The JBL Charge and Xtreme are among the manufacturer’s solid, waterproof Bluetooth speakers that are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
But which speaker is better and, above all, louder?
In this review, I take a close look at the two Bluetooth speakers and compare their features.
Operation almost identical
Operating the two speakers is very simple and intuitive. Both have buttons for on/off, volume control, Bluetooth pairing and party boost directly on the device.
The Party Boost allows you to connect multiple JBL speakers and play music at the same time, resulting in better sound and higher volume.
However, only identical models can be connected, e.g. two Charge 5s or two Xtreme 3s. According to the manufacturer, up to 100 speakers can be connected in this way.
Operation via the JBL app is very simple on both models and allows you to adjust equalizer settings and access some additional functions.
JBL Portable App
Both speakers have the same app, which enables simple operation and additional functions. However, the setting options are manageable.
The name of the loudspeaker can be changed, the equalizer can be set individually and the feedback tone can be switched on and off.
Software updates can also be installed on the speakers via the app, which sometimes provides new functions or improvements.
Charge & Xtreme connections
The two JBL speakers differ significantly in terms of connections.
In general, the connections on both speakers are hidden behind a rubber flap. This ensures that the connections do not get wet during a quick dip in the pool.
The JBL Charge 5 has a USB-C port for the charger and a large USB-A port labeled “Out”. This allows the box to be used as a power bank for cell phones or other devices.
The JBL Xtreme has the same USB ports. However, the USB-C port can be used not only for charging – but also as a power bank port.
It is therefore both an input and an output and is therefore also labeled In/Out.
The Xtreme also has an input for external audio sources. Devices such as mixing consoles, CD players, games consoles, televisions or cell phones can be connected directly via cable using a 3.5mm jack plug.
Charge vs Xtreme battery life
The battery life of both models is very good, but as always depends on the volume setting. The JBL Charge 5 has a 7500 mAh battery, which enables a playing time of up to 20 hours.
The JBL Xtreme 3 has a slightly larger battery with 10000 mAh, but only offers a playing time of up to 15 hours.
Although the battery is larger and more powerful than the Charge, the speaker and the built-in membrane are also larger and therefore require more power.
Volume: Hardly any differences
The sound quality and volume of both speakers are impressive. The Charge 5 has a rich bass and clear treble, making it ideal for outdoor parties.
The Xtreme 3 has an even more powerful bass and an even higher volume.
In my outdoor test, however, the difference in volume was not as great as expected.
The measurement with a decibel meter also showed only minimal differences at the highest level.
In general, the JBL speakers have an integrated processor that adjusts the sound depending on the volume. This means that the higher the volume, the weaker the bass.
Almost all modern speakers, including Sonos, have this limitation. It protects the device from failure due to excessive volume or bass.
Conclusion: JBL Xtreme vs Charge
As always, which of the two speakers is the best depends on personal preference and the area of application.
My personal favorite is the Charge 5, why? The maximum volume is almost identical, even if the Xtreme 3 has a little more bass.
The battery life of the Charge 5 is even slightly longer than that of the Xtreme and the functions are absolutely identical.
In addition, the Charge 5 is easier to transport due to its smaller dimensions – it’s not for nothing that the Xtreme 3 comes with a carrying strap.
Another argument in favor of the Charge 5: The speaker is now even available with Wi-Fi and can therefore also be used as a multi-room speaker at home.
If both speakers are still too big for you, you could also consider the smaller and cheaper JBL Flip or JBL Go.
And the last point: depending on the offer, the Charge 5 is usually quite a bit cheaper than the JBL Xtreme.
Lars Grudzinski has been working as a sound and lighting technician since the 90s, was a DJ for electronic music, has a large collection of vintage speakers, and has been working for various radio stations in Germany for 20 years. At home, he enjoys high-quality home theater products such as soundbars and projectors and has installed an extensive Sonos system in his own home.