Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The B&O Beoplay A2 active ranks #16 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $400; the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi ranks #22 of 75 boombox speakers by sound quality at $389.95.
What the B&O Beoplay A2 active gets right: B&O’s True360 sound from both sides. Set against that: Not stereo.
On the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi side: Loudest speaker in the category. Set against that: Bass boosted.
One note: the B&O Beoplay A2 active is discontinued, but it still ranks #16 of 77 large speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the B&O Beoplay A2 active at $400 if you want a large speaker. Buy the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi at $389.95 if you want a boombox speaker instead.
Water resistance is not close: the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi is rated at IP67 (brief submersion), well ahead of the B&O Beoplay A2 active at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beoplay A2 active | JBL Boombox 3 Wifi | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $400 Discontinued | $389.95 |
| Ranked | #16 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #22 of 75 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Dimensions | 10.1" x 5.6" x 1.7" (256 x 142 x 44 mm) | 19.1" x 10.1" x 7.9" (484 x 256 x 200 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 3" fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75" tweeters + 2x 3" passive radiators | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Output Power | 60W | 200W AC / 140W battery |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 43Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 111dB |
| Wifi | - | Yes |
| USB Playback | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 9, 2026 at 6:54 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beoplay A2 active: $400 Discontinued eBay
Pros: B&O’s True360 sound from both sides. Customizable sound via Beoplay app. 22 hour battery (improved from original A2). Stereo pairing with a second A2 Active. Splash/dustproof, USB-C charging. ~1.1 kg with carry strap.
Cons: Not stereo. Discontinued and no longer sold new. Discontinued.
Full B&O Beoplay A2 active review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.1" x 5.6" x 1.7" (256 x 142 x 44 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 3" fullrange woofers, 2x 0.75" tweeters + 2x 3" passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- B&O Beoplay A2 active vs Soundcore Select Pro
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JBL Boombox 3 Wifi: $389.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: Loudest speaker in the category. Slightly better frequency response than the non-wifi version.
Cons: Bass boosted. Dip at 160hz
Full JBL Boombox 3 Wifi review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.1" x 10.1" x 7.9" (484 x 256 x 200 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 111dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 200W AC / 140W battery |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg |
| Wifi | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Alan Ross Reviews: WiFi Edition: JBL Boombox 3 ultimate review! vs Boombox 3 Bluetooth edition
- Mateusz Cholewa: Soundcore Rave 3🧐 🆚 Jbl Boombox 3 WiFi
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