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Bose SoundLink Plus vs JBL Xtreme 4: Which speaker hits harder?
July 9, 2025
The Bose SoundLink Plus and JBL Xtreme 4 are both capable, outdoor-ready Bluetooth speakers built for everything from beach days to backyard BBQs. But before you pick one, it’s worth knowing the key differences in hardware and performance. I’ve spent time with both, so here’s how they stack up in this Bose SoundLink Plus vs JBL Xtreme 4 comparison.
This article was published on July 9th, 2025, and is the first version.
What’s it like to use the Bose SoundLink Plus compared to the JBL Xtreme 4?
The Bose SoundLink Plus and JBL Xtreme 4 are both a bit larger than your average portable Bluetooth speaker. They’ll still fit in a backpack, but they’re bulkier than something like the SoundLink Flex or Charge 6. The SoundLink Plus is the smaller and lighter of the two, weighing about 3.4 pounds, while the Xtreme 4 is larger at just over 4.5 pounds. With the Bose, you get a rope loop as a carrying attachment, but the Xtreme 4 sports an adjustable shoulder strap, complete with a bottle opener.
Both speakers are built for the outdoors, with an IP67 rating that makes them dustproof and waterproof. But there are some key differences under the hood. The SoundLink Plus is a mono speaker, while the Xtreme 4 delivers stereo playback, as best it can in a compact enclosure. It also pushes more wattage, so if you’re after volume and bass response for larger gatherings rather than when it’s just you and a few friends, the Xtreme 4 takes the lead.
How do you control the Bose SoundLink Plus and JBL Xtreme 4?
Both the Bose SoundLink and JBL Xtreme 4 operate via physical controls found on top of the speakers’ enclosures. Below is a breakdown of how they operate.
Bose SoundLink Plus
| Action | Power button | Bluetooth button | Shortcut button | Volume - | Play / Pause button | Volume + |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action Press 1x | Power button Power on / off | Bluetooth button Cycle through device list | Shortcut button Access assigned shortcut (Spotify Tap, Speaker link, Aux-in) | Volume - Volume down | Play / Pause button Play / pause | Volume + Volume up |
| Action Press 2x | Power button | Bluetooth button | Shortcut button | Volume - | Play / Pause button Skip track | Volume + |
| Action Press 3x | Power button | Bluetooth button | Shortcut button | Volume - | Play / Pause button Previous track | Volume + |
| Action Press and hold | Power button | Bluetooth button Enter pairing mode | Shortcut button | Volume - Rapid volume down | Play / Pause button | Volume + Rapid volume up |
JBL Xtreme 4
| Action | Power button | Bluetooth button | Auracast button | Play button | Volume + | Volume - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action 1x press | Power button Turn on device | Bluetooth button Enter pairing mode | Auracast button Pair with other JBL Auracast supported speakers | Play button Play / Pause | Volume + Volume up | Volume - Volume down |
| Action 2x presses | Power button | Bluetooth button | Auracast button | Play button Next track | Volume + | Volume - |
| Action 3x presses | Power button | Bluetooth button | Auracast button | Play button Previous track | Volume + | Volume - |
Should you use the apps of either Bose SoundLink Plus or JBL Xtreme 4?
The Bose app and the JBL Portable app cover the basics. Both offer EQ tuning, stereo or party pairing, firmware updates, and Bluetooth multipoint. Bose adds a few extra touches, like auto-off timers, voice prompt settings, and SimpleSync support if you’re already in the Bose ecosystem.
When it comes to EQ control, though, JBL pulls ahead. The SoundLink Plus gives you a super basic 3-band EQ with bass, mids, treble adjustments, and a couple of presets. The Xtreme 4 offers a 5-band EQ, meaning you can shape your sound more. Whether you’re boosting the low end or cutting harsh highs, JBL simply gives you more flexibility.
How do the Bose SoundLink Plus and JBL Xtreme 4 connect?
There are some key differences to note here as well. The SoundLink Plus connects via Bluetooth 5.4, while the Xtreme 4, being a bit older, still uses Bluetooth 5.3. That is not a big deal in day-to-day use since both offer a stable connection, but the real difference is in codec support.
The SoundLink Plus supports SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive. If you are using a Snapdragon device, it will automatically default to aptX. Additionally, you can charge your phone from its USB-C port.
The Xtreme 4, on the other hand, only supports SBC. Personally, I don’t think that is a huge deal. These speakers are not built for critical listening, and you may not even notice the difference with higher bitrate audio. That kind of detail matters more with over-ear headphones.
Is battery life better on the Bose SoundLink Plus or JBL Xtreme 4?
In our testing at a steady 80dB volume, the Bose SoundLink Plus lasted 20 hours and 55 minutes, which is a bit above Bose’s 20-hour battery claim.
The Xtreme 4 advertises up to 24 hours of battery life, but our battery tests are still ongoing, so check back soon for official results. However, the Xtreme 4 has a party trick up its sleeve. It offers swappable battery packs. If you’re going off-grid and want to keep the party going well into the night, you can pick up a second battery from JBL to avoid the ultimate party foul of letting your speaker die.
Does the Bose SoundLink Plus sound better than the JBL Xtreme 4?
While the Bose SoundLink Plus and JBL Xtreme 4 both sound great, they offer different listening experiences and suit different use cases.
The SoundLink Plus, being the smaller mono unit, is better suited for personal listening or hanging out with a small group of friends. It’s not a window rattler. It shares a similar sound profile to the rest of the Bose SoundLink lineup, with enhanced bass and treble but recessed midrange. This means you get decent low-end presence and treble clarity, but instruments like guitars and snare drums tend to take a back seat in your mix.
The JBL Xtreme 4, on the other hand, is the higher-wattage unit and offers stereo playback, so it gets much louder and delivers a noticeably stronger bass response than the SoundLink Plus. Now you’re getting closer to window-rattling territory. If you want to hear the steady pulse of your favorite EDM tracks no matter what, or you’ll mostly be listening with a large group of friends or outdoors where you need to cut through the sounds of nature, the Xtreme 4 is the way to go.
Should you get the Bose SoundLink Plus or JBL Xtreme 4?
No need to overthink this one. Both are great speakers, but they are tuned for different kinds of listeners. Pick the one that matches your vibe.
If you mostly listen solo or with a few friends and want something that sounds great without shaking the walls, the Bose SoundLink Plus is the better pick. It’s more portable, sounds great, and fits right into smaller gatherings at home, the beach, or a rainy camping trip.
But if you’re after volume, bass, and something that can keep the energy up at a party, especially outdoors, the JBL Xtreme 4 is the one to go with. It gets louder, hits harder with better bass response, and its swappable battery means the music doesn’t have to stop.
What should you get instead of the Bose SoundLink Plus and JBL Xtreme 4?
If you like the SoundLink Plus but it’s over your budget, consider the more affordable JBL Charge 6 ($199.95 at Amazon). It shares many of the same features, like a durable build and USB-C charge out, but its 7-band EQ adds a more customizable sound. Check out my video on the Charge 6 above to learn more.
Alternatively, if you want the boom of the JBL Xtreme 4 but it doesn’t quite fit your budget, consider the Soundcore Boom 2. This durable speaker offers 80W of output and stereo performance and brings a little something extra to your next gathering with its built-in lights on the passive radiators. You can snag one for $89.99 at Amazon.