Short answer: the JBL Xtreme. It ranks #52 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $200; the Ultimate Ears Megablast ranks #61 and costs $240, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the JBL Xtreme: 15 hour battery. The tradeoff: Issues with bass distortion at high volumes.
What the Ultimate Ears Megablast offers: Alexa integration (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth). Watch for: Bass is not very deep compared to the competition.
Buy the JBL Xtreme. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Ultimate Ears Megablast and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Ultimate Ears Megablast. It ranks near the bottom of the 77 large speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme | Ultimate Ears Megablast | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 Discontinued | $240 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #52 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #61 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 96dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect) | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 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 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 63mm woofers, 2x 35mm tweeters | 2x 55mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| Dimensions | 11.1" x 5" x 4.8" (283 x 126 x 122 mm) | 9.3" x 3.5" (236.2 x 88.9 mm) (height x diameter) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 40W | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 64Hz |
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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 Megablast: $240 Discontinued Ultimate Ears Megablast
Pros: Alexa integration (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth). 93dB loudest in UE lineup, 40% louder than Megaboom. IP67 waterproof and drop-proof. 16 hour battery. Party mode connects up to 8 speakers. Can use while charging to keep Alexa on 24/7.
Cons: Bass is not very deep compared to the competition. Discontinued.
Full Ultimate Ears Megablast review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 64Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.3" x 3.5" (236.2 x 88.9 mm) (height x diameter) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 55mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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