Short answer: the Marshall Kilburn II. It ranks #39 of 93 large speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $279 and is still sold new; the JBL Xtreme 2 ranks #53 (rated 3.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Buy the Marshall Kilburn II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Xtreme 2 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Xtreme 2 at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Marshall Kilburn II at IPX2 (light drips).
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Kilburn II | JBL Xtreme 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.00 | $199.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #39 of 93 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #53 of 93 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX2 | IPX7 |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Amplifier Power | 36W | 40W RMS |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 6.4” x 5.5” (243 x 162 x 140 mm) | 11.3” x 5.4” x 4.2” (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” (102mm) woofer + 2x 20mm dome tweeters | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (Manufacturer specified) | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
Marshall Kilburn II: $279.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: 20W Class D amp + dual 8W tweeters. 20+ hour battery with quick-charge (20 min charges 3 hours of play). Rugged design with leather handle and reinforced corners, IPX2 rated. Thrives with rock music. Bluetooth 5.0 with 30ft range. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Boosted upper bass, not very detailed, not as deep bass as competitors, upper mids peak. Very low IPX2 water rating. AC charging
Full Marshall Kilburn II review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 36W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 6.4” x 5.5” (243 x 162 x 140 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 4” (102mm) woofer + 2x 20mm dome tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX2 |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.49 kg) |
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JBL Xtreme 2: $199.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Xtreme 5, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5.
Pros: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. IPX7 water-resistant. Amazing real-world battery: ~20 hours at 75dB (vs 15hr claim). USB-A port charges other devices. Optional carry strap. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-10dB).
Cons: External AC power brick for charging. Boosted bass. Treble harsh at high volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 40W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 5.4” x 4.2” (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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