Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 2 for better sound quality, the Soundcore Rave Neo for the lower price. The JBL Xtreme 2 ranks #44 of 77 large speakers at $149.99. The Soundcore Rave Neo ranks #64 at $80, $69.99 cheaper.
What the JBL Xtreme 2 gets right: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. The tradeoff: External AC power brick for charging.
What the Soundcore Rave Neo offers: 50W powerful bass-heavy sound with clear mids and highs. Set against that: Muddy with treble rolloff.
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 sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore Rave Neo if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Soundcore Rave Neo. It ranks near the bottom of the 77 large speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Soundcore Rave Neo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 Discontinued | $80 |
| Ranked | #44 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #64 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | 60Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 98dB | 106dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 7.7 lbs / 3.49 kg |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 1x 102mm woofer, 1x 51mm fullrange |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) | 11" x 6" x 7" (279.4 x 152.4 x 177.8 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Output Power | 40W RMS | 50W |
| 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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- Reddit Search for JBL Xtreme 2 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soundcore Rave Neo: $80 Soundcore Rave Neo
Pros: 50W powerful bass-heavy sound with clear mids and highs. IPX7 waterproof design with float capability. 18-hour battery life at moderate volumes. Beat-driven RGB lights, carry handle, USB-C charging, PowerIQ port charges devices, can link 100+ speakers via PartyCast.
Cons: Muddy with treble rolloff.
Full Soundcore Rave Neo review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11" x 6" x 7" (279.4 x 152.4 x 177.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 102mm woofer, 1x 51mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 106dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 50W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs / 3.49 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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