Short answer: the Turtlebox Cub, if you are buying new. The JBL Xtreme ranks higher than it (#70 vs #77 of 102 large speakers, 3.2/5 vs 3.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Turtlebox Cub is still sold new at $330.
Why pick the JBL Xtreme: 15 hour battery. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Turtlebox Cub. The catch: Issues with bass distortion at high volumes.
The case for the Turtlebox Cub: A compact, cube-shaped Turtlebox at 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) with a real two-way layout: a 4.5 inch woofer and a 1.3 inch titanium tweeter. The catch: The evidence so far is listening impressions from two reviews, with no side by side tests against other brands.
Buy the Turtlebox Cub, since the JBL Xtreme is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme | Turtlebox Cub | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 Discontinued | $330.00 |
| Ranked | #70 of 102 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #77 of 102 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14+ hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect) | Yes (Party Mode) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | - |
| Drivers | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters | 1x 4.5” (114mm) woofer + 1x 1.3” (33mm) titanium tweeter |
| Dimensions | 11.1” x 5” x 4.8” (283 x 126 x 122 mm) | 8.6”H x 7.2”W x 5.7”D (218 x 183 x 146 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Strap | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Harman Kardon Citation 200 vs JBL Xtreme
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Xtreme: $200 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Xtreme 5, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5.
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 →
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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) |
| Drivers | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Turtlebox Cub: $330.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: A compact, cube-shaped Turtlebox at 2.4 kg with a real two-way layout: a 4.5 inch woofer and a 1.3 inch titanium tweeter. Reviewers found it very loud for its size, with warm, bass-forward tuning and a bit more bass than the Turtlebox Ranger. IP67 waterproof and dustproof, crush and drop resistant, stainless steel tie-downs, a claimed 14+ hours from a 49.95Wh battery, USB-C charging with a power bank output, stereo pairing and Party Mode.
Cons: The evidence so far is listening impressions from two reviews, with no side by side tests against other brands. One reviewer found it loses bass at high volume, and it is not as loud as the full-size Turtlebox. Turtlebox’s claimed 118dB is a figure the brand’s larger speakers have not come close to at a standard one meter distance. It is also mono from one unit, and its recessed USB-C port only fits slim cable plugs.
Full Turtlebox Cub review and specifications →
| Battery Life | 14+ hours (Manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Dimensions | 8.6”H x 7.2”W x 5.7”D (218 x 183 x 146 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4.5” (114mm) woofer + 1x 1.3” (33mm) titanium tweeter |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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