Short answer: the Marshall Stockwell III, if you are buying new. The JBL Xtreme 2 ranks higher than it (#59 vs #76 of 102 large speakers, 3.4/5 vs 3.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Marshall Stockwell III is still sold new at $249.99.
The JBL Xtreme 2 is the better-sounding, tougher choice. Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. It is rated IPX7 against IP55 for the Marshall Stockwell III. Watch for: External AC power brick for charging.
The Marshall Stockwell III is the longer-running, lighter option. 40+ hour battery life with a user-replaceable battery, strap, sleeve and grilles. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Xtreme 2. At 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Xtreme 2 at 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg). It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Xtreme 2 lacks. Watch for: Highs are recessed by default and need the treble control maxed to compensate, still lacking detail even then.
Buy the Marshall Stockwell III if you want one new; the JBL Xtreme 2 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Marshall Stockwell III | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 Discontinued | $249.99 |
| Ranked | #59 of 102 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #76 of 102 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40+ hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) | 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LE Audio with LC3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (parametric, via app) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP55 |
| Power Bank | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 1x 3” woofer, 2x 1.75” wide-band drivers |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 5.4” x 4.2” (287 x 137 x 107 mm) | 7.1” x 6.4” x 2.9” (180 x 162 x 74 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 54Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 40W RMS | 44W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | Yes (detachable strap) |
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- Marshall Stockwell II vs JBL Xtreme 2
- Harman Kardon Citation 200 vs JBL Xtreme 2
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 Xtreme 2: $199.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Xtreme 5, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5.
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. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-10dB).
Cons: External AC power brick for charging. Boosted bass. Treble harsh at high volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 40W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Marshall Stockwell III: $249.99 Marshall eBay
Older model: the Marshall Stockwell II (ranked higher, rated 4.5/5).
Pros: 40+ hour battery life with a user-replaceable battery, strap, sleeve and grilles. Doubles as a USB-C power bank. IP55 dust/water resistance. App includes parametric EQ, a Soundstage widening control, and wall/corner placement compensation. Endless-rotation control knobs.
Cons: Highs are recessed by default and need the treble control maxed to compensate, still lacking detail even then. Bass tends to sound resonant and boomy, with reported frequency cancellation and phase issues on complex material that EQ doesn’t fully resolve. Oluv’s A/B testing against the outgoing Stockwell II finds the default tuning muffled and muddy enough to prefer the seven-year-old original out of the box, and output loses dynamics and bass while turning harsh well below maximum volume. No aptX support.
Full Marshall Stockwell III review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 44W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 40+ hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LE Audio with LC3 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 6.4” x 2.9” (180 x 162 x 74 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 3” woofer, 2x 1.75” wide-band drivers |
| EQ | Yes (parametric, via app) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP55 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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