The JBL Xtreme 4 is the next iteration of the Xtreme line of rugged, portable speakers. It succeeds the JBL Xtreme 3, keeping many of the same tried-and-tested features, like an IP67 rating for protection against dust and submersion in water and a rugged, detachable carrying strap. Improvements come in the form of a longer continuous battery life (advertised at 24 hours) and Auracast support, so you can connect a number of compatible JBL devices for a huge party sound.
Our Verdict
The JBL Xtreme 4 is satisfactory for music. Its small, compact design means that it can't produce as much low-end as larger speakers, so kicks and basslines err towards sounding punchy over rumbly. While its treble response is an improvement on the last generation, it still lacks air and brightness. The detailed mid-range does a great job of rendering vocals and lead instruments, though. There's also some scope to tweak the sound via the graphic EQ and presets in the companion app. While it can get pretty loud, there's quite a bit of compression as you approach max volume, and its stereo playback capabilities are undermined somewhat by its unremarkable directivity.
- Impressive 27-hour battery life.
- Graphic EQ and presets in app.
- Directivity isn't great.
- Some compression at max volume.
The JBL Xtreme 4 is passable for videos and movies. It lacks the low-end response needed to inject excitement into action-packed sequences and explosions, but the detailed mid-range helps enhance the clarity of dialogue. It can get loud enough for impromptu viewing parties, though you'll need to watch out for compression as you crank the volume up. Its latency with Bluetooth and iOS devices is mediocre, however, so you could experience some lip-sync issues. Different devices and apps compensate for this differently.
- Impressive 27-hour battery life.
- Portable design with carrying strap.
- Directivity isn't great.
- Mediocre latency performance with iOS and Android.
The JBL Xtreme 4 is decent for listening to podcasts. It does a great job of rendering speech clearly, thanks to the detailed mid-range reproduction. It can also get loud enough for you to hear your favorite podcasts from across the room. Although there's some compression as you crank the volume, it's mainly concentrated in the bass range. While it's easily carried from room to room, you'll need to be careful about positioning yourself in front of the speaker as its directivity isn't the best.
- Impressive 27-hour battery life.
- Portable design with carrying strap.
- Directivity isn't great.
- Some compression at max volume.
The JBL Xtreme 4 doesn't feature any voice assistant capabilities, so it's not suitable for this use.
The JBL Xtreme 4 is very good for outdoor use. The combination of its IP67 rating and 27-hour battery life means it'll survive freak showers and dusty roads without needing to recharge for some time. While it's not as portable as speakers like the JBL Clip 5, it can still easily be thrown into a camping backpack or weekend bag. It can get loud enough to soundtrack smaller outdoor events, although the bass-range tends to compress as you approach max volume. Its mediocre directivity means that it doesn't sound consistent from every angle, so you'll need to be thoughtful with how you set it up.
- Impressive 27-hour battery life.
- IP67 rating against dust and water damage.
- Portable design with carrying strap.
- Graphic EQ and presets in app.
- Directivity isn't great.
- Some compression at max volume.
Changelog
- Updated Oct 16, 2024: This review has been updated to mention the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus in the Dynamics section.
- Updated Aug 01, 2024: Review published.
- Updated Jul 29, 2024: Early access published.
- Updated Jul 23, 2024: Our testers have started testing this product.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The JBL Xtreme 4 comes in three color variants: 'Blue,' 'Black', and 'Black Camo.' We tested the 'Black Camo' variant but expect other color variants to perform similarly. You can see our unit's label here. If you encounter another variant of this speaker, let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.
Popular Speaker Comparisons
The JBL Xtreme 4 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that boasts an impressive 27-hour battery life and an IP67 rating against dust and water damage. However, there's not too much to differentiate it from its predecessor, the JBL Xtreme 3, beyond its improved battery life, Auracast support, and the inclusion of Bluetooth version 5.3. Its compact design makes it more convenient to lug around than the JBL Boombox 3, though the Boombox has a more balanced sound and can get louder with less compression. Users who don't need as much volume but want something even more portable can look into the lightweight JBL Flip 6.
See our recommendations for the best Bluetooth speakers, the best portable Bluetooth speakers, and the best Bluetooth speakers for bass.
The JBL Xtreme 4 is over twice the size of the JBL Charge 6, and so, unsurprisingly, it gets noticeably louder. That extra hulk also means it has a larger, longer-lasting battery than the Charge 6. However, the newer Charge 6 actually matches the Xtreme 4 for bass output, which is impressive given its smaller stature. The Charge 6 is also a bit sturdier, with an IP68 rating compared to the Xtreme 4's IP67. But the Charge 6 downmixes all your audio to mono, unlike the larger Xtreme 4. If you need a speaker that'll easily fit in a tote, the Charge 6 is the way to go, but if overall loudness is your priority, choose the Xtreme 4.
The JBL Xtreme 4 is the latest version of the JBL Xtreme 3 and features small upgrades that can be significant to some users. The biggest upgrade comes in the form of a 27-hour battery life that doubles that of its predecessor. There's also support for Auracast, so you can pair other compatible speakers, as well as support for Bluetooth version 5.3. Beyond this, there are marginal improvements in frequency response and dynamics. Both speakers are rated IP67 for protection against dust damage and can be submersed in water, meaning they're both great choices for bringing with you to the great outdoors.
The JBL Boombox 3 and the JBL Xtreme 4 share a similar look that's derived from their distant ancestor: the original boombox. For all intents and purposes, the Xtreme 4 is a paired-down version of the Boombox 3 that sacrifices a more balanced sound and dynamics performance for a smaller footprint and lighter construction. The Boombox 3 is three times heavier and takes up too much space to fit in most bags. However, opting for the larger speaker rewards you with richer bass and smoother highs, as well as a louder max volume with less compression. The two have a very similar battery life, though the Boombox 3 requires AC power to charge, as opposed to the Xtreme 4, which can charge via USB.
The JBL Xtreme 4 and Bose SoundLink Max are both stylish and durable portable speakers with modern features. That said, the Bose is a better choice for most use cases, unless you plan on taking advantage of the JBL's longer battery life to take long hikes or own other JBL speakers you'd like to pair with. While the two speakers are similarly portable, the Bose has a more balanced sound overall, with a more prominent bass range and better directivity. It also features an aux input and lower latency with iOS and Android devices. That said, the JBL's 27 hours of battery life can't be overlooked, as it's almost double that of the Bose, and will surely be a deciding factor for users that value multi-day performance.
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