Short answer: the JBL Xtreme. It ranks #52 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $200; the Ultimate Ears Epicboom ranks #57 and costs $216.81, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the JBL Xtreme side: 15 hour battery. Set against that: Issues with bass distortion at high volumes.
The case for the Ultimate Ears Epicboom: 17 hour battery with USB-C charging (first UE portable with USB-C). The tradeoff: Not very deep bass for the size.
Buy the JBL Xtreme. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Ultimate Ears Epicboom and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme | Ultimate Ears Epicboom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 Discontinued | $216.81 |
| Ranked | #52 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 96dB | 94dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect) | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 4.3 lbs / 1.97 kg |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters | 1x 120mm woofer, 2x 45mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 11.1" x 5" x 4.8" (283 x 126 x 122 mm) | 4.7" x 9.5" x 6.4" (119 x 241 x 162 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 40W | 10W RMS |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~55Hz |
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The Two Speakers In Full
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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ultimate Ears Epicboom: $216.81 Amazon
Pros: 17 hour battery with USB-C charging (first UE portable with USB-C). IP67 rating, floats in water. Made mostly from recycled fabric and plastic. Large best-sounding UE portable that still feels portable. 180ft Bluetooth range.
Cons: Not very deep bass for the size. Gets distorted at around 70-80% with bass thuds.
Full Ultimate Ears Epicboom review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 17 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.7" x 9.5" x 6.4" (119 x 241 x 162 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 120mm woofer, 2x 45mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 94dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 10W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs / 1.97 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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