JBL Xtreme 4 - Portable Waterproof Speaker - Black

Why it's worth it

The Xtreme 4 is the volume champion of this group, with two woofers, two tweeters and dual bass radiators behind a rated 24 hours of playtime. A padded shoulder strap and IP67 sealing make it the practical choice for beach days and backyard parties.

If you need to fill space, this is the one. RTINGS measured the Xtreme 4 at roughly 96.8 dB max SPL, the loudest mid-size portable in their outdoor test pool. That number translates to something simple: you can put it on a deck rail and everyone in the yard hears the music clearly, not just the people standing next to it.

The shoulder strap is the reason people actually bring it places. A four-and-a-half-pound speaker is annoying to carry by hand and easy to leave at home. Sling it crossbody and it stops being a decision. Owners talk about hauling it to boats, truck cabs and pool decks without thinking about it, and that's exactly the point of an outdoor speaker.

From our review of 8 waterproof outdoor bluetooth speakers, by Genevieve Dubois, Home & Living Expert

What we like

• +If you need to fill space, this is the one
• +The shoulder strap is the reason people actually bring it places
• +JBL rates it at 24 hours, with a Playtime Boost mode that trades some low end for another six
• +PartyBoost lets you chain it to other compatible JBL speakers

What to know

• –It's loud, not refined
• –The shape is awkward when it's not on your shoulder
• –It's front-firing, so aim matters