Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 2. It ranks #44 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $149.99; the Dali Katch G1 ranks #59 and costs $279, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Xtreme 2 offers: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. Watch for: External AC power brick for charging.
What the Dali Katch G1 offers: Pretty neutral Watch for: Loses bass quickly after 40% volume.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Dali Katch G1 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Dali Katch G1. It ranks near the bottom of the 77 large speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Dali Katch G1 is rated for 24 hours versus 15 hours for the JBL Xtreme 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Dali Katch G1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 Discontinued | $279 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #44 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #59 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 98dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, aptX |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 89mm woofers, 2x 21mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) | 10.6" x 5.4" x 1.9" (269 x 138 x 47 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 49Hz - 23kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 40W RMS | 50W RMS |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Charging Time | - | 2 hours |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Xtreme 2: $149.99 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. IPX7 water-resistant. Amazing real-world battery: ~20 hours at 75dB (vs 15hr claim). USB-A port charges other devices. Optional carry strap.
Cons: External AC power brick for charging. Boosted bass. Treble harsh at high volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 98dB |
| Output Power | 40W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: W-King D8 speaker review 50 watts power against JBL xtreme 2 and soundcore Motion plus
- Alan Ross Reviews: W-King X10 vs JBL Xtreme 3, Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 1! Xtreme Review 🤓
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Xtreme 3 vs JBL Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 1 - review and sound test
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony xb43 JBL Xtreme 2 W-King d8 Dockin D Fine
- Ezekielo: JBL Xtreme 2 vs Sonos Move with Sound Comparison
- HT Sound: Devialet Mania VS JBL Xtreme 2 - 60% Vol (Listen with headphones)
- Reddit Search for JBL Xtreme 2 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Dali Katch G1: $279 Discontinued
Pros: Pretty neutral
Cons: Loses bass quickly after 40% volume. A lot of compression artifacts at high volume. External AC power brick for charging. Discontinued, superseded by the Dali Katch G2, which sounds nearly identical. Reverb added to the output screws up the imaging. Quite a hollow character to the sound. Discontinued.
Full Dali Katch G1 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6" x 5.4" x 1.9" (269 x 138 x 47 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 89mm woofers, 2x 21mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 23kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Output Power | 50W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons