Bose SoundLink Max vs JBL Boombox 4

Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Bose SoundLink Max ranks #17 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $399; the JBL Boombox 4 ranks #20 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $549.95.

Different sizes. The SoundLink Max is a large 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) speaker. The Boombox 4 is a 13.2 lbs (6 kg) boombox. Each is rated within its own class.

The Boombox 4 is built for volume, at about 115dB measured with bass to about 41Hz. It is IP68, claims 28 hours from a removable battery, and has a 7-band app EQ and Auracast. Out of the box it sounds worse than the Boombox 3, so use the Oluv EQ linked on its page. It has no aux input.

The SoundLink Max is much easier to carry and has deep, rich bass to about 48Hz, an aux input with low latency, and a USB-C power bank. Real world battery testing found over 40 hours. It has a big upper bass peak and dipped midrange, and it distorts above about 80% volume.

Buy the Bose SoundLink Max at $399 if you want a large speaker. Buy the JBL Boombox 4 at $549.95 if you want a boombox speaker instead.

Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side

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