Short answer: the Marshall Middleton II for better sound quality, the JBL Xtreme 2 for the lower price. The Marshall Middleton II ranks #28 of 77 large speakers at $330. The JBL Xtreme 2 ranks #44 at $149.99, $180.01 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Xtreme 2: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. The catch: External AC power brick for charging.
On the Marshall Middleton II side: Very deep bass for the size/weight. Watch for: Bass boosted which drowns out the midrange.
One note: the JBL Xtreme 2 is discontinued, but it still ranks #44 of 77 large speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Marshall Middleton II if sound quality matters more than the price.
If battery life is a priority, the Marshall Middleton II is rated for 30 hours versus 15 hours for the JBL Xtreme 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Marshall Middleton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 Discontinued | $330 |
| Ranked | #44 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #28 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 98dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (5 band) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 0.625" tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) | 9.1" x 3.9" x 4.3" (230 x 98 x 110 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 40W RMS | 80W |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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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 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| 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
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- 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
Marshall Middleton II: $330 Amazon
Pros: Very deep bass for the size/weight.
Cons: Bass boosted which drowns out the midrange. Dip around 200hz, peak at 1khz, dipped at 1.6khz. Strange frequency response through the mids.
Full Marshall Middleton II review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.1" x 3.9" x 4.3" (230 x 98 x 110 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 0.625" tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 80W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4 lbs / 1.8 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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