Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 2. It ranks #44 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $149.99; the Ultimate Ears Epicboom ranks #57 and costs $216.81, 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.
The case for the Ultimate Ears Epicboom: 17 hour battery with USB-C charging (first UE portable with USB-C). The tradeoff: Not very deep bass for the size.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Ultimate Ears Epicboom and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Ultimate Ears Epicboom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 Discontinued | $216.81 |
| Ranked | #44 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 98dB | 94dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 4.3 lbs / 1.97 kg |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| 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 |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 1x 120mm woofer, 2x 45mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) | 4.7" x 9.5" x 6.4" (119 x 241 x 162 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 40W RMS | 10W RMS |
| 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Xtreme 3 vs JBL Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 1 - review and sound test
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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
Ultimate Ears Epicboom: $216.81 Amazon
Pros: 17 hour battery with USB-C charging (first UE portable with USB-C). IP67 rating, floats in water. Made mostly from recycled fabric and plastic. Large best-sounding UE portable that still feels portable. 180ft Bluetooth range.
Cons: Not very deep bass for the size. Gets distorted at around 70-80% with bass thuds.
Full Ultimate Ears Epicboom review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.7" x 9.5" x 6.4" (119 x 241 x 162 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 120mm woofer, 2x 45mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 94dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 10W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs / 1.97 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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