We’ve all been there – gathered with friends in a remote location, whether it’s a field, the woods, the beach, or even up a mountain – and someone inevitably starts blasting music from their tiny phone speaker. This tinny sound doesn’t exactly set the right vibe. Enter JBL’s portable Bluetooth speakers, and in particular, the Xtreme 4.
Not only does this speaker deliver impressive sound, but it’s also built to endure whatever adventure you throw its way. Whether you’re braving the elements or relaxing by the fire, the Xtreme 4 ensures your music doesn’t miss a beat. In this JBL Xtreme 4 review, I’ll look at every aspect of the speaker and its sound quality, so you can decide if it’s right for you.
In a hurry? Here’s our verdict
The JBL Xtreme 4 is an ideal companion for audio on the go, offering a significant size and performance upgrade over its smaller counterparts in the Flip series. It’s great at providing sound for social gatherings and filling larger spaces with ease.
Beyond its sound quality, the Xtreme 4 is exceptionally durable and ideal for outdoor use. From camping trips to beach days, this speaker can handle a mild beating without compromising its performance.
There is a reason the Xtreme 4 won the coveted What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year Award for 2024. Simply put, it builds on a winning format and expands what I would describe as the best portable speaker range for its purpose that I’ve ever had my hands on.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent low-end response, thanks to dual passive bass drivers | Bulky, which can make it less travel-friendly |
| Customisable sound through the JBL app’s EQ | Not the widest sound stage |
| Can stand on its end without affecting performance | |
| Rugged build with water and dust resistance (IP67) | |
| Up to 24 hours of battery life |
JBL Xtreme 4 review
First impressions and build quality
JBL portable speakers have earned their reputation for outstanding build quality and value, and I can vouch for this first-hand.
My trusty JBL Flip 5, (which has now been superseded by the Flip 6) has survived Europe and Southeast Asia, enduring rocks, rivers, the rainy season (if you know, you know), and blistering heat. And it’s still going strong, semi-retired on my office shelf.
The Xtreme 4 takes everything great about the Flip and builds on it. It’s larger, more durable, and delivers superior sound. Built with the challenges of the real world in mind, the Xtreme 4 isn’t fazed by knocks, drops, splashes, or dirt. This durability brings a certain peace of mind, knowing it’ll keep playing no matter what.
Design-wise, the Xtreme 4 is unapologetically utilitarian. Its rugged rubberised bottom and edge protectors exude durability, while its metal loops and included shoulder strap make it ready for any adventure. Whether tossed in a bag or standing on its end, this speaker is built to last and stay functional.
The end caps and underside as mentioned are comprised of thick rubber, as is the power button section. The front buttons that control play/pause and volume are all made of a hard plastic and are easily operable. Plus, there’s a handy LED indicator on the front to display the speaker’s battery status.
The size of the speaker is a bit of a double-edged sword. It’s not exactly the kind of thing you can sneak into your carry-on luggage, so the Xtreme 4 is best suited to simpler getaways – think camping trips or outdoor adventures. That said, if you do toss it in a suitcase, it’ll take up a fair bit of space, but rest assured, it’s tough enough to survive the wrath of the baggage handlers.
Sound quality
At its core, the Xtreme 4 is a Bluetooth speaker, so don’t expect hi-fi audiophile precision. But within its category, it delivers a surprisingly rich and dynamic sound. This is subjective, of course, as is anything to do with sound. However, for the role it’s fulfilling sonically, the Xtreme is pretty much everything you would expect.
Bass
The low end takes centre stage here. Dual passive radiators enhance the bass response without drawing additional power, producing deep and punchy lows that don’t feel overblown or muddy.
Tracks like Lorn’s “Acid Rain”, Skrillex’s “Rumble”, and Amelie Lens’ “Breath” put the speaker to the test, and it handled them impressively well, maintaining tight and clear bass performance.
Midrange
The midrange frequencies are balanced and pleasant right out of the box, albeit relatively unoffensive. They hold their own with mid-focused tracks from the likes of Steely Dan or Huey Lewis and the News. With some tweaking in the JBL app’s EQ, you can shape the mids to suit your taste, but even without adjustments, the sound is satisfying and clear.
Treble
The Xtreme 4’s dual tweeters handle high frequencies with clarity and sparkle, adding a sense of width to the sound. That said, it’s still a one-box system, and while the treble benefits from stereo width, the Xtreme 4 sounds fairly mono-directional. For its intended purpose, this is more than adequate.
You can, again, use the JBL app to customise the sound and add more faux width; however, there is no escaping the mono-directionality aspect.
Overall, the Xtreme 4 knows exactly what it is – a portable, rugged speaker designed to perform well in real-world conditions, and it’s under no false illusions as to being anything greater.
Features and technology
AI audio enhancements
With advancements in AI, the Xtreme 4’s AI Soundboost works to optimise driver performance and enhance the dynamic range.
While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly how much AI contributes to the improved sound, there’s no denying the speaker feels crisper and tighter than its predecessor, the Xtreme 3. Whether it’s AI magic or refined engineering, the difference is noticeable and welcome.
Battery life and power
Battery life is one of the Xtreme 4’s most impressive features. To offer context, the Xtreme 3 had an impressive 15hrs of battery life.
As technology has developed, advancements in Li-ion batteries have allowed JBL to deliver a superb 24 hours of playback under optimal conditions, and in real-world usage, it holds up remarkably well.
With around 80% charge on receipt, I easily got over 12 hours of use with battery life to spare, suggesting JBL’s claim of 20+ hours is achievable with moderate use. For quick top-ups, the fast-charging feature allows for an additional two hours of playtime from just 10 minutes of charging.
Another excellent addition is the replaceable battery, which offers a new layer of flexibility. While the swappable battery is sold separately, it ensures the Xtreme 4 can be a long-term investment. This feature is particularly useful for extended trips or heavy use, where simply swapping out a dead battery for a fresh one keeps the music going without needing a power outlet.
Connectivity
The Xtreme 4 introduces Auracast, JBL’s next evolution in wireless speaker pairing. Building on the functionality of PartyBoost, Auracast allows you to connect the Xtreme 4 with other JBL speakers for expanded sound coverage. Whether you’re pairing two speakers for stereo sound or linking multiple devices for a larger setup, the process is seamless and straightforward.
One of the standout features is backward compatibility with PartyBoost-enabled speakers, so if you’ve already invested in JBL’s ecosystem, the Xtreme 4 fits right in. This thoughtful addition makes it easy to enhance your sound system without side-lining older devices.
Specifications
| Output power | 2 x 30W RMS woofers + 2 x 20W RMS tweeters (AC mode) 2 x 20W RMS woofers + 2 x 15W RMS tweeters (Battery mode) |
| Battery | Charging time: 3.5 hours Maximum playback time: 24 hours |
| Dimensions | 29.7 x 14.9 x 14.1 cm (11.69" x 5.87" x 5.55") |
| Weight | 2.1 kg (4.63 lbs) |
| Durability | IP67-rated (dustproof and waterproof) |
FAQs
How loud is the JBL Xtreme 4?
The JBL Xtreme 4 is loud enough for small to mid-sized gatherings. I reached around 98 dB, and there was still some mileage left in the volume sliders. The Xtreme 4 feels marginally louder than its predecessor – the Xtreme 3 but I can confirm it is substantially louder than my semi-retired Flip 5.
Is it OK to leave the JBL Xtreme 4 plugged in?
The Xtreme 4 is perfectly safe to use plugged in. Modern electronic products are designed with a ground connection in the power or USB cable, meaning the Li-ion battery inside will only draw power from the mains as needed. Think of it like a reservoir, refilling only when it gets low. While there are optimal charge percentages for Li-ion batteries to preserve long-term battery health, it’s not something to worry about for day-to-day use. It’s safe to use the speaker while it’s charging.
What is Auracast/PartyBoost?
Auracast is JBL’s latest wireless technology for connecting compatible speakers and pairing them for synchronised sound. PartyBoost, its predecessor, had certain limitations, such as a cap on the number of synced devices. Auracast improves on this by removing such restrictions and offering lower power consumption, meaning you can keep multiple speakers running for longer. Auracast currently supports the Xtreme 4, Clip 5, and Go 4, but it will be rolled out to future products in JBL’s line-up.
Final thoughts
The JBL Xtreme 4 truly excels where it counts: sound quality, durability, and real-world usability. While it’s clear this isn’t a hi-fi system, it makes no pretences about what it is – a robust and reliable portable speaker that can handle a wide variety of environments without compromising on performance.
What really stands out to me is JBL’s approach to its design. The Xtreme 4 feels like a product where durability, functionality, and sound quality all received equal attention at the R&D table. It’s built to survive the realities of life – be it a camping trip, a chalk-covered climbing wall, or even your dad’s sawdust-filled workshop – while still delivering sound that’s powerful, clear, and fun to listen to.
Can you find more powerful speakers? Sure, but they’re likely designed for indoor, stationary use, or an occasional jaunt out into the garden at best, and they won’t hold up to the rugged lifestyle the Xtreme 4 thrives in. This speaker isn’t trying to replace your bookshelf speakers or audiophile-grade equipment; it’s here to fill your world with music in places where those systems wouldn’t dare to go.
The biggest thing for me about the Xtreme 4 is its hassle-free nature. You don’t have to overthink it – if it gets muddy at the beach, splashed by the pool, or covered in sawdust, it’ll keep going without complaint. There is a certain peace of mind that comes with it. The fact that I do not need to worry about the speaker too much, means I can actually enjoy it.
To sum it all up, if you’re looking for a robust, long-lasting speaker that pairs great sound with unmatched durability, the JBL Xtreme 4 is a fantastic choice. Does this mean that you should abandon your Xtreme 3 or Charge or Flip speakers? Not necessarily. The Xtreme 4 marks the next generation of JBL Bluetooth speaker offerings while maintaining all the core tenants that made the predecessors great.
I’ve seen JBL speakers equally at home in living rooms, small commercial stores and masonry yards, so if the Xtreme is too big for your needs, I am certain that JBL will have an offering perfect for you, whether it’s the Charge 5 or the Flip 6 Or perhaps you want something to hook onto a backpack – check out the Clip 5 or Go 3 if so. For something more powerful, the Party Box 710 is an excellent choice.
The point is, JBL make a wide range of portable speakers for pretty much every scenario. And if you’re looking for the right one for you, I hope this JBL Xtreme 4 review has helped!
If you’re still unsure, we have written a handy guide on the best JBL Bluetooth speakers overall, which weighs up the pros and cons of each option. Alternatively, if you want something more substantial for use at home – offering both high-quality sound and flexibility – this list of our favourite active speakers may help you find a more refined solution for your home audio needs. For something more suited to garden parties, check out outdoor speakers guide.
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