Great review/comparison! That was awesome! However, my "real world" experience with the Sony XB-43's battery life is far better than 5 hours. I use it on a daily basis, always in "extra bass" mode, with volume varying from 30-80% with an average of approximately 60%, and usually with the lights on and the battery lasts for days. After watching your video, I decided to test mine, just out of curiosity. I was honestly surprised by the result... I ran it in 4 hour intervals, lights on, at 60% volume, with approximately 20 hours between intervals. At the end of the 1st 4 hours, the battery was at 70%. End of 2nd 4 hours, battery was at 50%. End of 3rd 4 hours, battery was at 20%. I got the "please charge" notification 48 minutes into the 4th interval, and the speaker shut down 51 minutes later, at 1:39 (1hr 39min) into the 4th interval. For a total time of 13 hours and 39 minutes over a 4 day period. Now, that being said, I know there are a million different variables that can change the functionality of the battery. Such as heat, humidity, age and the number of charge cycles of the battery, variations in manufacturing, differences in music and audio quality, Bluetooth connectivity, and even the device being used to play the audio. In other words, my test was VARY unscientific with countless uncontrolled variables. If I can find a way to test it at 80% volume without the neighbors calling the police, I would love to see what kind of difference that would make. Lol

The extreme 3 looks like it came from another world but the Sony looks like it's from the future

I agree, I have the XB43 and I does have me wanting more out of it but I knew that I prefer sound quality over loudness especially for for a speaker meant for small get togethers and not a PA speaker meant for a medium sized room! This is a great and unbiased review!

I have an older Bose Soundlink and I wanted to get something better. After seeing this video and others, I decided to go with the Sony. I will tell you that the Sony has so much more depth (front to back) with the reverb as well as more top end providing a more open sound over the Bose. Of course the Sony is much larger, and heavier (bigger speaker with magnets which add weight as well but its well worth it). Sony is stereo with a left right speakers, two tweeters and and the sub. I also like that the bluetooth option provides an option of a higher quality connection LDAC, aptX HD codec. I turned off the annoying blinking lights. Sure that might be for when your in the dark or something, but it will take away from battery life and can be distracting. The most important thing to me is the quality of the sound. Not too boomy bass and a good balance. On the sound examples of the JBL, it does sound nice, but I prefer the more open sound of the Sony. I purchased the Sony just under $200 and I prefer its sound to I am good. All in all, I highly recommend the Sony. Thanks for the video.

You with what you like. Sound is a preference for people. It's like looking at colors everyone sees it differently same with sound. Everyone hears differently.

I had sony xb43 3months now,the quality sound is so great,clearer and very relaxing in d ears even the fullest volume. The sound is so nive to be heard. I used it everyday in 90%volume and the battery is incredible it gives you playing longer in 20hrs-hrs imagine that

I was immediately alienated from Sony just based on sound reviews on youtube, listening through my ipad. JBl sounded so much better. Until I came into the store and had a test drive.. you can’t really do it justice, unless you listen in person. Such full, clean, ambient sound that wraps you all around. It really does feel as if there’s a concert happening in your backyard. A really good one. JBL sounds like it’s playing from a canister. And I’ve got just the small XB23. The XB43 was mindblowing, great if you’re having parties on the beach with 50+ person crowd. Otherwise, the smaller one is no worse.

AAC and LDAC is a game changer It means high quality Audio 🔉

Sony is light years ahead than others. For people who says JBL sounds lively than Sony they should know that this liveliness is nothing but a boost in the treble which on long run will damage your eardrum. U can easily make ur Sony sound like that by selecting the "excited" mode in it's EQ setting. But Sony doesn't prefer to give a treble boosted sound out of the box because they have the technology to give u a warm sound signature that will suit most of our ears, something which JBL simply doesn't have. Before commenting learn how to use Sony and it's EQ setting. u can actually make the Sony sound like the way u want. So don't comment like a kid by saying JBL sounds lively

I got the chance to try both. The JBL is definitely the louder one. Out of the box, the JBL definitely has more emphasis on the highs, and the Sony can a bit deeper with the bass. But the Live mode on Sony does make the highs much clearer, that I couldn’t distinguish either, while still having the better bass. So I really think it’s just a matter of preference in terms of sound quality. The Sony is the better indoor speaker, while the JBL is definitely the better one for outdoors. I returned the JBL and kept the Sony since I use it indoors all the time.

I have the xtreme 3 and I love it. My favorite feature is when you plug it in it gets a sound boost.

Tested the JBL extreme 3, Charge 5 and XB 43 at Mediamarkt. I must say the difference of the smaller and larger JBL wasn't that big. The JBL has alot of bass but lacking in mids and has a high pitch treble that left my ears tired from It. The Sony has a much more musical If not more relaxing tone response IRL. What was surpising was the sound spread oattern! The JBL had 40degree sound cone before it dropped of by 50%, whereas the Sony had a 90degree sound cone. So the Sony is better for entertaining a few friends on a blanket in a park I would say. The JBLs bass is a bit much in the park aswell 😅

If you're 20 years old and you want to have a loud party, buy a JBL. But if you want quality sound, buy SONY.

Considering you can get the Sony for 150€ (like it has been the black friday week and even today ciber monday) , there is no contest here. You can get 2 and even save 50€ compared to one JBL Xtreme 3. Also, setting the eq in the Sony to the Live mode through the Music Center app, makes it sound even better than the xtreme 3.

This is a rare audio review where ALL my questions are answered. Thank you.

I was searching about this two speakers and this review is the best by far, all the points clear. Thanks

I own the xb 43 and it's so clear and it's slightly better than my co workers xtreme 2 but I would love to see my speaker go against the xtreme 3 in person

thank you for the review. this is exactly what i want to see.

I tell you what. The light show on the xb43 is something you don't think you need. But it makes all the difference. It's the reason I picked it over the extreme.

Ive noticed that there is a very technical approach with those who prefer the XB43, while those choosing the JBL X3 use terms like “way better”, “much better sound”, “the best bass”, “clear winner hands down”. Total turn off… Stick to clear metrics, technical terms and acknowledge and demonstrate the XB43 sound modes and EQ on Sony Music Center or get out. Legitimate analysis leaves no room for fanboy nonsense or feelings. I own products from both manufacturers Sony and JBL/Harman/Samsung. Decent review. Disappointing and predictable comments.

I love the fuller bass of jbl here versus the rather flat bass of sony

Just bought my second sony xb43 for the same price as one jbl xtreme! Incredible quality speakers

I love how you open the coke bottle and just walk away.🤣1:56

I have both of em and i actually prefer xb43 becz i love bass and it suitable for those who love to watch movie cuz it has live sound and at the same time u can custom the EQ for the crispy clarity quality and for jbl extreme, it sound balance and dynamic which is the best in vocal quality but the bass doesn't kick like Sony's speakers

Live mode on xb43 is great ! 6ft away inside with EQd bass +10 it expands the soundstage massively and makes an immersive surround sound quality. Not just add reverb? Or even it just does those things and I don't really know what your talking about "just adds reverb".. ? Its a total soundstage xpandr mode

Haven't had an occasion where I'd need the speaker at 100%. Also the price difference is massive.

I am listening to this video on my XB-43

Listening from my Sony xb43. The lights on the Sony xb43 are fairly customizable , so, it don't have to interfere significantly with your over all battery life.

The treble and bass of xtreme 3 is a click better bass deep treble is like crystal but there is not much difference between them and jbl xtreme 3 is 315 dollars, sony xb43 150 dollars there is 2 times difference between sony you can get 2 times more sound my choice is SONY XB43

The sound of both is fairly similar, but I would have to give it to the SONY. There is just something about how SONY speakers handle the mids IMHO. Clearer and better seperation, whereas the JBL gets a bit muddy. As well as SONY's warmer sound as you noted. Plus SONY at least has an app that allows some customization.

Just purchased the xb 43 brand new for approx. €119. Huge price difference compared to the xtreme 3.

This guy deserves more subscribers, come viewers support the man who takes his time to show you the differences and more of speakers.

JBL has the signature headache giving fake treble

A proud owner of sony srs xb43 using it since past 2 years....i also have a jbl, in short jbl is a rowdy beast while sony srs xb43 is a badass gentleman

JBL extreme 3 us well made, when you get in the pool with it the woofers head upwards that way even floating in the pool you can listen to music things like that no one reviews them, the chain it has makes a big difference for portability, the only down for me is that the output is not really 100w is more like 60w is loud but not as loud as id like.

Both sound great !! Preference i would say to which one you like..

One thing that is completely forgotten, the battery is easily replaceable in all JBL extreme's.

Alan Ross Reviews clearly showed that the X3 is better than the xb43 and the X2 plus the x3 is even better if you supply 20v via the usb C port so if you have a Powerbank with 20v output capability you will have its full power on the go

Got a JBL Extreme 4 but the bluetooth button broke within a week.. Heard similar complaints about JBL products a lot so just ordered the XB 43. I hope it's gonna be good! Because I do love bass and I hear JBL is king in that regard.

The XB43 sounds more balanced, but the Xtreme 3 is very nice too.

JBL has just gotten it down so much better. Between the more punchy bass and the highs are crisp. While the sony just sounds a little muddy compared to it. Don't get me wrong they both sound great but the JBL is the more worth it buy. Even when the Xtreme 2 goes on sell still more worth it.

They both look awesome but Sony is amazing when it comes to music quality, even though the Extreme may sound louder I still think I'm getting the Sony of the Sound Quality and also the Lights 🚥 makes you feel nice.

No brained there the JBL kicks it out I guess the charge 5 wasn’t out when this video was made it’s an awesome speaker power and sound signature is incredible

I'm not sure if using Extrabass mode is right choice, the livesound is IMHO much better

Thank you for the superb review 👌🏽 This was definitely helpful in my purchase!

I like my xb43. It has a loud classy smooth audio output .

For me personally, I prefer the bright sound signature of JBL xtreme 3 and its cool design. I guess it's depends on your preference. If you want a warmer sound, go for the sony. On the other hand, if you like brighter sparkly sound signature then go for jbl.

he needs more subs

The jbl is a better product than my cat My cat doesnt keep up to constant bumps and scrapes And it IS afraid of a little water

Woah that bass on the xtreme 3 tho. The treble and mids are the same and so is the volume but that baaaaas

I just buy extreme 3 Sounds in room mind blowing No comparison But on the beach 🏖 if you plan party not good as I aspect ..

I got the JBL FLIP 5 and love it and the sound.. I wanted the Extreme 3 but it's like $350 in OCT. 2022!!! And I saw the SONY for $132 in Walmart today and got it!! It's a Beast!! My only complaint is THE BASS or lack of...

I think LDAC makes a big difference.

I'll go with the xtreme 3, the bottle opener makes it.

Excellent review!

The sound is way different when you hear it personally. The Sony XB43 does have a clearer and more balanced sound than the JBL. I have been a JBL fan and jbl speaker collector but the downside with jbl is that after months of using it, the battery sucks while the sony xb43s battery is doing absolutely good. So I switched to Sony lol

I like your comparison really much, thank you for that video. It shows up ALL of the functions of BOTH speakers, it‘s a fair comparison, so I could decide on my own, which one to buy. That was very helpful! Thank you very much!!

Good thing i have a OnePlus 9 pro. It has Dolby Atmos to be able to mess with the EQ even more. And disable absolute Bluetooth volume to be able to get it to sound even louder for the xb43! 👏 This is why I love android. You can always do more and get around these limitations.

in slovakia the xb43 normaly costs around 150€-200€. Is it worth it in this prize tag. Im curently choosing between jbl xtreme 3 that costs 300€ and the xb 43 and the xg500 that costs 330€. So what do you recomend more?

Having had both I prefer the jbl sound but the Sony looks sick

A speaker could knock the spackle off the walls and you guys would STILL “want more” even though you have no idea how all of this works. Battery life too - the battery could last for three days and OF COURSE y’all would complain it doesn’t last five. If it lasted five, you’d complain that it doesn’t last seven. 🤦‍♂️ It never ends.

I have to say jbl win this one and more bass love it win win but Sony isn’t doing bad either Reason I take xtreme 3 cause I go everywhere lol

I have had dres beat pill, jbl charge 3 and xb 41, comparing size and price the Sony xbs takes it, better sound quality and bass as also longer battery life, soon to get xb43 when price goes down

Your background looks sick man

Sony sounds a bit worse but the difference isn't massive . I would recommend getting the Sony if on a budget and get the jbl if you have the money

They both sound really good but it comes to the bass the jbl sounds better and the Sony losses some quality

right now in romania i can get the xb43 at 135 dollars when the jbl extreme 3 is 315 dollars ( or 135$ = 600 ron and 315$ = 1500 ron so i think i will go with xb43 ( almoust a 200$ difference ) and xb43 is better bec of price has the eq is still a bit big you can have it in a backpack so yea.. i right now have a tronsmart t6 plus, that's why i want to upgrade (is bigger, better bass/volume so yea) btw nice video, liked it!

I bought the Extreme 3, very simple and sounds great. The Sony is too gimmicky, just more to go wrong.

I can't believe That the xb43 sounds better than the Xtreme 3 .. i disagree

Jbl has more treble. Even with the tweeters the Sony still is not as sharp sounding as that signature jbl sound.

Thank you so much! It worked!

im a sony fanboy, but you have to admit that the jbl wins here, I tested in a store, the extreme 2 sounds better than the xb43, personally I think the xb41 sounds better than the xb43 (I'm a bass lover, so I love a lot of bass)

just saw that the xb43 is like $89 on ebay for certified refurbished. Not bad for $249 retail! Gonna order one this month and see how it does as my official sponsor of shower concerts

xtreme 3 is a clear winner for me personally, at high volumes I get distortion on the xb43 and very mini sound cut outs. I feel like if you’re buying one of these speakers it’s to play at 80% volume and above and xtreme 3 dominates. Sony just doesn’t go loud enough with enough bass. Do agree with you on the highs being a bit exhausting after a while on the xtreme 3 though. Minirig 2.1 defeats everything anyway 🤤

I learned this the hard way. The heavier these speakers are, the more battery they hold and the more bass they have.

Hoping to see review of caliber speakers. I got the HBB460BT it sounds amazing and costs half the price. It's big and weights 5kg though. It's built like a tank. It costs 109,99 euros, about 130 bucks I think.

Sony literally destroyed a lot of the competitors with their new lineup. Previous ones were literally shitty but now there are just🤯🤯🔊 Instead of one Xtreme3 I’d rather buy two XB43.

It’s surprising to me that more people aren’t focusing on the enormous price difference. XB43 is $150 brand new right now, Xtreme 3 is $320 on sale. Xtreme 3 should be an entirely different class than XB43 and blow it out of the water completely for that price, and it doesn’t come close to that, so it’s definitely not worth the $$

Is the xb-43 better than the Marshall line up ?

Sony ! thats a hands down no brainer for me. One of my staff have a 43 as well and believe me, closing shifts are like a club atmosphere when you connect and sync them together .We even have the light shows to match🤌

Great video but you didn't mention how long of playback on the xb43 at 80% with the light feature turned off. Do you have that info for us?

Any reviews with good music?

if money isn't a factor then and only then we'll compare just the product to product not basing our opinion on factors as price

I just bought the xtreme 3 used on ebay for 149$. Hoping to listen to some Bob Marley.

In the end i would go for the xtreme 3

I compared the Xtreme3 with the XB43, and I find that the XB43 is lacking a lot of detail in it's soundquality. You have access to an EQ, but that doesn't give you a very much better soundquality. It just always sounds flat to me, or too (ugly) bassy. I would take the Xtreme3 above the XB43 anytime, even if the price difference would be around €100,-. Also I find that the soundquality of the Xtreme3 has much improved over the Xtreme2. A lot more clarity, deeper bass, and gives you a much more open and dynamic sound. Just sold my Xtreme2 and bought an Xtreme3 for around €199,-.

Thanks for your review.

I currently have the Bose soundlink III for many years, would it be an upgrade to get the xb43? I love loudness, BASS, and quality. I use my speakers for when I workout at the park doing calisthenic work

By the way they have the xb43 at Best Buy for $179.99 (and homeboy said at the end of the video if you could find it less than $200.00 to get it …)

Shouldn’t compare battery life with lights on the Sony when the JBL doesn’t have that option. Need to compare like for like.

I Got the jbl xtreame 2 for 80$ and im so happy with it

Please show it off against the Teufel Rockster cross.

At 10:31 the xb 43 have a eq witch can make it more louder

Great review! So details and clear. In my opinion both of them are great. If you need indoor speaker, go for Sony. If you want to use it outdoor let say you are a street dancer then go for JBL.

Very helpful commentary on the battery life and real world operation at 80%. Thank you!

no matter what you say XB43 is superior!

I have both the jbl 3 and xb43 and my personal opinion is that the Sony Is far better for home audio quality wise.but if your looking for loudness go for the jbl

JBL seems better but I love Sony products.. which one should I take guys??

for the max volume test for both the if u go in the app for the xb43 and turn the equalizer up for everything it makes it louder than the extreme

I have a HomePod, HomePod mini, jbl clip 4 (has high bass and low treble unlike other jbls, love it), Sonos arc for my tv, and just got the hyperboom 2 and xb23. And ordered the xb43 think I’ll return the 23 since it’s so omnidirectional … but anyways point being I have a variety to compare and I am liking sonys sound. May be slightly muffled on the 23 but gives you that old school feeling that’s not obnoxious to listen to like most the jbls with their high tones