The JBL Xtreme 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is not just powerful, it’s also built to last. Its premium sound quality, excellent durability, and long-lasting battery make it a reliable companion for outdoor use and parties. Its rugged build and impressive bass make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a speaker that can handle adventure while delivering high-quality sound. In this review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the JBL Xtreme 4, from its features to its pros and cons.
Quick Highlights
- Powerful bass with JBL Pro Sound
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
- 2-hour battery life
- Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
- JBL Party Boost for linking multiple JBL speakers
Release Date
The JBL Xtreme 4 was released on May 19th, 2024, as the latest model in JBL’s Xtreme line. Compared to its predecessor, it has improved sound quality, durability, and battery life.
Unboxing of the JBL Xtreme 4 Speaker
The JBL Xtreme 4 comes in a sturdy box with the following contents:
- JBL Xtreme 4 speaker
- Power adapter
- Carrying strap
- Quick start guide
- Warranty card
Design and Display
The JBL Xtreme 4 has a rugged, cylindrical design, durable fabric covering, and rubber ends for extra protection. It’s slightly larger than previous models but remains portable, thanks to the built-in carrying strap. There’s no display, but it has LED indicators for battery life and connectivity status.
JBL Xtreme 4 Speaker Controls
Control buttons on the top of the speaker including power, Bluetooth, volume, and a multi-function button for controlling music playback and phone calls. The buttons are easy to use and tactile, perfect for outdoor environments.
JBL Xtreme 4 Speaker Colors
The JBL Xtreme 4 is available in several colours, including:
- Black
- Blue
- Camouflage
Key Features of the JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth Speaker
Powerful Sound with JBL Pro Sound
The JBL Xtreme 4 provides an exceptional audio experience. Additionally, it incorporates JBL Pro Sound, featuring dual bass radiators. As a result, it delivers deep, rich bass and crystal-clear highs, ideal for indoor and outdoor settings. Furthermore, with a powerful 80W output, the Xtreme 4 can easily fill large spaces with immersive sound. Consequently, your music stands out, creating an unforgettable experience no matter where you are.
Long Battery Life
One of the standout features of the JBL Xtreme 4 is its 27.2 hours of playtime on a single charge. Whether you are enjoying a full day at the beach or hosting an all-night outdoor gathering, this speaker can keep the music going without worrying about recharging. When recharging, the speaker charges quickly via a USB-C connection, taking just 3.1 hours to reach a full charge.
Rugged and Durable Build
Designed with durability, the JBL Xtreme 4 is IP67-rated, meaning it is waterproof and dustproof. Whether splashed with water or dust-covered, it can withstand the harshest outdoor conditions. This makes it the perfect companion for any outdoor adventure, offering peace of mind no matter where you go.
PartyBoost for Amplified Sound
One of the coolest features of the JBL Xtreme 4 is its ability to link up with other JBL speakers through the PartyBoost feature. Whether you have a single speaker or a whole collection, PartyBoost allows you to pair multiple JBL speakers together, ensuring everyone at your gathering can enjoy the same high-quality sound.
Bluetooth 5.1 for Seamless Connectivity
With Bluetooth 5.1 technology, the JBL Xtreme 4 ensures a more stable connection with a range of up to 177.2 feet (54 meters). It also supports multi-device pairing, connecting up to two devices simultaneously. This makes it easy to switch between different audio sources during a party or outdoor event without disconnecting and reconnecting.
IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof Rating
The JBL Xtreme 4 is built to withstand the toughest conditions with its IP67 rating, which means it’s waterproof and dustproof. This makes it a highly durable choice for outdoor adventures. Whether splashed by water or exposed to dirt, dust, or sand, the Xtreme 4 will continue performing without skipping a beat. The waterproof feature also means it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for poolside parties, beach trips, or hiking through wet conditions without worrying about the elements damaging the speaker.
PartyBoost Feature
The PartyBoost feature on the JBL Xtreme 4 allows you to take your sound experience to the next level by pairing multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers together. This lets you create a more immersive sound system for big events, parties, or outdoor gatherings. Whether you have just two speakers or several, PartyBoost ensures that the audio is synchronized across all connected speakers, filling the area with rich, high-quality sound. This feature is perfect for those who want to amplify their audio experience, providing a loud and clear sound in any environment.
Price and Availability
The JBL Xtreme 4 is priced at around $279 and is available on JBL’s official website and major online and retail stores like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.
JBL Xtreme 4 Speaker vs. JBL Xtreme 3: A Detailed Comparison
The JBL Xtreme 4 makes a significant leap over its predecessor, the Xtreme 3, offering a range of upgrades that enhance performance and usability. Both speakers deliver impressive sound, but the Xtreme 4 stands out with its improved JBL Pro Sound, dual bass radiators, and a more rugged build, making it the better option for anyone looking for a premium outdoor audio experience.
Sound Quality
JBL Xtreme 4: The Xtreme 4 features JBL Pro Sound, enhanced with dual bass radiators. This setup delivers more powerful bass and clearer mids, creating a richer, more dynamic listening experience, especially in outdoor environments.
JBL Xtreme 3: While the Xtreme 3 produces impressive sound, it lacks the dual bass radiators in the Xtreme 4. As a result, the bass is less deep, and the overall sound quality isn’t as clear or immersive.
Winner: JBL Xtreme 4 – Its improved bass and clarity make it the superior option for sound quality.
JBL Xtreme 4 Speaker Durability
JBL Xtreme 4: With an IP67 rating, the Xtreme 4 is fully waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for various outdoor adventures, from beach outings to hiking, as it can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without issue.
JBL Xtreme 3: The Xtreme 3 is rated IPX7, meaning it’s waterproof but not dustproof. While it’s still highly durable and suited for outdoor use, it doesn’t offer the same level of protection as the Xtreme 4.
Winner: JBL Xtreme 4 – Its enhanced IP67 rating offers better protection against the elements.
JBL Xtreme 4 Speaker Battery Life
JBL Xtreme 4: Boasting an impressive 27.2 hours of playtime, the Xtreme 4 outperforms its predecessor in terms of longevity, making it perfect for all-day use.
JBL Xtreme 3:
The Xtreme 3 delivers about 15 hours of battery life, which is solid but falls short compared to the Xtreme 4’s extended playtime.
Winner: JBL Xtreme 4 – With nearly double the battery life, it’s ideal for longer outdoor activities.
JBL Xtreme 4 Speaker Connectivity
JBL Xtreme 4: The Xtreme 4 features Bluetooth 5.1, offering a more stable connection, faster pairing, and the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously. This makes it more versatile for managing multiple audio sources at parties or gatherings.
JBL Xtreme 3: The Xtreme 3 uses an older Bluetooth version, which is less stable and doesn’t support simultaneous connections to multiple devices.
Winner: JBL Xtreme 4 – Bluetooth 5.1 provides a more reliable and flexible connectivity experience.
Party Features
JBL Xtreme 4: The Xtreme 4 comes equipped with JBL PartyBoost, enabling users to link multiple PartyBoost-compatible speakers for a much larger and more immersive sound experience, ideal for big events and outdoor parties.
JBL Xtreme 3: Unfortunately, the Xtreme 3 doesn’t support PartyBoost, limiting your ability to expand the sound system with additional speakers.
Winner: JBL Xtreme 4 – PartyBoost makes it a better choice for creating a more powerful sound setup.
Design and Portability
JBL Xtreme 4: The Xtreme 4 features a rugged, cylindrical design with durable fabric and rubber ends. Although it’s slightly larger and heavier than the Xtreme 3, it remains portable, aided by a built-in carrying strap.
JBL Xtreme 3: The Xtreme 3 is more compact and lighter than the Xtreme 4, which makes it easier to carry, though it sacrifices some durability and size.
Winner: JBL Xtreme 3 – Its smaller size makes it more portable, although the Xtreme 4 remains relatively easy to carry.
Price
JBL Xtreme 4: The Xtreme 4 is priced at around $279, which reflects its advanced features like enhanced sound, extended battery life, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.
JBL Xtreme 3: The Xtreme 3 is generally priced lower, around $249, making it a more affordable option, though it doesn’t offer the same premium features as the Xtreme 4.
Winner: JBL Xtreme 3 – For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Xtreme 3 offers great value.
Final Verdict
The JBL Xtreme 4 introduces significant upgrades over the Xtreme 3, including better sound quality and enhanced durability. Additionally, the Xtreme 4 offers longer battery life, along with additional features such as PartyBoost and Bluetooth 5.1. While the Xtreme 3 remains a strong choice, particularly for budget-conscious buyers, the Xtreme 4 surpasses it in performance. Therefore, for those seeking the best possible performance and features, the Xtreme 4 is the clear winner.
Overall Winner: JBL Xtreme 4 – If you’re after superior sound, durability, and extra features, the Xtreme 4 is the way to go.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the JBL Xtreme 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a top choice for those seeking exceptional sound and durability. Furthermore, its powerful JBL Pro Sound, enhanced bass, and IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating ensure reliable performance. Additionally, the speaker’s impressive 27.2-hour battery life and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity offer long-lasting and stable performance for outdoor use. Moreover, the PartyBoost feature enhances its ability to connect multiple speakers for an amplified audio experience during gatherings. However, while the speaker is heavier and priced higher than others, its premium features justify the investment. Ultimately, the JBL Xtreme 4 delivers unmatched sound quality and durability in a portable format.
