Today we are going to carry out the analysis of a new JBL portable speaker, one more bet of the American brand within the sector. We recently focused on one of the latest launches of the firm, the JBL Pulse 4 , and the truth is that we were quite surprised. Now we have to learn more about another of the devices in the latest range, the JBL Xtreme 3 . This mid-size speaker is one of the most prominent due to its great commitment to sound and design. What do you have to offer us? Read on to find out .

A design according to the line: JBL Xtreme 3, video analysis of this JBL speaker

Like the vast majority of devices, not only from the JBL brand, but from the rest of the competition, the design of the JBL Xtreme 3 is somewhat repetitive. This does not mean that it is not useful, because what has become clear to us is that these types of devices are in high demand and end up being the most chosen. The use for which this speaker is intended is to place it in a place where conditions are not going to spoil the moment.

This device has synthetic materials, such as the mythical stringing and the silicone grip on the bottom and sides that give it IP67 protection against water and dust. In addition, we can also use it hanging around the neck through the strap that is incorporated, and that has a built-in bottle opener. Its size is not at all abusive, even being one of the largest in its range. They are 29 x 13.6 x 13.4 cm and weigh a little less than two kilos , the truth is that it is not uncomfortable to transport or place and that is a great point in its favor.

The layout of the buttons is the most common within the brand, at the top those for power, bluetooth, Partyboost mode, start and pause, and volume up and down. On the back are the connectors and on the front, the logo of the brand next to the pilot that informs us of the status of the speaker in terms of power and battery. The sides are really attractive , with the brand’s own exclamations that move as they emit the sound. The last thing we have to add are the available colors , and in this case they are blue, black, and the one we have, military camouflage.

Clear improvement in sound

If we compare the sound performance of the JBL Xtreme 3 with those of other devices of the brand, or of the competition, we can notice a clear improvement. However, it must be admitted that the results have impressed us less than we expected due to problems such as a clear difference in sound depending on the angles. We understand that this is a common problem in this type of speaker, but it is still uncomfortable due to the fact of having to move the device. But even with these issues, the speaker is still a technical marvel for its aural build and design.

It has 50 W of power, an aspect that could be improved since it is not much different from smaller speakers. It has four drivers well distributed throughout the body , as well as two passive radiators designed by the JBL brand itself. This bet makes power something we should not worry about excessively, as well as coverage of all sound ranges, from the highest to the lowest. And if there is something we must concede to this portable speaker, it is that it is one of the best considering the size and price range.

Basic connectivity

The connections handled by the JBL Xtreme 3 are the same as most speakers of this type. As a wireless connection it has the Bluetooth 5.1 and, in addition, as cable connections it has the USB type A and type C , as well as the 3.5 mm minijack . In general, it is a very basic connectivity but at the same time very efficient. You really don’t need anything else to make use of a portable speaker with which you want the most comfort. In the end, what we are going to use the most is always bluetooth and even so, we have the rest of the connectors in case we need them at some point.

As an extra, as in the vast majority of JBL brand devices, we have the Partyboost mode . This allows us to connect several compatible speakers of the firm so that they emit the sounds simultaneously so we can make the party much bigger.

Disappointing on its battery

If we have to highlight a point where this speaker has not convinced us at all, it is its battery. According to the manufacturer, the duration is about 15 hours, but as it usually happens in tests, when push comes to shove it is somewhat less. This represents a considerable drop compared to the stacks of inferior models in price of the same brand . Considering its size, we expected the durability to be superior. Even so, it is clear that we are rarely going to make such continuous use of the device, but it forces us to be much more aware and can become uncomfortable.

However, even at this point there are two aspects to highlight; The first is that it has its own full charger , so we will not have to share the plug module with any other device. The second, which allows sharing its battery with the devices that are connected to it, acting as a portable battery. Although we must bear in mind that its duration will decrease even more.

JBL Xtreme 3 Features

JBL Xtreme 3 availability and price

In short, the JBL Xtreme 3 is a very correct portable speaker. It stands out in some things, while in others it has left us with a bittersweet taste. However, even taking into account those small errors that we have detected, it is a device that is well above the average of its price range. We know the American brand well and we are used to the best of the best and a more important bet in design and battery we would have loved it. Even so, this is still a device that we liked a lot and for this reason we awarded it the Silver GizAward .