JBL OnBeat Xtreme Review

The JBL OnBeat Xtreme’s feature list rattles on and on: Bluetooth, a rotating dock for your iThing, USB connection, video output, a built-in mic for making and taking phone calls, five EQ presets…

While the design might not be to everyone’s taste (we thought it looked a bit like a Sumo wrestler’s pants), there’s no doubting its hardware chops.

Dock your iThing using the clip provided and the JBL OnBeat Xtreme puts you in mind of a puppy in a great mood. Fast, fun-sounding and eager to please, it bounces along with anything you throw at it and will go loud enough to annoy your neighbours’ neighbours.

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Bluetooth setup is easy enough, and while quality does drop a tad, you still get that same dynamic sound. It’s not the last word in warmth, though – if that’s your bag, NAD's Viso 1 (at £500) might be a better option.

The JBL OnBeat Xtreme's rich list of features, distinctive design and energetic performance see it outrank many higher priced competitors in the wireless dock market and its punchy sound means you'd be a fool not to consider it as an alternative to comparative stalwarts like the B&W Zeppelin Air.