Portable Bluetooth speakers continue to grow in popularity thanks to their convenience and ability to bring your music anywhere. Two of the most popular options on the market right now come from audio gear giant JBL – the Boombox 3 and the Xtreme 3.
But how do these two flagship models compare to each other?
In this in-depth comparison guide, we’ll break down the key differences between the JBL Boombox 3 and Xtreme 3 across various categories like sound quality, features, battery life, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which speaker better fits your personal needs and preferences.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | JBL Boombox 3 | JBL Xtreme 3 |
| Power Output | 100W | 80W |
| Drivers | 4 active drivers, 2 passive radiators | 2 active drivers, 2 passive radiators |
| Sound Quality | Louder and richer sound with more powerful bass | Very good sound but not as immersive as Boombox 3 |
| Battery Life | 24 hours | 15 hours |
| Size | 13 x 7.5 x 7.25 inches, 11 lbs | 10.4 x 5.3 inch diameter, 5.25 lbs |
| Design | Rectangular prism shape with handle | Cylindrical with grab handles |
| Durability | IP67 water/dust resistance | IP67 water/dust resistance |
| Wireless Features | Bluetooth 5.1, PartyBoost, JBL app | Bluetooth 5.1, PartyBoost, JBL app |
| Voice Assistant Support | No | Yes, Siri and Google Assistant |
| Colors | Black, blue | Black, blue, red, green, camo |
| Price | $499 | $349 |
Overview And Design
The JBL Boombox 3 and Xtreme 3 share some similarities in their overall design, but there are also some notable differences.
The Boombox 3 is definitely the larger of the two speakers, measuring in at 13 x 7.5 x 7.25 inches and weighing 11 pounds. It has a very rugged, almost industrial look, with large exposed passive radiators on both sides. The overall shape is like a large rectangular prism. There is an integrated handle on top for easy carrying.
The Xtreme 3 is more compact and cylindrical in shape, measuring 10.4 x 5.3 inches diameter and weighing 5.25 pounds. Ittoo has exposed passive radiators on both ends and features JBL’s Connect+ upright design with easy grab handles on the sides. The look is a bit more refined than the Boombox 3.
Both speakers have onboard control buttons on the top for core functions like power, Bluetooth pairing, volume, and playback controls. The Xtreme 3 has a handy bottle opener built into its design as well.
In terms of durability, the Boombox 3 and Xtreme 3 both meet IP67 water and dust resistance ratings, meaning they can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Also Read: Differences Between Jabra And JBL.
Sound Quality
When it comes to audio performance, there are some clear differences between the Boombox 3 and Xtreme 3.
The Boombox 3 pumps out a monstrous 100W of power from its 4 active drivers and 2 passive radiators. It can reach incredibly loud volumes while still maintaining clarity and bass. The sound is certainly impactful but also well balanced across lows, mids, and highs. You can really feel the two bass radiators thumping.
By comparison, the Xtreme 3 outputs a solid 80W of power from its 2 active drivers and 2 passive radiators. It too can play very loud, and the bass performance is impressive with deep lows you can feel. However, the overall sound quality doesn’t quite measure up to the Boombox 3, especially when it comes to the richness and detail of the mids and highs.
Both speakers have JBL’s signature sound profile that boosts the lows and highs, but the Boombox 3 can simply output bigger and better sound by virtue of its larger driver setup. For serious bass heads who want window-rattling powerful audio, the Boombox 3 is the better choice.
Features And Connectivity
JBL packs both of these speakers with useful features to enhance the overall user experience. Here’s how they compare:
- Wireless Connectivity – The Boombox 3 and Xtreme 3 both utilize Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless music streaming from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. They also support multi-point connections to two devices simultaneously. The range is solid at over 30 feet.
- JBL PartyBoost – This feature lets you wirelessly connect multiple compatible JBL speakers together to amplify the sound. Both the Boombox 3 and Xtreme 3 support PartyBoost.
- Built-in Powerbank – You can charge your mobile devices directly from the speakers via their USB-out ports. The Boombox 3 has a huge 20,000 mAh capacity while the Xtreme 3 has a still respectable 10,000 mAh capacity.
- Google Fast Pair – Available on both speakers, this provides swift Bluetooth pairing to Android devices.
- IP67 Water/Dust Resistance – As mentioned earlier, both the Boombox 3 and Xtreme 3 carry an IP67 rating making them highly rugged and durable.
- Wireless Stereo Pairing – You can configure two units of the same speaker together as left/right channels for true stereo sound.
- JBL App Integration – The speakers link with JBL’s mobile app for monitoring things like battery level, adjusting sound modes, and more.
Overall the core connectivity options are similar between the two speakers. However, the Boombox 3 pulls ahead with its substantially larger built-in power bank.
Battery Life
With their built-in rechargeable batteries, the JBL Boombox 3 and Xtreme 3 allow you to enjoy your music on the go without being tethered. But there are notable differences in their battery performance:
- Boombox 3 – JBL says you can expect 24 hours of continuous playtime at moderate volume levels. There’s also a fast charging feature giving you 4.5 hours of use from just 20 minutes of charging.
- Xtreme 3 – JBL lists the battery life at 15 hours at moderate volume. You can get 1 hour of use from a quick 10 minute charge.
So the Boombox 3 clearly has the longer lasting battery, almost a full extra work day of playtime compared to the Xtreme 3. This allows you to keep the music pumping all day or through multiple backyard gatherings on a single charge. Both speakers recharge via USB-C cables.
Also Read: Comaprison Between TREBLAB HD77 and JBL Flip 5
Other Factors
Here are a few other considerations when weighing the JBL Boombox 3 against the Xtreme 3:
- Voice Assistant Support – The Xtreme 3 has integrated access to Siri and Google Assistant for convenient hands-free voice commands. This feature is missing on the Boombox 3.
- Size and Portability – As discussed earlier, the cylindrical shape and lighter weight of the Xtreme 3 makes it the more portable choice for travel and outdoor use. The Boombox 3’s larger form isn’t quite as easy to move around.
- Colors – The Xtreme 3 comes in 5 fun color options (black, blue, red, green and camo) while the Boombox 3 is only available in black and blue versions.
- Price – These are both premium speakers that carry a higher price tag. The Boombox 3 retails for $499 while the Xtreme 3 goes for around $350. So the Xtreme 3 is the more budget-friendly option of the two.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The key differences are the Boombox 3 delivers more powerful sound with bigger drivers and bass, much longer battery life (24 Vs. 15 hours), and a larger, more rugged rectangular design with a handle. The Xtreme 3 is more portable with its cylindrical shape, has integrated voice assistant support, and comes in more color choices.
Overall, the current generation Boombox 3 is considered better and more powerful than the Xtreme 3. It outputs 100W Vs. 80W, has two extra drivers for bigger sound, and nearly doubles the Xtreme 3’s battery life while still featuring a rugged design. Unless you really need portability, the Boombox line represents JBL’s top performers.
Yes, the JBL Boombox 3 can reach louder volumes and deliver deeper, richer bass than the Xtreme 3 thanks to its higher power output, larger driver array, and bigger internal bass radiators. It’s one of JBL’s loudest Bluetooth speakers made for maximum impact.
No, the previous generation Boombox 2 is still louder than the current Xtreme 3. The 100W Boombox 2 has the same audio specs and driver setup as the new Boombox 3 which outperforms the 80W Xtreme 3. So the Xtreme line is positioned firmly below the Boombox series for sound capability.
Also Read: Comparison Between UE Megaboom 3 And JBL Charge 5.
The Verdict
Based on this detailed comparison, we can recommend the JBL Boombox 3 as the better overall speaker for a few key reasons:
- It delivers more powerful, room-filling audio with richer sound across the frequency ranges thanks to its larger driver array.
- The monstrous 24 hours of battery life means you can keep the party rocking all day and night.
- While large, the rugged design with integrated handle offers superior durability and convenience.
That said, the JBL Xtreme 3 is still an excellent speaker choice in its own right for someone who prioritizes portability and voice assistant access in a more compact product. You still get pleasing JBL sound and deep bass in a aesthetically pleasing cylindrical design.
So choice ultimately comes down to your needs and which features matter most to you. For pure power and performance, go with the Boombox 3. But the Xtreme 3 takes the cake for mobility and smart features. Either way, you can be confident you’re getting a quality Bluetooth speaker experience with JBL.