Stage XD-5: $499.95 per pair Estimated B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the JBL Control X (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5).
Pros: Modern outdoor successor to the Control X, upgrading weatherproofing to a fully submersible IP67 waterproof rating with zero-bezel magnetic grilles. Combines a 5.25” polycellulose cone woofer with an aluminum dome tweeter mated to JBL’s High-Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide for uniform, wide-dispersion horizontal coverage across open patios and decks.
Cons: Acoustic suspension design rolls off bass below 75Hz (-6dB), requiring boundary corner placement or a dedicated subwoofer for full-range musical foundation. Full laboratory-grade Klippel NFS Spinorama directivity curves have not yet been published, so tonal linearity is estimated from the measured Control X predecessor.
Full JBL Stage XD-5 review and specifications →
| Configuration | Passive 2-way |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.7”H x 6.4”W x 7”D (221 x 162 x 179 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (130mm) polycellulose cone woofer, 1” (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter on HDI waveguide with acoustic lens |
| Enclosure | Sealed all-weather composite, IP67 waterproof |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 25kHz (-6dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Recommended Power | 20-100W RMS |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- 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
- 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 RSL Outsider II
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs Revel M55XC
- Polk Audio Atrium 4 vs Focal 100 OD6
- See all 11 comparisons