JBL Xtreme 3 vs Charge 5 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Bluetooth Speaker, Speaker

JBL Xtreme 3 & Charge 5 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as sound quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the JBL Xtreme 3 rather than the JBL Charge 5. 

Why Do I Recommend The JBL Xtreme 3

  • The JBL Xtreme 3 delivers 100W total power with dual woofers and tweeters, for louder, clearer, and more immersive stereo sound compared to the JBL Charge 5’s 40W mono output.
  • JBL Xtreme 3 features dedicated left and right tweeters for providing enhanced stereo separation & a more natural listening experience without needing another speaker, while the Charge 5 plays in mono.
  • It includes two larger passive bass radiators and bigger woofers, which produce richer, punchier, and more resonant bass, than the Charge 5’s single passive radiator.
  • The JBL Xtreme 3 offers more in-depth EQ customization via the JBL Portable App for fine-tuned adjustments to bass, mids, treble & personalized listening experience beyond, while the Charge 5 provides basic EQ customization.
  • The Xtreme 3 includes a 3.5mm AUX port, which allows wired connections to devices for higher-quality audio playback without Bluetooth latency, while the Charge 5 does not include a 3.5mm AUX port
  • It offers lower latency to ensure better synchronization with video and gaming content, compared to the Charge 5.
  • The JBL Xtreme 3 offers USB-C fast charging to fully charge in about 2.5 hours, while the Charge 5 takes around 4 hours.

Maybe the JBL Charge 5 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the JBL Xtreme 3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

.

Side By Side Comparison

Feature JBL Xtreme 3 JBL Charge 5
Speaker Configuration 2 woofers + 2 tweeters 1 woofer + 1 tweeter
Bass Radiators Dual passive radiators Single passive radiator
Audio Performance More powerful, deep bass, wider soundstage Balanced sound, moderate bass
Wireless Range Longer range Standard range
Stereo Separation Yes No
Latency Performance Lower latency for video/audio sync Slightly higher latency
EQ Customization More customizable via app Limited customization
Charging Time ~2.5 hours ~4 hours
Carrying Strap Yes (included) No
Volume Output Louder, better for large spaces Moderate
Build Quality More rugged Less durable
Dimensions 298.5 x 136 x 134 mm 223 x 96.5 x 94 mm
Weight 1.97 kg 0.96 kg
Price Check Xtreme 3 Price Check Charge 5 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Water & Dust Resistance: Both speakers feature IP67 certification, which means they are fully waterproof and dustproof. This makes them suitable for outdoor use, beach trips, pool parties, and even extreme environments. You can submerge both speakers in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without any damage.
  • Bluetooth: Both the JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5 use Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring stronger connectivity, reduced latency, and improved power efficiency. This also helps in maintaining a stable connection up to 10 meters (33 feet), allowing you to move around freely without signal drops.
  •  JBL PartyBoost: Both speakers support JBL PartyBoost, which allows you to connect multiple JBL-compatible speakers for a synchronized, louder sound experience. This feature is ideal for parties and larger gatherings, where you can pair two or more speakers for a stereo or multi-speaker setup.
  • USB-C Charging: Both models use USB-C charging, which enables faster and more efficient charging compared to older micro-USB ports. This means less time plugged in and more time playing music.
  •  Power Bank Functionality: Each speaker has a built-in power bank, allowing you to charge your devices via USB. This is especially useful when you’re on the go and need to charge a smartphone or other small electronics. The JBL Charge 5 has a USB-A output for power bank functionality, while the Xtreme 3 uses USB-C.
  •  Wireless Range: Both speakers offer a wireless Bluetooth range of up to 10 meters (33 feet), ensuring a strong and stable connection whether you’re indoors or outdoors.
  •  Portable Bluetooth: Both speakers are portable and designed for outdoor use, featuring rugged builds with rubberized exteriors for durability. While the Xtreme 3 is larger, both are designed to be easy to carry and handle.
  •  JBL Bass Radiator Technology: Both models feature JBL’s passive bass radiators, which improve low-end frequencies for a more powerful and dynamic bass experience.
  •  Rugged & Durable:  Both the JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5 are designed to withstand rough conditions, featuring reinforced materials and rubberized housing for added durability. This makes them ideal for hiking, camping, and beach outings.
  • JBL Portable App: Both speakers are compatible with the JBL Portable app, which allows EQ adjustments, firmware updates, and PartyBoost pairing.
  • Color Variants: Both speakers are available in multiple colors, including Black, Blue, Red, Squad (Camo), and other special editions, allowing users to pick a style that suits their preference.
  •  Auto Power Off Feature: Both the JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5 include an auto power-off feature, which helps preserve battery life when the speaker is inactive for a certain period.

Common Features

Feature JBL Xtreme 3 JBL Charge 5
Brand JBL JBL
Water & Dust Resistance IP67 IP67
Bluetooth Version 5.1 5.1
PartyBoost Mode Yes Yes
USB-C Charging Yes Yes
Power Bank Feature Yes Yes
Wireless Range Up to 10m Up to 10m
Speaker Type Portable Bluetooth Speaker Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Bass Radiators Yes Yes
Durability Rugged and durable build Rugged and durable build
App Compatibility JBL Portable App JBL Portable App
Color Variants Multiple colors available Multiple colors available
Auto Power Off Yes Yes
Price Check Xtreme 3 Price Check Charge 5 Price

FAQ

Is the JBL Xtreme 3 louder than the JBL Charge 5?
Yes, the JBL Xtreme 3 is significantly louder than the JBL Charge 5. With a total power output of 100W (two woofers and two tweeters), it produces more volume and deeper bass. The Charge 5, with a 40W output, is still powerful for its size but cannot match the loudness and sound depth of the Xtreme 3.

Does the JBL Charge 5 or Xtreme 3 have better bass?
The JBL Xtreme 3 has better bass performance due to its dual passive radiators and more powerful woofers. The Charge 5 has good bass for its size, but the Xtreme 3 produces deeper and more impactful low-end frequencies, making it the better choice for bass lovers.

Are both the JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5 waterproof?
Yes, both the JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5 have an IP67 rating, which makes them fully waterproof and dustproof. They can be submerged in water up to one meter deep for 30 minutes without damage, making them great choices for outdoor and poolside use.

Can the JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5 be used as power banks?
Yes, both models have a built-in power bank feature that allows them to charge other devices. The JBL Xtreme 3 uses a USB-C port, while the Charge 5 includes both a USB-C and a USB-A output for charging.

Which speaker has a longer battery life, JBL Xtreme 3 or Charge 5?
The JBL Charge 5 has a longer battery life, lasting up to 20 hours on a full charge, while the JBL Xtreme 3 lasts up to 15 hours. However, battery life varies based on volume levels and usage conditions.

Does the JBL Xtreme 3 or Charge 5 support PartyBoost?
Yes, both the JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5 support JBL’s PartyBoost feature, which allows multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers to connect wirelessly for an enhanced sound experience.

Can the JBL Charge 5 play in stereo mode like the Xtreme 3?
No, the JBL Charge 5 plays in mono by default unless paired with another Charge 5 for stereo mode. The JBL Xtreme 3, on the other hand, has dedicated stereo separation with dual tweeters, making it the better choice for true stereo sound.

Do the JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5 have built-in voice assistants?
No, neither the JBL Xtreme 3 nor the Charge 5 has built-in voice assistant integration. They do not support Google Assistant or Alexa directly, but you can use them with a connected device that has voice assistant functionality.

Which speaker is more portable, JBL Xtreme 3 or JBL Charge 5?
The JBL Charge 5 is more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight. The JBL Xtreme 3 is bulkier but comes with a carrying strap, making it easier to transport despite its larger size.

Can both speakers connect to multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, both the JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5 support multi-device Bluetooth pairing, allowing them to connect to two devices simultaneously. This makes it easy to switch between music sources without disconnecting and reconnecting.

Do the JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5 support wired connections?
The JBL Xtreme 3 has a 3.5mm AUX input for wired connections, but the JBL Charge 5 does not. If you need to connect a device via a wired connection, the Xtreme 3 is the better choice.

How long does it take to charge the JBL Xtreme 3 and Charge 5?
The JBL Xtreme 3 takes approximately 2.5 hours to fully charge, while the JBL Charge 5 takes around 4 hours. Both use USB-C fast charging technology for quicker power-ups.

Which speaker offers better overall sound quality, JBL Xtreme 3 or Charge 5?
The JBL Xtreme 3 offers better overall sound quality due to its higher power output, dual tweeters, and stereo separation. It provides a more immersive sound experience with deeper bass and a wider soundstage compared to the Charge 5.

Is the JBL Charge 5 a good alternative to the JBL Xtreme 3?
Yes, the JBL Charge 5 is a good alternative if you want a smaller, more affordable speaker with great sound and long battery life. However, if you prioritize louder volume, deeper bass, and stereo sound, the JBL Xtreme 3 is the better option.

Leave a Reply