Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Xtreme 3 ranks #18 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $269.95; the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen ranks #37 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $159.
Why pick the JBL Xtreme 3: A loud, waterproof stereo speaker with deep bass, balanced sound and a power bank for charging devices. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. The tradeoff: Boosted bass.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the lighter pick. A small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit. At 1.3 lbs (586 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Xtreme 3 at 4 lbs (1.83 kg). It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the JBL Xtreme 3 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Xtreme 3 lacks. The tradeoff: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 3 ($269.95) for a large speaker; the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen ($159) suits a medium speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 3 | Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.95 | $159.00 |
| Ranked | #18 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #37 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 133ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 105dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.83 kg) | 1.3 lbs (586 g) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 11.7” x 5.4” x 5.3” (298 x 136 x 134 mm) | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 53.5Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | Yes (built-in loop) |
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