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 Charge 5 ranks #30 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $114.95.
The JBL Xtreme 3 is the louder choice. A loud, waterproof stereo speaker with deep bass, balanced sound and a power bank for charging devices. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 105dB at full volume, against 99dB for the JBL Charge 5. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge 5 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge 5. The tradeoff: Boosted bass.
The JBL Charge 5 is the longer-running, lighter choice. A rugged, fully waterproof speaker with punchy, warm sound and long battery life that also charges your phone. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Xtreme 3. At 2.1 lbs (960 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Xtreme 3 at 4 lbs (1.83 kg). It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Xtreme 3 lacks. The catch: Shouty upper mids.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 3 at $269.95 if you want a large speaker. Buy the JBL Charge 5 at $114.95 if you want a medium speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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 Charge 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.95 | $114.95 |
| Ranked | #18 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #30 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 133ms | 125ms |
| Maximum SPL | 105dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 99dB (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, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.83 kg) | 2.1 lbs (960 g) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes (dual microphones) |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 11.7” x 5.4” x 5.3” (298 x 136 x 134 mm) | 8.8” x 3.8” x 3.7” (223 x 96.5 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 53.5Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 40W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | No |
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