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 JBL Boombox 3 ranks #27 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $349.95.
The JBL Xtreme 3 is the lighter choice. A loud, waterproof stereo speaker with deep bass, balanced sound and a power bank for charging devices. At 4 lbs (1.83 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Boombox 3 at 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg). The tradeoff: Boosted bass.
The JBL Boombox 3 is the louder, deeper-bass choice. A loud, fully waterproof boombox with a dedicated subwoofer, a 24 hour battery and power bank charging. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 10dB, against 53Hz for the JBL Xtreme 3. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 110dB at full volume, against 105dB for the JBL Xtreme 3. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Xtreme 3. The tradeoff: Dips in mid bass range which makes the bass sound undefined, bass boosted, peaky at 700Hz, not quite as good mids and treble as the Blast.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 3 ($269.95) for a large speaker; the JBL Boombox 3 ($349.95) suits a boombox speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 AM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 3 | JBL Boombox 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.95 | $349.95 |
| Ranked | #18 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #27 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 133ms | 100ms |
| Maximum SPL | 105dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.83 kg) | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| 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) | 19” x 10.1” x 7.9” (482 x 257 x 200 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 53.5Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 180W AC / 136W battery |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | No |
| Aux Latency | - | 25ms |
| USB Playback | - | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Xtreme 3: