Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is my third portable Bluetooth speaker by JBL, the other two being the Flip 4's shown in the picture as well. I bought this one after being very happy with the two Flips, and very impressed with their quality of sound, versatility, utility, convenience, and ruggedness. The Xtreme 2 is all of that, in a bigger package with more features! I was expecting it to be a little bit louder (and the volume isn't as loud unplugged as it is plugged in), but it still rocks out. Beautiful sound quality once again, with pretty impressive range, and nice clear bass sound that doesn't overpower the mids and highs. When paired up with my two Flips it's even better and more dynamic, plus i can put these speakers anywhere creating a kind of surround sound. Pretty cool. JBL says you can't pair more than two speakers together in Stereo Mode, but I found that if you get the two smaller speakers playing in Stereo Mode and only then power up the Xtreme, and then press the Connect+ button it'll start playing, while the other two remain in Stereo Mode, essentially as a center channel. Pretty cool, and the sound is wonderful! Much better than having them all in Party Mode. Unfortunately when done in this backdoor manner the Xtreme 2 doesn't show up in the Connect+ app, but that's not really a big deal. I'm hopeful that JBL will incorporate that feature in future updates of the Connect+ app. Ideally I would like the ability to assign left, right, or center channel to each individual speaker. The Connect+ app is the weak spot of these products. It's not very user friendly, sometimes unclear, and doesn't have many features. Along with adding Stereo Mode for more than two speakers, an EQ, and a volume control and indicator in the app would be really helpful. But the app alone isn't enough to sour me on these speakers. Hell, I've just recently ordered a Pulse 3 to add to the mix, and can't wait to see what it adds to this system. Overall these products are nothing short of excellent! I can set them up in my home as a system, or take one, two, or all three with me on the go! I haven't tested the waterproof of the Xtreme 2, but I have seen videos of them submerged in water, or floating in a pool, and i have had one of my Flips out on my kayak where it's been drenched and kept right on playing, so I do have full confidence that this one is just as durable. All of them, including the Xtreme 2 with its carry strap, are super potable and convenient. I envision adding another Xtreme 2 to my collection in the future, especially if JBL improves the app. In the meantime I'm looking forward to adding that Pulse 3 to the mix, and maybe another...