Looking for a speaker that can handle the elements? And we mean all the elements?
Then we’ve got you sorted. At the time of writing, here in the UK we have just emerged from a fifth heatwave and are looking at some long-awaited thunderstorms and showers.
And there’s one speaker we would choose to get us through these weather extremes: the JBL Xtreme 4, now at a new lowest price of £169 at Richer Sounds.
With an IP67 water- and dust-proof rating, the rugged Bluetooth speaker lives up to the ‘Xtreme’ part of its name. But the biggest reason we are fans of the Xtreme 4 is the sound, which is clear, detailed and refined.
For a speaker that can handle the elements as well as your music, the JBL Xtreme 4 is a top choice.
With a tough, wrap-around grille made from a combination of recycled plastic and fabric, the Xtreme 4 is waterproof and dustproof.
Beneath the rugged exterior, however, is also a hugely engaging and entertaining Bluetooth speaker.
“For such a chunky speaker it produces a fantastically refined sound,” our JBL Xtreme 4 review reads. “If you’re not used to the range it might even come as quite a surprise, but it really does work to the JBL’s benefit.
“It produces a wonderfully clear and consistent sound across tracks. Low frequencies are poised and punchy but don’t lack weight. Highs are crisp enough so they don’t feel rolled off.”
Do note that the Xtreme 4 has a power of 100W when mains powered, which drops to 80W when using the built-in battery. There are definite gains in scale and power when plugged in, but the speaker’s sonic character remains consistent even when unplugged.
The Xtreme 4 is similarly bulked out when it comes to features – Bluetooth 5.3 and Auracast are both on offer, while there are 24 hours of battery life available, stretching to 30 hours if you turn on Playtime Boost. The Xtreme 4 can also niftily function as a power bank if required.
If you want an even more invincible Bluetooth speaker, then the newer JBL Xtreme 5 adds drop-proof to its list of credentials, as well as a greater sonic presence and a newfound sense of clarity. You are, however, looking at £279 for the Xtreme 5 right now, so you’ll have to weigh up the extra £110 cost.
If you’re after value, the Xtreme 4 is the clear winner. So, for a great-sounding Bluetooth speaker that will survive both a rainy autumn and a scorching summer, check out the Award winner for £169 at Richer Sounds.
MORE:
Fancying an alternative? Read our Bose SoundLink Max review
Feeling loyal to JBL? Take a look at the JBL Charge 6
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