Get insider access
Preferred store
Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.

JBL Xtreme 3 Speaker Review

Tested using Methodology v0.8
Review updated Jan 23, 2024 at 12:14 pm
JBL Xtreme 3 Picture
6.7
Music
5.9
Videos/Movies
7.2
Podcasts
2.7
Voice Assistant
7.8
Outdoors

The JBL Xtreme 3 is the third generation in JBL's Xtreme lineup of rugged Bluetooth speakers. It has a similar design to the JBL Xtreme 2, with built-in hooks to help you carry it while on the go and a built-in bottle opener attached to the carrying strap. It's designed to bring the party with you, whether you're in or out of the house. It has a solid build and an IP67 rating for water resistance to protect it against the elements. However, this speaker doesn't include voice assistant support like its predecessor.

Our Verdict

6.7 Music

The JBL Xtreme 3 is alright for music. Out of the box, it reproduces voices and lead instruments with relative clarity, so it's suitable for a wide range of music genres. That said, a dip in the treble adds a dull quality to the sound, though you can use its graphic EQ to make up for this a bit. Given its small size, you don't get a deep rumble in the low-bass, either.

Pros
  • Well-built and portable.
  • Plays stereo content.
Cons
  • Lacks low-bass.
  • Compression artefacts at max volume.
5.9 Videos/Movies

The JBL Xtreme 3 isn't designed for use with videos and movies, but if you want to use it while streaming videos and movies on your phone, it's a suitable choice. You can pair it with up to two devices at once, and its clear reproduction of dialogue means it's easy to follow the action on screen. There are some lip-synching issues, and the lack of low-bass doesn't provide a very cinematic feel.

Pros
  • Well-built and portable.
Cons
  • Lacks low-bass.
  • Doesn't support Apple AirPlay, Chromecast, or Wi-Fi.
  • Compression artefacts at max volume.
7.2 Podcasts

The JBL Xtreme 3 is decent for podcasts. Dialogue reproduces with clarity right out of the box, so you can easily follow along with your favorite shows. The speaker can easily move around with you from room to room, too, and its wide range helps it stay connected to your phone even when you're further away. There's a dip in the treble out of the box that adds a dull quality to vocals, but you can use its graphic EQ to make up for this.

Pros
  • Supports multi-device pairing.
  • Well-built and portable.
Cons
  • Compression artefacts at max volume.
  • Doesn't support multi-room.
2.7 Voice Assistant

The JBL Xtreme 3 doesn't have voice assistant support, a feature that was included with the previous generation JBL Xtreme 2.

7.8 Outdoors

The JBL Xtreme 3 is very good for outdoor use. It's a portable Bluetooth speaker designed to withstand the elements, whether you're camping or enjoying an afternoon at the park. It has a sturdy and durable build, as well as an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance to help it withstand exposure to the elements. It also gets very loud, meaning you can easily blast your favorite tunes across your backyard.

Pros
  • Supports multi-device pairing.
  • Well-built and portable.
  • IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
Cons
  • Lacks low-bass.
  • Compression artefacts at max volume.
  • 6.7 Music
  • 5.9 Videos/Movies
  • 7.2 Podcasts
  • 2.7 Voice Assistant
  • 7.8 Outdoors
  1. Updated Jan 23, 2024: We've updated this review for accuracy and clarity and added relevant comparisons.
  2. Updated Jun 29, 2023: Added market comparison with the Tribit StormBox Blast in the Battery box.
  3. Updated Jan 17, 2023: Updated review text for accuracy and clarity. No changes in test results.
  4. Updated Dec 19, 2022: Changed Track Next/Previous from No to Forward Only (Physical).
  5. Updated Aug 11, 2022: Added a comparison with the Sony SRS-XG300 in the 'Bluetooth' box.
  6. Updated Jan 20, 2022: Retested the speaker after updating the firmware (V.0.1.8.8). Updated the test result for 'EQ' from 'No' to 'Graphic' in the 'App' Box.
  7. Updated Jan 13, 2022: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
  8. Updated Oct 29, 2021: Updated the 'Binaural Recording @ 2m' test result in the Raw Frequency Response box.
  9. Updated Jan 19, 2021: Review published.
  10. Updated Jan 15, 2021: Early access published.
  11. Updated Jan 08, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  12. Updated Jan 07, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

This speaker comes in three color variants: 'Black', 'Blue', and 'Black Camo'. We tested the 'Black' variant, and you can see its label here. We expect all color variants to perform similarly to our model.

If you encounter another variant, please let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.

Compared To Other Speakers

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a medium-sized portable speaker that's smaller and more portable than the JBL Boombox 2. Like its predecessor, the JBL Xtreme 2, it has built-in hooks to attach the included carrying strap. The strap even comes with a built-in bottle opener, so you can enjoy drinks while listening to your favorite music. That said, unlike its predecessor, it doesn't support voice assistants. You can also use the speaker as a power bank if your smartphone or other device needs recharging, similar to the JBL Charge 5.

See our recommendations for the best Bluetooth speakers, the best portable Bluetooth speakers, and the best Bluetooth speakers for bass.

JBL Charge 5

The JBL Xtreme 3 and the JBL Charge 5 are very similar speakers. While they both have very similar designs, the Charge 5 is smaller, lighter, and more portable. It also has a slightly better-balanced sound profile. However, the Xtreme 3 can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, which sounds more immersive. It uses the JBL Connect app, unlike the Charge 5, which uses the JBL Portable app.

JBL Boombox 3

The JBL Boombox 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3. It has a more balanced sound profile that produces a more extended low-bass. While it gets as loud as the Xtreme 3, it has significantly less compression at max volume, so audio quality sounds cleaner and clearer when you blast your favorite songs. It also has a much longer-lasting battery life of almost 30 hours on a single charge. That said, the Xtreme 3 is smaller and more portable. Its removable carrying strap even comes with a bottle opener built-in to enjoy drinks with friends.

JBL Xtreme 2

The JBL Xtreme 2 is a better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3. They have very similar builds, but the Xtreme 2 has a slightly more balanced sound profile and a longer battery life. Also, only the Xtreme 2 has voice assistant capabilities. Although the two speakers can get similarly loud, the Xtreme 2 has fewer compression artifacts present at max volume.

JBL Boombox 2

The JBL Boombox 2 is a better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3. The Boombox 2 has a better-balanced sound profile and built-in voice assistant support for Alexa and Google Assistant, and you can tweak its sound using the bass/treble adjustment sliders on its companion app. It also supports Wi-Fi. However, the Xtreme 3 has lower Bluetooth latency on iOS and Android.

JBL Flip 6

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 6. The Xtreme 3 is a larger speaker that can get louder and produce a more extended low-bass than the Flip 6. It can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, which is more immersive. It also has a longer-lasting battery life, though this varies depending on your usage. The Flip 6 is smaller, making it easier to bring along when you're out and about. It also has better directivity, resulting in a wider-sounding soundstage.

JBL Charge 4

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Charge 4. The Xtreme is a better-built speaker that can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. Its sound profile is also more balanced with extra warmth in the lower end. The Xtreme can also get louder than the Charge, though both have a bit of compression at max volume.

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3

The Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3. Thanks to its 360-degree design, the Ultimate Ears has amazing directivity, meaning you can hear your audio clearly from all angles. It also has a longer-lasting battery life, which can vary depending on your usage. That said, out of the box, the JBL can produce a more extended low-bass than the Ultimate Ears. It can also be paired to two devices at once, which can come in handy when you need to quickly switch between audio sources.

JBL PartyBox 110

The JBL PartyBox 110 is a better speaker for most uses than the JBL Xtreme 3. The Xtreme 3 is lighter, more portable, and better built. It's better suited for the outdoors, whether you're going camping or enjoying an afternoon at the park. That said, the PartyBox 110 can get quite a bit louder, has a wider soundstage, and has a more balanced sound with plenty of bass on tap. So if portability isn't a factor, it's a better fit for playing music at parties, podcasts, and movies. 

JBL Flip 5

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Flip 5 overall. The Xtreme 3 can get louder and produce a more extended low-bass than the Flip 5. It can also play stereo content without downmixing it to mono and has a longer-lasting battery life, though the latter can depend on your usage as your real-world experience may differ. That said, the Flip 5 is smaller and more portable than the Xtreme 3. It also has a wider-sounding soundstage.

Tribit StormBox Blast

The Tribit StormBox Blast is better than the JBL Xtreme 3. They're both good speakers, but the Tribit has a few more features on hand. For example, it comes with customizable RGB lights and floats in water. It has a longer-lasting battery life, too. Plus, it gets louder with less compression at max volume.

JBL PartyBox Encore Essential

The JBL Xtreme 3 and the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential are speakers designed for different purposes. The Xtreme 3 is designed with portability in mind, and its rugged construction and IP67 rating against water and dust means that it can survive the elements. It also has a wider soundstage with better directivity and a longer continuous battery life. However, the PartyBox Encore Essential is the better speaker for playing music, thanks to its ability to better reproduce low-bass and its more balanced treble range. It can also get quite a bit louder, though there are more compression artifacts present at max volume than with the Xtreme 3. 

JBL PartyBox 310

The JBL PartyBox 310 is a better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3, though they have different strengths. The PartyBox 310 is a large party speaker with a better-balanced sound profile that can produce a more extended low-bass than the Xtreme 3. It can also get much louder with fewer compression artifacts at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio during louder listening sessions. The Xtreme 3 is much smaller and much more portable than the PartyBox 310. It's also better built and has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance certifying it to be dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes.

Sony SRS-XB43

The JBL Xtreme 3 and the Sony SRS-XB43 are similar speakers, so depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. The JBL is better built and has a better soundstage performance. However, the Sony has a longer battery life and supports voice assistants. 

JBL PartyBox 100

The JBL PartyBox 100 is a better speaker for most uses than the JBL Xtreme 3. The PartyBox 100 has a better-balanced sound profile, has a larger soundstage, and can get much louder with fewer compression artifacts at max volume. However, the Xtreme 3 is more portable and feels better built. It's also compatible with the JBL Connect app and has lower Bluetooth latency on Android and iOS.

Sony SRS-XG500

The Sony SRS-XG500 is a better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3 overall. The Sony can get a bit louder with slightly less compression present at max volume. It has a longer-lasting battery life of almost 26 hours, and you can connect an external guitar or microphone to the speaker. It also has a boomy sound profile with the MEGA BASS feature on that can produce a more extended low-bass than the JBL. That said, the JBL is smaller, making it more portable. Its sound profile is also better-balanced out of the box.

Bose Portable Smart Speaker

The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is a better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3. The Bose offers a slightly better-balanced sound profile than the JBL and is more customizable thanks to the bass and treble adjustments featured in its companion app, meaning you can tweak its sound to your liking. It also offers remarkable voice assistant support with Alexa and Google Assistant built-in. That said, the JBL is better built and can get somewhat louder than the Bose, with less compression at max volume, so your audio sounds cleaner at louder volumes.

JBL PartyBox On-The-Go

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a slightly better speaker than the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go. The Xtreme 3 is a better-built speaker that's more suitable for outdoor use, thanks to its smaller size and IP67 rating for water resistance. Its battery lasts close to 13 hours, while the On-The-Go only lasts 4.5 hours on a single charge. However, the On-The-Go has a more extended low-bass and gets slightly louder, so you may prefer it for use at parties or in large rooms.

Sonos Move

The Sonos Move is a better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3. The Sonos has a better-balanced sound profile and built-in voice assistant support for Alexa and Google Assistant, and you can tweak its sound using the bass/treble adjustment sliders on its companion app. It also supports Wi-Fi. However, the JBL has lower Bluetooth latency on iOS and Android.

Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 6

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a slightly better speaker for most uses than the Harman/Kardon Onyx Studio 6. The JBL has a better-balanced sound profile and better directivity. It can also get louder than the Harman/Kardon, it has more compression artifacts at max volume, and it has an outstanding battery life. However, the Harman/Kardon supports voice assistants through your smartphone. Its Bluetooth latency on Android and iOS is also much lower.

Anker Soundcore Motion Boom

The JBL Xtreme 3 and the Anker Soundcore Motion Boom are similar speakers with different strengths. The JBL has somewhat better directivity, resulting in a more open-sounding soundstage. It's also better built and has a shorter charge time, though battery performance can vary depending on usage. That said, the Anker can get louder with less compression present at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio at louder volumes. Its companion app also features additional presets to adjust its sound.

Anker Soundcore Motion+

The Anker Soundcore Motion+ is a slightly better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3 overall, though they perform similarly. The Anker has a slightly wider-sounding soundstage and comes with additional presets you can use to adjust its sound. It also supports voice assistants through your smartphone, though its performance isn't very good. That said, the JBL can produce deeper bass than the Anker. It's also better built and has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, certifying it to be dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes.

Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM

The Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM is a better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3. The Ultimate Ears can get louder than the JBL with less compression at max volume, so your audio sounds clean and clear at louder volume levels. It also offers a wider and more spacious-sounding soundstage. That said, the JBL is better built, smaller, and more portable than the Ultimate Ears.

Harman/Kardon Aura Studio 3

The Harman/Kardon Aura Studio 3 is a better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3. The Harman/Kardon is a wired home speaker that offers a wider and more open-sounding soundstage thanks to its 360-degree design. It has less compression present at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio at louder volumes. However, the JBL is smaller and battery-powered, making it more portable. It's also better built with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, so you can take it outdoors without worrying about it getting wet.

Sonos Roam/Roam SL

Depending on your listening habits, you may prefer either the Sonos Roam/Roam SL or the JBL Xtreme 3. The Sonos has a more portable design, and its Roam variant supports voice assistants. It also comes with bass and treble adjustments for sound customization. However, the JBL supports stereo content, gets louder, and has a longer battery life.

Sony SRS-XB33

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a slightly better speaker for most uses than the Sony SRS-XB33. The JBL has a better-balanced sound profile and a more immersive soundstage. It can also get louder than the Sony, although there are more compression artifacts at max volume, and its battery life is outstanding. However, the Sony supports voice assistants through your smartphone. Its Bluetooth latency on Android and iOS is also much lower.

TREBLAB HD-Max

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a slightly better speaker than the TREBLAB HD-Max overall, though they're similar. The JBL has a better-balanced sound profile out of the box and can produce a more extended low-bass than the TREBLAB. It comes with a graphic EQ to customize its sound to your liking. It's better built and can also be paired with up to two devices at once, which is handy when you need to quickly switch between audio sources. The TREBLAB can get slightly louder with slightly less compression at max volume. It also has a much longer-lasting battery life, making it better suited for long listening sessions.

Sony SRS-XG300

The Sony SRS-XG300 is better than the JBL Xtreme 3 overall. You can use the Sony speaker to answer and reject phone calls, and it supports voice assistants via your paired smartphone. It comes with customizable RGB lights. It's compatible with Sony's Fiestable app, which lets you access extra party features of the speaker. It also has lower Bluetooth latency with iOS and Android devices, making it better suited for watching videos and movies. Some apps compensate for latency differently, and your experience may vary. That said, the JBL offers a better-balanced sound profile overall.

Marshall Emberton II

The JBL Xtreme 3 is slightly better than the Marshall Emberton II. The JBL gets a bit louder than the Marshall with less compression at max volume, so your audio sounds cleaner when the volume is maxed out. It can produce a slightly more extended low-bass, and the graphic EQ in its companion app offers more control over its sound profile. It comes with a carrying strap to help transport it too. The strap has a built-in bottle opener so you can enjoy drinks with friends. However, the Marshall offers a more spacious and immersive-sounding soundstage that can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. It's smaller in size, making it easier to carry in one hand. It also has a longer-lasting battery life of around 22 hours.

Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM

The Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM is a better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3. The Ultimate Ears offers a more balanced sound with better directivity, thanks to its 360-degree design. There's even an adaptive EQ: a more premium feature that will adapt the sound profile to suit your room's unique acoustic characteristics. While they're both quite portable and have an IP67 rating against dust and water damage, the Ultimate Ears is slightly better built. That said, the JBL has the edge when it comes to continuous battery life, and you can pair up to two devices with it at one time, which is great for sharing DJ duties. 

Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II

The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II is a slightly better speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3, though they have different strengths. The Bose is smaller and more portable than the JBL. It offers a wider-sounding soundstage and supports voice assistants through your smartphone, though its performance in this regard isn't very good. However, the JBL can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. It can also get louder than the Bose and has a longer-lasting battery life, though the latter can depend on your usage habits, and your experience may vary.

Marshall Willen

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a better portable Bluetooth speaker than the Marshall Willen. The JBL can reproduce a much more extended low-bass, so you feel more rumble, especially in bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop. It's more customizable with a graphic EQ that lets you control its sound across the range. It's better built, too.

Marshall Emberton

The Marshall Emberton is a better speaker for most uses than the JBL Xtreme 3. The Marshall has a better-balanced sound profile, a wider soundstage, and lower latency on iOS and Android. However, the JBL has a better build quality and a longer continuous battery life, and it can get louder. It also has a companion app.

Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20

The Bang & Olufsen Beolit 20 is a better speaker for music than the JBL Xtreme 3 overall. The Bang & Olufsen can produce a more extended low-bass and offers a more spacious-sounding soundstage. That said, the JBL is better suited to use outdoors. It's better built and has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance certifying it to be dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. Its battery also lasts significantly longer, making it better for long days spent outside.

Sonos One Gen 2/One SL

The JBL Xtreme 3 and the Sonos One Gen 2/One SL are speakers with different strengths, and depending on your preferences, you may prefer one over the other. The JBL is more suitable for outdoor use since it's battery-powered, supports Bluetooth, and has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance that certifies it to be dust-proof and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It can also get louder with fewer compression artifacts. However, the Sonos is better for voice assistants because it has Alexa and Google Assistant built-in. It also can be connected with Sonos soundbars as surround speakers.

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2

You may prefer either the Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 or the JBL Xtreme 3, depending on your listening habits. The Ultimate Ears is smaller and more portable than the JBL. It offers a much more open-sounding soundstage than that of the JBL, thanks to its 360-degree design. It also has less compression present at max volume, resulting in a cleaner sound at louder volume levels. However, the JBL can get louder and produce a much more extended low-bass than the Ultimate Ears. It also has lower latency with iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth, though some apps compensate for latency differently, and your experience may differ.

Klipsch The One II

You may prefer either the Klipsch The One II or the JBL Xtreme 3, depending on your listening habits. The Klipsch is a wired speaker designed for home use. It features an AUX input you can use to wire older devices to your speaker, and it can also get louder than the JBL. However, the JBL is smaller, battery-powered, and better built, making it more portable and suitable to be taken outdoors with you. Its companion app also features a graphic EQ to tweak its sound to your liking.

Alpine Corporation Solar Bluetooth Rock Speaker

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a better speaker than the Alpine Corporation Solar Bluetooth Rock Speaker. The JBL is better-built, is more portable, and can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. Also, its out-of-the-box sound profile is more neutral, and it reproduces a more extended low-bass. That said, some listeners may prefer the Alpine Corporation's rock-like design for their outdoor decor, and it also has a longer battery life.

Klipsch The Three II

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a slightly better speaker than the Klipsch The Three II, though, they have different strengths. The JBL is battery-powered and better built. It has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, so you can easily take it outdoors when you're on the move. It has slightly better directivity, resulting in a more open-sounding soundstage. It can also be paired to up to two devices at once, which can come in handy when you need to switch between audio sources. However, the Klipsch can get significantly louder than the JBL, with slightly less compression present at max volume, resulting in cleaner audio at louder volume levels.

Sony GTK-XB72

The Sony GTK-XB72 is a better overall speaker than the JBL Xtreme 3, though they have different strengths. The Sony is a large party speaker that can get louder than the JBL and can produce a slightly more extended low-bass. It also supports voice assistants through your smartphone, though its performance isn't very good. However, the JBL is better built with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, certifying it to be dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water. It's also smaller and battery-powered, making it more portable than the Sony.

+ Show more

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
RGB Lights No

The JBL Xtreme 3 is a medium-sized cylindrical speaker that you can place vertically or horizontally. It has two built-in low-profile hooks on its top side so you can attach its carrying strap. Like the TREBLAB HD-Max, the carrying strap has a built-in bottle opener, so you can enjoy drinks while listening to your favorite tunes. It comes in three colors, so you can find a look that suits your style.

8.9
Design
Portability
Volume
250 in³ (4,093 cm³)
Weight
4.2 lbs (1.9 kg)
Power Source
Battery & USB
One-Hand Carry
Yes

This battery-powered speaker has built-in hooks, so you can attach its removable carrying strap and bring it along when you're on the move. While it's lighter than the JBL Xtreme 2, it's still quite hefty for a portable speaker. For a similar JBL speaker that's even more portable, check out the smaller JBL Charge 5.

8.3
Design
Build Quality
Material Quality
Great
Water Resistance
Submersible (IPx7)
Dust Resistance
Dust-Proof (IP6x)
Impact Resistance
Unspecified
Floats In Water
Unspecified

This speaker's build quality is great. It has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance that certifies it to be fully dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. As a result, you can use it near water without worrying too much about damage. It's wrapped in tight and sturdy netting, and its base and sides are made of rubber to keep the speaker from slipping when placed horizontally or vertically. Also, there are built-in hooks so you can attach its carrying strap. The strap feels sturdy, and it has a built-in bottle opener.

6.6
Design
Controls
Ease Of Use
Great
Feedback
Good
Music Play/Pause
Yes (Physical)
Call Answer/End
No
Volume Up/Down
Yes (Physical)
Track Next/Previous
Forward Only (Physical)
Microphone On/Off
No
Additional Controls
Yes

The controls are easy to press, and it has simple music management features like volume control and a play/pause button. You can also press the play button twice to skip to the next track, but unfortunately, you can't backtrack. On the upside, there's a chime when you've reached max volume. The power and Bluetooth buttons light up, and there's a small, vertical indicator for battery life under the JBL logo. This speaker has a dedicated 'PartyBoost' button, meaning you can connect with multiple PartyBoost-compatible speakers.

Design
In The Box

  • JBL Xtreme 3 speaker
  • Carrying strap
  • AC adapter with USB-C connection cable
  • User Manual

Sound
6.5
Sound
Frequency Response Accuracy
Slope
-0.09
Std. Err.
4.67 dB
Low-Frequency Extension
55.0 Hz
High-Frequency Extension
13.9 kHz

The speaker's frequency response is fairly even and balanced out of the box, especially in the mids, where most voices and lead instruments reproduce. It's a good choice for listening to most music genres and dialogue-heavy content like podcasts and audiobooks. The dip in the treble means that the audio is a bit dull, though. Also, given its small size, you don't get the deep thump and rumble in the bass compared to larger speakers on the market. That said, there's a graphic EQ available through the app, so you can tweak the sound to suit the audio you're listening to.

Sound
Raw Frequency Response
Binaural Recording @ 1m
Binaural Recording @ 2m
7.2
Sound
Soundstage
Directivity Index
5.21 dB
Stereo
Yes

Its soundstage performance is satisfactory. It can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, meaning you can distinguish between its left and right channels. However, its directivity is mediocre, resulting in a narrow soundstage that sounds inconsistent when listening from different angles. There's also some overemphasis in the treble range, which can cause the soundstage to seem uneven.

6.4
Sound
Dynamics
SPL @ Max Volume
91.0 dB SPL
DRC @ Max Volume
3.87 dB

The speaker can get fairly loud, and its sound can fill a large room. However, there's a lot of compression present at max volume, so your audio isn't as clean or clear when the speaker is pushed to its louder volume levels. There will also be some pumping artifacts.

Active Features
9.2
Active Features
Battery
Battery Life
12.7 hrs
Charge Time
2.1 hrs
Power Saving
Yes
Charging Port
USB-C
Battery Powered
Yes

The speaker has an outstanding battery performance. It's advertised to last around 15 hours off a single charge, but it actually lasts around 12 hours. Battery performance can vary depending on your usage, and your experience may differ. A handy power-saving feature shuts the speaker off after 20 minutes of inactivity. If you want a speaker that lasts longer off a single charge, check out the Tribit StormBox Blast.

0
Active Features
Voice Assistant
Alexa
No
Google Assistant
No
Speakerphone
No
Siri
No
Voice Assistant
No
Voice Activation
No
Microphone Mute
No Microphone
Far-Field Performance
No Microphone
Ambient Noise Performance
No Microphone
7.9
Active Features
App
App Name
JBL Portable
iOS
Yes
Android
Yes
EQ
Graphic
Stereo Pair Mode
Yes
Party Mode
Yes
Multi-Room
No

The JBL Portable app is very good. It's compatible with both iOS and Android. You can use it to link to two PartyBoost-compatible speakers to create a stereo pair or connect it with multiple speakers to play the same audio across a large space. You can also use the graphic EQ to customize the speaker's sound profile.

Connectivity
Connectivity
Wired
Aux Input
Yes
USB Audio
No
Other Ports
Yes

The JBL Xtreme 3 has a USB-C port to charge the speaker and a USB-A port to charge your other devices, like your phone. Also, there's an AUX port, meaning you can use a wired connection between this speaker and your smartphone. However, this cable doesn't come in the box.

8.2
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Yes
Bluetooth Version
5.1
Bluetooth iOS Latency
134 ms
Bluetooth Android Latency
122 ms
Bluetooth Range
190.3 ft (58.0 m)
Multi-Device Pairing
2 Devices

You can pair this speaker with up to two devices at a time, and it has a wide range to stay connected as you move away from your phone. Its latency on iOS and Android is alright, and it can be a suitable choice for watching videos. However, some apps and devices compensate for latency differently, so your experience may vary. For a portable speaker with a better Bluetooth latency performance overall, check out the Sony SRS-XG300.

0
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Version
No Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Frequency Band
No Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
No
Apple AirPlay
No
AirPlay Latency
N/A
Google Chromecast
No
Chromecast Latency
N/A