I Was Disappointed With This Expensive Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Xtreme 4 is a large Bluetooth portable speaker equipped with a carrying strap. It boasts AI-driven sound boost technology, a replaceable battery quadrant, and an IP67 waterproof rating. With its rugged design, this speaker is a good choice for those who enjoy blasting music on the go. However, it comes with a serious price tag.

Price and Availability

The JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth portable speaker costs $379.95 and can be purchased from Amazon or the JBL website. It is available in Black, Blue, and Black Camo.

What’s in the Box?

JBL includes all the necessary materials to begin enjoying your music right away. Within the box, you will find the large Bluetooth speaker, a 59-inch USB-C charging cord (plug type will vary based on region), an adjustable carrying strap, a quick start guide, and a user manual.

The portable speaker itself is composed of recycled plastic and sports a rugged and textured design. It weighs 4.63 pounds and measures 11.69 x 5.87 x 5.55 inches. The buttons on the speaker itself include:

• Multi-speaker connection button
• Power button
• Bluetooth connectivity button
• Volume decrease button
• Pause/Play button
• Volume increase button

The front of the Bluetooth speaker has a charging level indicator light that displays the battery’s current charge level. Additionally, the JBL Xtreme 4 can be used as a power bank to charge devices on the go. The charging port is located on the back of the speaker.

Unique Features

The JBL Xtreme 4 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3. It is easy and quick to connect to with your smartphone and takes minimal time to begin enjoying music.

One of the most touted aspects of this device is its AI Sound Boost. This JBL feature allows artificial intelligence to optimize output while playing audio content. This active analysis allows the speaker to auto-adjust and produce optimal sound quality based on the type of music being played.

The addition of a long shoulder strap and anchoring points on the speaker is unique to this device, truly highlighting its usefulness on the go. The strap is made of recycled fabric and is sturdy with secure hooks.

A multi-speaker connection can be established with the Xtreme 4 through Auracast. This allows you to connect one source to multiple speakers and create a surround sound experience when desired. This feature pairs well with the JBL Portable app, which is available on iPhone and Android.

With a nod to more sustainable practices, the JBL Xtreme 4’s Li-ion polymer 68Wh battery is replaceable. This design feature helps offset the speaker’s significant cost, as the battery is often the first part of a portable speaker to break. With the JBL Xtreme 4, after prolonged use, if the battery is worn down, it can be replaced, and the unit can continue to provide music.

The JBL Xtreme 4 charges quickly to partial power as roughly 10 minutes of charging can garner up to two hours of music playtime. For a full charge, expect to wait approximately three and a half hours. JBL states this full charge will provide approximately 24 hours of active listening, depending on the volume utilized. I found this claim to be fairly accurate within an hour or so.

User Experience

With a price over $350, I expected impressive sound quality from the JBL Xtreme 4. I was left a bit disappointed. While the volume of this portable Bluetooth speaker could reach impressive heights, the depth of the music fell a bit flat.

The sound was on par with previous iterations of the portable speaker line, such as the JBL Xtreme 3. With the new AI Sound Boost, I hoped to notice a significant improvement, but that was not the case.

On a positive note, the construction of this portable speaker, the replaceable battery, and the carrying strap all point towards quality and the end goal of longevity for this device. While the price point is high, there is an emphasis on the use of quality eco-friendly materials and the ability to extend the life of the device. If you are willing to pay a bit more for a portable Bluetooth speaker that will last longer than most, this may be the best choice.

Drawbacks to Consider

While the JBL Xtreme 4 is certified as IP67 water- and dust-resistant, it is not impervious to salt water or chlorine. This certification indicates that the speaker is waterproof if submerged up to 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. However, JBL does recommend that you rinse off the speaker if it is exposed to salt water or water with chlorine.

If the speaker detects contamination in one of the ports, it will flash and not operate properly until cleaned. Other speakers similar to this typically have covers to help dispel this problem, but the Xtreme 4 does not. This made it easy to contaminate the charging port accidentally.

The JBL Xtreme 4 fell a bit short when compared with other similar portable Bluetooth speakers on the market. For example, the Soundcore Boom 2 is a portable Bluetooth speaker of similar size, is also waterproof, and has a carrying handle. In my opinion, it provides more depth of sound, has a sleeker design, and is priced at only $129.99. For those reasons, I would choose the Soundcore Boom 2 over the JBL Xtreme 4 and save almost $250 in the process.

Should You Buy the JBL Xtreme 4?

If you value sustainability and eco-conscious construction, the JBL Xtreme 4 may be the best large portable Bluetooth speaker for you. However, alternative options on the market at a much lower price point perform better overall. While the AI aspect is a cool way to integrate burgeoning technology, and the carrying strap is convenient, those perks do not justify the price and sound quality experience for users. Save some money and opt for a similar portable speaker like the Soundcore Boom 2.

JBL Xtreme 4

The JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth speaker provides music aficionados the ability to enjoy their music on the go. With a portable strap and waterproof construction, it is a rugged speaker ready to go your next adventure.