Klipsch vs JBL: Which brand produces better Bluetooth speakers?

Klipsch vs JBL

If you are looking for a good quality set of audio equipment, you are likely to have come across Klipsch and JBL. These two brands produce some of the most popular and versatile speaker systems, apart from Polk, in the audio market. But, which is the better brand between Klipsch vs. JBL?

Ever since the advent of Bluetooth speakers, I cannot fail to have one on my person. Whether it is running errands in my car or simply relaxing in my house, my Bluetooth speaker is always close by.

It is the best way to take my favorite tunes as I go about my day-to-day activities as well as your outdoor adventures. Some of the best portable Bluetooth speakers are just as good, if not better, than any other wired speaker systems available in the market.

Not only do they allow you to bring the party wherever you go, but it also consists of sturdy and durable material to ensure that they last for a long time to come.

There is a wide variety of Bluetooth speakers available in the market, with Klipsch and JBL being some of the top contenders on the list across the globe. Due to their high-quality products at competitive prices, it is quite challenging to decide between these two brands.

Both brands have been in the market for quite some time, meaning they have perfected their craft in making a wide selection of audio devices for various audio applications. So, let us find out which brand produces better Bluetooth speakers between Klipsch and JBL.

What are the differences between Klipsch and JBL?

Klipsch vs. JBL- How do they compare to one another?

Design

Klipsch Groove is a single 3-inch speaker with an aluminum cone that measures 4.56*5.51*2.65 (HWD) and weighs a mere 1.7 pounds. This speaker is literally so small in size and lightweight that you can comfortably hold it in your hand.

It also has an IPX4 splash-resistant rating, meaning it can tolerate light drops of water, suitable for outdoor use. The speaker has a black contour and a front-firing driver joined by two 3.25*1.5 inch side-firing and passive radiators, locked behind a perforated metal grille for optimum performance and durability.

It also contains a rubberized base to ensure it does not vibrate off tabletops when pumping out low-frequency outputs.

JBL Xtreme 2 has an aggressive and bold cylindrical appearance, measuring 5.4*11.3*5.2 inches and a hefty weight of 5.3 pounds. It has extra height and a small stand built at its bottom base to prevent it from rolling around on a flat surface.

Available in black, forest green, and dark blue, the speaker also has a tough and IPX7 waterproof fabric covering and sturdy metal construction. It comes with two metal loops and a woven nylon strap in its box, making it easy to carry around on your shoulder.

The strap has a metal adjustment piece that doubles up as a bottle opener for cracking one open whenever necessary.

Frequency response

Also known as frequency range and measured in Hertz, the wider the frequency response, the better the sound quality your device delivers. Frequency response refers to the range in which a speaker produces sound.

Usually found on the packaging box or the brand’s website, the first number is typically the lowest frequency the speaker can efficiently reproduce, while the other number is the highest frequency the speaker can deliver. As a general rule, the smaller the speaker, the lower the frequency range the speaker reproduces.

The Klipsch Groove Portable Bluetooth speaker has a frequency response of 65 Hz – 22000 Hz and a sensitivity rating of 97dB. Alternatively, JBL Xtreme 2 is 55 Hz – 20000 Hz with a sensitivity rating of more than 80dB, meaning Klipsch Groove delivers better, more precise, and louder audio quality than JBL Xtreme 2.

However, JBL Xtreme 2 offers a beautiful low-frequency response, one that nears that of a subwoofer. Its bass output does not distort even at high volumes, complementing the midrange and high frequencies in your favorite tunes. As such, if you are a bass lover, this portable model will impress you with its powerful low-frequency output.

Battery life

Most portable Bluetooth speakers come with a standard or Micro-USB charging port, making it convenient to charge when you are outdoors or on the move. Often, you will find that large speakers have a correspondingly large battery whose battery life may last for about four to five hours.

The Groove from Klipsch has a Micro-USB charging port behind a gasket on its back, as well as a 3.5mm aux input hidden behind a rubberized cover, aiding it in achieving its IPX4 waterproof rating.

It has a 2200mAh lithium battery that retains a single charge for a maximum of eight hours, which varies depending on your volume levels and your combination of Bluetooth and wired streaming. The Groove will power down after five minutes of inactivity and automatically repair with other Bluetooth devices when powered back on.

On the other hand, Xtreme 2 by JBL comes with a 10,000mAh internal Li-ion rechargeable battery that lasts up to 15 hours on a single charge. It charges using the included power adapter in its box, and not a Micro-USB or even via a USB-C port for a maximum of three and a half hours. This speaker has an audio input and a USB port under its gasket for charging other devices, but you have to supply the USB cable. The device also has an LED indicator behind its front grille that alerts you of the amount of charge left.

Bluetooth version

The Bluetooth version of your speakers determines the distance and quality of audio transmission you can keep between your speaker and phone. Bluetooth 4 and higher versions are ideally more suitable as they add support for Low Energy Profile and enhanced battery life.

The Groove comes with Bluetooth version 4.0 and supports the AVRCP, A2DP, HSP, and HFP profiles as well as AAC codecs sent from any Bluetooth-enabled device.

Alternatively, Xtreme 2 from JBL rocks Bluetooth version 4.2, but it does not have any high-quality codec compatibility. You can also opt to use JBL Connect+ that allows you to wirelessly connect to a maximum of 100 JBL Connect+ enabled speakers.

Klipsch vs. JBL- A comparison review

Klipsch Groove Overview and Key features

For over 70 years, Klipsch has been manufacturing top quality speakers to deliver the best listening experience to its consumers. Audio enthusiasts across the globe know and enjoy their signature sound, making it one of the best-selling audio equipment brands in the market.

More so, Klipsch continues to manufacture and produce innovative and cutting-edge audio technology that produces engaging and stunningly natural sound with movie and music soundtracks alike.

Klipsch is an American manufacturer of audio equipment established in 1946 by Paul W Klipsch. The brand is well known to produce a variety of audio devices, like flat-panel speakers, bookshelf speakers, surround-sound speakers, home-theatre systems, subwoofers, and portable speakers, among many others.

If you are a music lover who enjoys impressive audio quality from a compact speaker, the Klipsch Groove is the perfect Bluetooth speaker for you. With this insanely powerful speaker, it delivers an exceptional amount of bass output and plays quite loud for its size.

The Groove has a black contour with a speaker grille that wraps around three of its four side panels. Under its front-facing grille, it contains a single 3-inch, aluminum cone and full-range driver that delivers 10 watts of audio power as well as two passive bass radiators to further push lower frequencies out of the right and left- angled panels.

The Groove has an IPX4 rating and rubber buttons across its top panel for Bluetooth pairing, Power, Volume, Playback, and an aux button to switch between various audio sources. Its battery life lasts for up to eight hours and has a frequency range that extends from 65 Hz- 22000 Hz with a maximum acoustic output of 97Db per half a meter.

What we like

• Durable and compact mini Bluetooth speaker
• IPX4 splash-proof rating
• It comes with dual passive bass radiators and a single 3-inch full-range driver

What we do not like

• No speakerphone
• Distorts at higher volumes

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JBL Xtreme 2 Overview and Key features

Popularly used in Presidential swearing-in ceremonies, like that of Barrack Obama and Donald Trump, JBL is responsible for producing more than 3000 audio equipment that has been delivering sound at some of the world’s most significant athletic, musical, political, and social events.

If you are not a believer, then its numerous awards, including an Oscar, a Grammy, and other technological achievements, which fill the long hallway in the company’s Northridge headquarters, can testify of its premium quality.

As a subsidiary to Harman International Industries, which was bought by Samsung Electronics in November 2016, JBL remains one of the top-selling brands in the audio industry. Among its wide selection of products include home-theatre systems, wireless speakers, headphones, and many other consumer audio devices. Furthermore, automotive brands like Toyota and Ferrari are the biggest buyers of JBL’s audio products.

Featuring a 10,000mAh built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery rated for 15 hours of playback sound and a detachable carrying strap, JBL Xtreme 2 is a portable and wireless boom box speaker that weighs 5.3 pounds and the dimensions of 11.3*5.4*5.2-inches.

Due to its massive weight, it is ideal for sitting at one spot in a small to medium-sized room. The speaker comes with a sturdy and nylon-based fabric and rubberized seals over its ports at the back, giving it its IPX7 waterproof properties.

Available in multiple colors, Xtreme 2 comes with JBL Connect+ that allows you to link up to 100 JBL speakers and a five dot LED indicator light on its underside, which will enable you to charge your phone via its USB port.

It also has dual passive radiators to amplify a low and reasonably powerful bass output. The speaker also comes with its own AC adapter and does not charge via a Micro-USB.

Xtreme 2 has a bunch of controls at the top with controls for Bluetooth pairing, volume up and down, Connect+ activation, power on/off, and play/pause buttons. The speaker also has a voice activation feature via its JBL Connect+ App, which also allows you to download firmware upgrades.

What we like

• It delivers clear and clean audio and balanced bass output
• Reliable, rugged, and durable design
• IPX7 waterproof built
• It houses a generous 10,000mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery with up to 15 hours of battery life
• USB output for charging devices

What we do not like

• It only charges via its own AC adapter
• It is heavy for a portable device

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Verdict

There are tons of Bluetooth portable audio speakers available in the market. They are the perfect companion to carry with you on your outdoor adventures, sit pretty in your living room, or take with you to the shower.

Klipsch and JBL speakers are both high-quality and affordable speakers, especially if you enjoy high-definition and powerful audio quality. Based on what you prefer and your budget, both speakers have unique features and pack a punch.