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 4 ranks #20 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $549.95.
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 4 at 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Boombox 4 lacks. Watch for: Boosted bass.
The JBL Boombox 4 is the louder, deeper-bass option. An extremely loud boombox for its size with fully waterproof, dustproof build, a long battery and a flexible app EQ. Its bass reaches about 41Hz before falling 10dB, against 53Hz for the JBL Xtreme 3. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 115dB at full volume, against 105dB for the JBL Xtreme 3. It is rated for 28 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Xtreme 3. The tradeoff: Pretty overpriced for the category.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 3 at $269.95 for a large speaker, or the JBL Boombox 4 at $549.95 for a boombox speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 3 | JBL Boombox 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.95 | $549.95 |
| Ranked | #18 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #20 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | 41Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 133ms | AAC 144ms, SBC 48ms |
| Maximum SPL | 105dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 115dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | Yes (USB-C, up to 30W) |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.83 kg) | 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, LC3, AAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (7 band) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP68 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 11.7” x 5.4” x 5.3” (298 x 136 x 134 mm) | 20.1” x 10.2” x 8.3” (510 x 260 x 210 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 123mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 53.5Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 210W AC / 200W battery |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | No |
| Removable Battery | - | Yes |
| USB Playback | - | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
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