Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Xtreme 5 ranks #2 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $399.95; the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen ranks #11 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $395.
The JBL Xtreme 5 is the louder, deeper-bass choice. A large waterproof speaker with deep bass, wide, clean sound at volume and a removable 28 hour battery. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 10dB, against 58Hz for the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 110dB at full volume, against 93dB for the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. It is rated for 28 hours of battery against 18 for the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen. The catch: High priced.
The B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen is the lighter option. A premium waterproof puck speaker with balanced sound, a built in strap, and a long battery for travel. At 1.2 lbs (558 g) it weighs much less than the JBL Xtreme 5 at 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg). It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the JBL Xtreme 5 lacks.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 5 ($399.95) for a large speaker; the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen ($395) suits 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 5 | B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.95 | $395.00 |
| Ranked | #2 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #11 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/3A) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs (2.9 kg) | 1.2 lbs (558 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 13.6” x 6.5” x 6.1” (346 x 165 x 155 mm) | 5.2”W x 5.2”D x 1.8”H (133 x 133 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 98x145mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 3.5mm aluminium driver + 0.75 inch silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 1 x 90W RMS Woofer + 2 x 20W RMS Tweeter (AC power mode) 1 x 60W RMS Woofer + 2 x 15W RMS Tweeter (Battery mode) | 60W total (2x 30W Class D) |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 58Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 90ms |
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