Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 4 for better sound quality, the JBL Xtreme for the lower price. The JBL Xtreme 4 ranks #37 of 77 large speakers at $380. The JBL Xtreme ranks #52 at $200, $180 cheaper.
On the JBL Xtreme 4 side: Removable battery. Slightly deeper bass than Xtreme 3. Use this EQ for the best sound quality. The tradeoff: High priced. Some bass boost. Dip in the upper bass to midrange makes it sound strange which cannot be EQd out.
What the JBL Xtreme offers: 15 hour battery. IPX7 water resistance. JBL Connect for pairing with other JBL speakers. Watch for: Issues with bass distortion at high volumes. An older speaker outclassed by newer releases of the Xtreme.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 4 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Xtreme if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Xtreme 4 is rated for 24 hours versus 15 hours for the JBL Xtreme.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 4 | JBL Xtreme | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $380 | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #37 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #52 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 220ms | - |
| Max Volume | 106dB | 96dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Connect) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 4.6 lbs / 2.1 kg | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 11.7" x 5.9" x 5.6" (297 x 149 x 141 mm) | 11.1" x 5" x 4.8" (283 x 126 x 122 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 19mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 100W | 40W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Xtreme 4: $380 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Removable battery. Slightly deeper bass than Xtreme 3. Use this EQ for the best sound quality.
Cons: High priced. Some bass boost. Dip in the upper bass to midrange makes it sound strange which cannot be EQd out. Some upper mids and treble boost at high levels.
Full JBL Xtreme 4 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 220ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7" x 5.9" x 5.6" (297 x 149 x 141 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 19mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 106dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.6 lbs / 2.1 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Xtreme 4 vs Flip 7 vs Charge 6 – The ULTIMATE JBL Speaker Showdown!
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- Mateusz Cholewa: TRIBIT StormBox LAVA Deep BASS 🆚 JBL XTREME 4
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- Oluv Patreon: JBL Xtreme 4 - sound analysis
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Xtreme 4 - unboxing & first impressions
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- Dominik Reviews: JBL Xtreme 4 vs JBL Xtreme 3 Sound Test 😍 Best upgrade in the history? 😂
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Xtreme: $200 Discontinued
Pros: 15 hour battery. IPX7 water resistance. JBL Connect for pairing with other JBL speakers. Built-in microphone for calls.
Cons: Issues with bass distortion at high volumes. An older speaker outclassed by newer releases of the Xtreme. External AC power brick for charging. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.1" x 5" x 4.8" (283 x 126 x 122 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 96dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons