The JBL Xtreme 2 is finally here! And for the most part the JBL Xtreme 2 is a refined JBL Xtreme. And over all the JBL Xtreme 2 is a good speaker... but personally I did expect a little more. Even though the JBL Xtreme 2 sounds better, has an IPX7 certification, and JBL Connect Plus I would have liked if the JBL Xtreme 2 had a better battery life, an out doors mode button like the JBL Boombox, and maybe even quick charging.
While we wait for the JBL Xtreme 2 to get here, I thought we should take a look at the new JBL clip 3 since it was announced alongside the JBL Xtreme 2. And to be honest, the JBL Clip 3 impressed me right out of the box. The clip 3 sounds better and has a better battery life than the out going JBL clip2. Obviously the Clip 3 is no flip 4, but the Clip 3 is a good little ultra portable speaker for the price.
The Sony XB41 is a very welcomed improvement over the Sony XB40. The Sony XB41 looks much better than the XB40 and its also much more durable. For the type of music I listen to I think the Sony XB41 sounds better than the JBL Xtreme. Although the JBL Xtreme 2 is right around the corner, I think the Sony XB41 is strong contender for this years best improved award.
Sony is clearly coming after JBL with their new XB21 XB31 and XB41 portable bluetooth speakers. The new Sony XB31 in particular is almost better than the JBL Pulse 3 and JBL Charge 3. The XB31 sounds great, has a decent battery, and its now more durable than the other 2 JBL Speakers. Don't get me wrong, I love my JBL Pulse 3... But for most people I think they will be better off with Sony XB31.
I've always really like the Sony XB30, and now theres the Sony XB31. The Sony XB31 isn't entirely new but its a much tougher and much more refined Sony XB30. Although both the Sony XB31 and Sony XB30 sound exactly the same, the XB31 looks much better and its much more durable than the out going Sony XB30.
