JBL has released their latest model Xtreme with the speaker Xtreme 4. Read the review of the new Xtreme 4 here and whether it is better to buy this or the JBL Xtreme 3.
Bram Veldt
The JBL Xtreme speakers have built a solid reputation over the years as a popular choice among consumers. This year, JBL is launching the Xtreme 4, the successor to the Xtreme 3 that was introduced in 2021 with a suggested retail price of € 299.99. Since then, the price has been reduced by $100, making it a more affordable option for potential buyers. However, the JBL Xtreme 4 has a higher suggested retail price tag of €349.99. Are you better off with the JBL Xtreme 3 or does the JBL Xtreme 4 offer more value for money? Read the review if you want to make a choice between the two models.
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Design
The JBL Xtreme 4 has dimensions of 29.7 cm x 15 cm x 14 cm and has a weight of 2.1 kilograms. So it is a fairly large box, but fortunately you get a handy shoulder strap to easily take the speaker with you. Attach this shoulder strap (also called a belt) to the rings on top of the box. The box contains the following:
• 1 x JBL Xtreme 4
• 1 x PD adapter (plug type varies by region)
• 1 x quick reference guide
• 1 x warranty card/safety sheet
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There are three buttons on top of the box: the on/off button, the Bluetooth button to connect the box and your smartphone/tablet via Bluetooth and the Auracast-knob. With Auracast you can connect this speaker to speakers from other brands that also support Auracast. By the way, you only have to press the Bluetooth button once to connect, after which your smartphone/tablet will recognize the Xtreme 4.
The speaker is available in three colors: blue, black and camo and does not differ in price. The box is rated IP67, so it is water and dust resistant. This would make it able to withstand a rain shower and even a splash in the water. Moreover, it can take a beating thanks to the rubber bumpers.
In my opinion, a downside to the design of the box are the gray speckled ends on both sides of the speaker. This makes it look like it is already somewhat damaged.
Sound
An advantage of this speaker is that, unlike the 15 hours of the Xtreme 3, it now has a playback time of 24 hours. An advanced AI algorithm optimizes the acoustic output level, resulting in more powerful and less distorted sound. With two woofers, two powerful drivers and dual pumping With JBL bass radiators you have a beautiful sound with deeper bass and refined details. The two good woofers provide good sound and the sound quality is also good if you want to turn on the box softly.
JBL Portable app
You can also connect your box with the JBL Portable app (for both Android and iOS). You can also use the equalizer. You can also turn on PlaytimeBoost in the app: this improves the sound and extends the playback time.
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Battery
The charging time of the box is about 3.5 hours. You can also use the box as a power bank by connecting it to your smartphone or tablet via a USB-C cable. You will need a separate USB-C to USB-C cable for this, which is not included. JBL does supply a power cable to charge the Xtreme 4.
Many companies are working to make their products and packaging as sustainable as possible. JBL scores very high in this area: the JBL Xtreme 4 has a replaceable battery. JBL has also used sustainable materials: the JBL Xtreme 4 is made of 80% post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) and the speaker grille consists of 70% PCR fabric.
Conclusion
All in all, we are very pleased with the new JBL Xtreme 4. The sound quality is good, it now has 24 hours of playback time (instead of the 15 hours of the battery. The biggest drawback is the (recommended) price: this means that people are less likely to buy it and perhaps opt for the Xtreme 3. It is also quite large and heavy, so it is less handy, but luckily JBL supplies a shoulder strap.
Watch our unboxing here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5lAf6foO5W/
JBL Xtreme 4
Recommended retail price: €349.99 euros
+ good sound quality
+ 24 hours play time
+ also functions as a power bank
+ replaceable battery
– recommended retail price
– difficult to carry without a shoulder strap
