JBL's Xtreme series has long been the benchmark for users who demand uncompromising volume and deep bass, while still wanting a speaker that's relatively portable. The new generation, dubbed the JBL Xtreme 5, takes this concept to a whole new level. It brings fundamental changes to the acoustic architecture, implements artificial intelligence, adds impressive backlighting, and increases overall durability. Let's take a closer look at what this portable monster has to offer and whether it's worth upgrading from previous generations.
Design, construction and ecological impact
At first glance, the JBL Xtreme 5 retains its iconic cylindrical shape, but upon closer inspection, you'll notice that the speaker has grown noticeably. With dimensions of 346 x 165 x 155 mm and a net weight of 2,9 kg, it's a serious piece of hardware. For easier handling, the speaker is equipped with a practical shoulder strap with flexible handles that ensure balance even during vigorous movement. It also comes with a bottle opener. So this piece is perfect for garden parties.
An all-new visual element is the ambient edge lighting. This not only pulsates and changes color themes to the rhythm of the music being played, but also serves as a smart visual indicator, providing the user with clear information about the power status, Bluetooth pairing process, remaining battery capacity or activation of the Auracast™ function.
In terms of durability, the JBL Xtreme 5 is not afraid of almost anything, as it boasts IP68 certification. You can take it to the pool, to the sandy beach or to more demanding terrain without any worries. The approach to the environment is also commendable, as the speaker uses recycled plastics and textiles (without PVC) and even the speaker magnet itself is made of recycled materials. The packaging itself is also environmentally friendly, relying on FSC-certified paper and soy ink printing. The speaker is available in black, blue and camouflage variahere.
Sound performance: Subwoofer and the power of AI
The most significant upgrade has been the sound equipment of the Xtreme 5. The manufacturer has abandoned the traditional two-woofer setup and instead installed one massive subwoofer measuring 98 x 145 mm, which is complemented by a pair of 20 mm tweeters. The total RMS power of the device has thus risen to a respectable 130 W when powered from the mains (90 W for the woofer and 2x 20 W for the tweeters). When operating on battery power, the power is reduced to 90 W (60 W woofer + 2x 15 W tweeters) to save energy, but it is still a tremendous power. The frequency response is 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
The big technological innovation is the deployment of AI Sound Boost. This feature analyzes the music being played in real time and intelligently optimizes the sound output. As a result, even if you "salt" the speaker to maximum (I don't recommend it in an apartment), the bass remains deep and booming, while the treble remains crystal clear without unwanted distortion. The listening experience is further enhanced by the Smart EQ mode, which again uses artificial intelligence to automatically adjust the equalizer depending on whether you're listening to music or podcasts.
Audiofily will be thrilled with the support for lossless playback (Lossless Audio). So, if you connect a source device to the JBL Xtreme 5 via the USB-C port and use compatible content from supported streaming services, you can enjoy music in its purest form with maxwith an impeccable level of detail.
As a big bass lover, I consider this model to be the best in the affordable category. The bass is dense and the sound is clear at any volume. If you have a good ear and a little "hands" on adjusting the equalizer, you can get this piece of music to your liking. However, I limited myself to the preset modes in the app.
Battery and endurance of a marathon runner
Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a massive 68 Wh capacity (equivalent to 9444 mAh at 7,2 V), the speaker can play continuously for up to 24 hours. If that doesn't work for you, nestWell, the app offers a Playtime Boost mode, which slightly adjusts the sound profile to save power, but adds another 4 hours of listening time, bringing the total to 28 hours.
A full charge of the battery takes approximately 3,5 hours. In emergency situations, however, quick charging comes in handy, as just 10 minutes on a compatible charger will provide another 2 hours of playback. A huge advantage for the long-term sustainability of the product is the fact that the battery is user-replaceable. This is exactly the same type of battery that was used in the previous generation Xtreme 4.
The speaker also functions as a power bank, so you can charge your mobile phone or other electronics directly while playing via the USB-C interface.
Koneactivity: Bluetooth 6.0 and Auracast™
The JBL Xtreme 5 is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 6.0 standard with support for A2DP 1.4 and AVRCP 1.6 profiles. This ensures an extremely stable connection and supports modern audio formats such as SBC, AAC and LC3.
For larger parties or open spaces, Auracast™ technology is available. It replaces the older PartyBoost system and allows you to wirelessly connect an unlimited number of compatible speakers into one massive wall of sound. Two identical speakers can also be paired in classic stereo mode. A great addition to home parties is also the compatibility with a wireless microphone.onem JBL EasySing Mic Mini, thanks to which you can turn the Xtreme 5 into karaoke in an instant.
All settings are made via the easy-to-use JBL Portable mobile app, which includes a full-featured equalizer, a choice of ambient lighting color themes, and a firmware update tool.
Generation comparison: Xtreme 4 vs. Xtreme 5
If you're hesitating whether the switch from the fourth generation is worth it, here's a quick summary of the most important differences:
- Dimensions and weight:The Xtreme 5 is noticeably wider (34,6 cm vs. 29,7 cm) and heavier (2,9 kg vs. 2,1 kg).
- Performance and sound:The fifth generation increases RMS power from 100 W to 130 W and completely changes the driver architecture - instead of two smaller woofers, there is one large subwoofer supplemented by two tweeters.
- Endurance:The protection has improved from IP67 to the absolute top of IP68.
- KoneActivity and Hi-Fi:The Xtreme 5 features the newer Bluetooth 6.0 (compared to 5.3) and is the first in the line to offer lossless playback via a USB-C cable.
- Battery:24+4 hour battery life remains, as does the identical JBL replaceable battery Battery 400.
Final evaluation
The JBL Xtreme 5 is more than just a minor cosmetic upgrade. It is a robust and technologically advanced speaker that, thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence, a new subwoofer and a significant 130 W of power, offers one of the best audio experiences in its class. IP68 resistance, long battery life with a replaceable battery and innovations in the form of ambient backlighting or lossless USB-C audio make it the perfect companion for both at home and the wildest outdoor party. If you forgive its larger dimensions and weight and try out the quality that is "just right" for you, you will be amazed by the quality.onese", it is a great speaker. Its price is 8590 crowns.
Quality or "Randomness"? For most people who buy this category of wireless speakers, the more the dozen, the higher the quality. Unfortunately, this also applies to reviewers.
But that's not true. I don't think the Extreme series has any competition in the portable wireless speaker category. And it's not a big deal at all, the sound is thick..😏
Leošek will surely be happy to tell us exactly what wireless speaker of this size and price category doesn't make a fuss and plays well.
I have the extreme 4. And all the "new features" you describe are also in the 4. AI controlled sound, IP68, apart from the backlight and the increase in power from 100 to 120W, basically nothing has changed 😁