Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Xtreme 2 is the better pick: it ranks #60 of 105 large speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5), against #87 (rated 2.8/5) for the Ultimate Ears Megablast. If you want one new, the JBL Xtreme 5 replaces the JBL Xtreme 2 and is rated 4.6/5 at $349.99.
The JBL Xtreme 2 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. Its bass reaches about 54Hz before falling 10dB, against 64Hz for the Ultimate Ears Megablast. It links with other speakers (Connect+ up to 100 speakers), which the Ultimate Ears Megablast cannot. The tradeoff: External AC power brick for charging.
The Ultimate Ears Megablast is the lighter pick. Alexa integration (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth). At 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Xtreme 2 at 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg). Watch for: Bass is not very deep compared to the competition.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 2 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Xtreme 5, which replaces the JBL Xtreme 2.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Ultimate Ears Megablast | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 Discontinued | $240 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #60 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #87 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | 64Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| 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 | 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 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 55mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 5.4” x 4.2” (287 x 137 x 107 mm) | 9.3” x 3.5” (236.2 x 88.9 mm) (height x diameter) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 40W RMS | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | - |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa |
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- Soundcore Boom 2 vs JBL Xtreme 2
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 $199.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Xtreme 5, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5, released Apr 2026.
Older model: the JBL Xtreme (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5). See every JBL Xtreme generation.
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 →
| Released | May 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Xtreme 3 vs JBL Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 1 - review and sound test More from alanrossreviews →
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- 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)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ultimate Ears Megablast: $240 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Alexa integration (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth). 93dB loudest in UE lineup, 40% louder than Megaboom. IP67 waterproof and drop-proof. 16 hour battery. Party mode connects up to 8 speakers. Can use while charging to keep Alexa on 24/7. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is not very deep compared to the competition. Discontinued.
Full Ultimate Ears Megablast review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 64Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.3” x 3.5” (236.2 x 88.9 mm) (height x diameter) |
| Drivers | 2x 55mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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