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JBL Extreme 2 Bluetooth Speaker
Editor’s Conclusion
Play that funky music! If you are ready to invest in a durable and feature-filled speaker, the JBL Xtreme 2 is a great option. The sound quality is impressive and the materials used to make it a strong, nearly unbreakable powerhouse.
While this speaker may be heavier and more expensive than other portable outdoor speakers, it boasts an IPX7 rating, dual bass radiators, stereo sound, and two tweeters.
You can throw this speaker over your shoulder (using the included carrying strap) and bring the party with you. Learn more about the brilliant features and the unfortunate downfalls here.
While this speaker may be heavier and more expensive than other portable outdoor speakers, it boasts an IPX7 rating, dual bass radiators, stereo sound, and two tweeters.
You can throw this speaker over your shoulder (using the included carrying strap) and bring the party with you. Learn more about the brilliant features and the unfortunate downfalls here.
JBL Extreme 2 Bluetooth Speaker Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Waterproof
Can also be used as a power bank
Carrying strap included
15 hours of playtime
Built-in speakerphone
Impressive sound quality
Cons
Not rated for dust resistance
Heavy for a portable speaker
No microphone
Expensive
Key Features
Sound Quality
You have two options when connecting your devices to this speaker. You can use an aux cord or Bluetooth 4.2. Considering the price and quality of this speaker, Bluetooth 5.1 would be much more preferable. The newer version is twice as fast as the 4.2. I must say that the Bluetooth connection does not seem to lag, but faster is always better. On the other hand, the aux cord connection can cause a bit of a delay at times.
If you’re really trying to fill a room (or outdoor area) with sound, you can pair the JBL Extreme 2 with other compatible speakers. You can pair it with more than one hundred speakers at the same time! That’s enough to host your own small festival. The Bluetooth range is about 30 feet.
For deep bass without pesky vibrations, there are dual passive bass radiators. There are four drivers that work together to provide an impressive, well-rounded stereo sound. The two tweeters harmonize with the other features to provide a clear sound at all frequencies.
If there is one thing to complain about when it comes to the sound quality, it is the maximum volume. I’m not saying the speaker is quiet, but for the price and the size of it, I would have expected more power. However, as I mentioned earlier, you can pair the device with other compatible devices to produce a louder sound.
Durability
The Xtreme 2 is a brick. Luckily it weighs less than a brick but is about just as durable as one. It is finished with a strong exterior fabric that does not rip and provides a great grip also makes it easier to carry. There are rubber bumpers on each end as well. The rubber bumpers will protect the speaker in the case that it gets knocked off a table somehow.
With portable speakers, we always have to take time to talk about water and dust resistance. Most of these devices are rated on the IP, Ingress Protection, scale. The first number that follows the IP determines the product’s dust resistance. The second number determines the product’s water resistance. This product is rated IPX7.
You may be wondering what an X is doing in that name. This unfortunately means that the product was not tested for that particular resistance. In short, we have no idea if the JBL Xtreme 2 can resist dust, sand, or other particles. I’m not saying a trip to the beach will ruin this product but you should definitely use caution.
In better news, the water resistance rating is 7. This deems the product as waterproof. With a rating of 7, this speaker can be submerged in water up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes. These IP tests are performed with tap water. If your speaker takes a dive into chlorinated water or saltwater, you should rinse it off with tap water after and towel dry it.
As an added bonus, JBL offers a 1-year warranty with the purchase of this speaker. The JBL customer service is pretty helpful as well.
Portability
If you are looking for a speaker that you can toss in your hiking backpack or easily pack in a carry-on suitcase, this is not a good option. This device is on the border of being a portable speaker and a home speaker. It weighs 5.27 pounds and measures 5.35” by 11.33” by 5.19”.
A clip-on carrying strap is also included. The carrying strap can be adjusted to different lengths and actually has a built-in bottle opener on it. However, you may end up getting another use out of the bottle opener, but we will discuss that later.
Features
Let’s start with what is perhaps the most important feature. The Xtreme 2 can play music for up to 15 hours. It’s a great option for day trips with non-stop music or multi-day camping trips. Keep in mind that the battery life depends on the volume of the music and other minor variables. The battery life is displayed with five small LED lights under the red JBL square logo.
The speaker can be used while it is plugged in to charge. It is totally fine to leave it charging all the time if you want, it will not overcharge. If the device is on, but idle, it will turn off after 10 minutes. Once dead, it takes about three and a half hours to charge it fully again. Like many of these new devices, this one can also be used as a power bank. With the appropriate USB cord, you can charge your other electronics from the speaker.
Unfortunately, there is no built-in microphone, but there is a noise and echo canceling speakerphone. This means that you can have a phone conversation through the speaker, but you will need to have your phone close to you so that the other person will be able to hear your responses. It can also be connected to a voice assistant, such as an Echo Dot, Siri, or Alexa.
The JBL Connect App is easy to use. It does leave much to be desired in terms of EQ but hopefully, that will be improved with future updates. Most adjustments and pairings can be made without the app, but it is convenient to have. For optimal sound quality, it is important to always keep the firmware up to date.
As a final feature, there is a bottle opener on the carrying strap. As I mentioned earlier, of course, you can use this to open bottles… but you might also need to use it to open the charging flap on the speaker. I suppose the difficulty helps to keep the charging port protected from water but it is awfully difficult to open. You’ll most likely need to use a small spoon or finagle the bottle opener to pry it open.
You have two options when connecting your devices to this speaker. You can use an aux cord or Bluetooth 4.2. Considering the price and quality of this speaker, Bluetooth 5.1 would be much more preferable. The newer version is twice as fast as the 4.2. I must say that the Bluetooth connection does not seem to lag, but faster is always better. On the other hand, the aux cord connection can cause a bit of a delay at times.
If you’re really trying to fill a room (or outdoor area) with sound, you can pair the JBL Extreme 2 with other compatible speakers. You can pair it with more than one hundred speakers at the same time! That’s enough to host your own small festival. The Bluetooth range is about 30 feet.
For deep bass without pesky vibrations, there are dual passive bass radiators. There are four drivers that work together to provide an impressive, well-rounded stereo sound. The two tweeters harmonize with the other features to provide a clear sound at all frequencies.
If there is one thing to complain about when it comes to the sound quality, it is the maximum volume. I’m not saying the speaker is quiet, but for the price and the size of it, I would have expected more power. However, as I mentioned earlier, you can pair the device with other compatible devices to produce a louder sound.
Durability
The Xtreme 2 is a brick. Luckily it weighs less than a brick but is about just as durable as one. It is finished with a strong exterior fabric that does not rip and provides a great grip also makes it easier to carry. There are rubber bumpers on each end as well. The rubber bumpers will protect the speaker in the case that it gets knocked off a table somehow.
With portable speakers, we always have to take time to talk about water and dust resistance. Most of these devices are rated on the IP, Ingress Protection, scale. The first number that follows the IP determines the product’s dust resistance. The second number determines the product’s water resistance. This product is rated IPX7.
You may be wondering what an X is doing in that name. This unfortunately means that the product was not tested for that particular resistance. In short, we have no idea if the JBL Xtreme 2 can resist dust, sand, or other particles. I’m not saying a trip to the beach will ruin this product but you should definitely use caution.
In better news, the water resistance rating is 7. This deems the product as waterproof. With a rating of 7, this speaker can be submerged in water up to 3 feet deep for 30 minutes. These IP tests are performed with tap water. If your speaker takes a dive into chlorinated water or saltwater, you should rinse it off with tap water after and towel dry it.
As an added bonus, JBL offers a 1-year warranty with the purchase of this speaker. The JBL customer service is pretty helpful as well.
Portability
If you are looking for a speaker that you can toss in your hiking backpack or easily pack in a carry-on suitcase, this is not a good option. This device is on the border of being a portable speaker and a home speaker. It weighs 5.27 pounds and measures 5.35” by 11.33” by 5.19”.
A clip-on carrying strap is also included. The carrying strap can be adjusted to different lengths and actually has a built-in bottle opener on it. However, you may end up getting another use out of the bottle opener, but we will discuss that later.
Features
Let’s start with what is perhaps the most important feature. The Xtreme 2 can play music for up to 15 hours. It’s a great option for day trips with non-stop music or multi-day camping trips. Keep in mind that the battery life depends on the volume of the music and other minor variables. The battery life is displayed with five small LED lights under the red JBL square logo.
The speaker can be used while it is plugged in to charge. It is totally fine to leave it charging all the time if you want, it will not overcharge. If the device is on, but idle, it will turn off after 10 minutes. Once dead, it takes about three and a half hours to charge it fully again. Like many of these new devices, this one can also be used as a power bank. With the appropriate USB cord, you can charge your other electronics from the speaker.
Unfortunately, there is no built-in microphone, but there is a noise and echo canceling speakerphone. This means that you can have a phone conversation through the speaker, but you will need to have your phone close to you so that the other person will be able to hear your responses. It can also be connected to a voice assistant, such as an Echo Dot, Siri, or Alexa.
The JBL Connect App is easy to use. It does leave much to be desired in terms of EQ but hopefully, that will be improved with future updates. Most adjustments and pairings can be made without the app, but it is convenient to have. For optimal sound quality, it is important to always keep the firmware up to date.
As a final feature, there is a bottle opener on the carrying strap. As I mentioned earlier, of course, you can use this to open bottles… but you might also need to use it to open the charging flap on the speaker. I suppose the difficulty helps to keep the charging port protected from water but it is awfully difficult to open. You’ll most likely need to use a small spoon or finagle the bottle opener to pry it open.
Comparison to Similar Bluetooth Speakers
Starting out with another JBL product, the Boombox 2 is often compared to the Xtreme 2. The Boombox is a whopping $150 more (on average) than the Xtreme. However, it is louder and has a 24 battery life.
Both products are rated IPX7. The Boombox weighs more than double the Xtreme. It has a built-in handle that makes it further resemble an actual boombox. It uses Bluetooth 5.1 or you can connect with an aux. One of the major differences is that the Boombox does not have a speakerphone and is not compatible with voice assistants.
Another popular speaker is the Beats Pill +. This device is cheaper than the Xtreme. It has similar sound quality but with more intense bass, making it great for EDM, techno, and rap music. It can play music for up to twelve hours without being charged.
It is lightweight and portable and also boasts a speakerphone, similar to the Xtreme. Without the rubber bumpers, the Pill + feels less durable. Additionally, the Pill + offers no information about water or dust resistance.
Both products are rated IPX7. The Boombox weighs more than double the Xtreme. It has a built-in handle that makes it further resemble an actual boombox. It uses Bluetooth 5.1 or you can connect with an aux. One of the major differences is that the Boombox does not have a speakerphone and is not compatible with voice assistants.
Another popular speaker is the Beats Pill +. This device is cheaper than the Xtreme. It has similar sound quality but with more intense bass, making it great for EDM, techno, and rap music. It can play music for up to twelve hours without being charged.
It is lightweight and portable and also boasts a speakerphone, similar to the Xtreme. Without the rubber bumpers, the Pill + feels less durable. Additionally, the Pill + offers no information about water or dust resistance.
Verdict
Especially after these comparisons, it’s pretty clear that the Xtreme 2 is a great option if you are looking for a long-term investment. It is durable, reliable, and has many impressive features. I especially love the included carrying strap, the rubber bumpers, and the fact that it is waterproof.
I would like to see a few improvements - such as a microphone, EQ controls, and dust resistance, I still think it’s a good buy. Remember, it comes with a 1 year warranty from JBL, so why not give it a try?
I would like to see a few improvements - such as a microphone, EQ controls, and dust resistance, I still think it’s a good buy. Remember, it comes with a 1 year warranty from JBL, so why not give it a try?
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