Short answer: the JBL Authentics 300. It ranks #46 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5) at $299.95 and is still sold new; the Bumpboxx Flare 8 ranks #82 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Bumpboxx Flare 8’s replacement, the Bumpboxx Flare8 Pro, is rated 2.8/5 at $449.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power. At 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) it weighs much less than the Bumpboxx Flare 8 at 19 lbs (8.62 kg). It links with other speakers (Wi-Fi Multi-Room), which the Bumpboxx Flare 8 cannot. Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
The Bumpboxx Flare 8 is the longer-running, tougher pick. A retro styled party speaker with FM radio, water resistance and high volume for small outdoor parties. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated IPX6, while the JBL Authentics 300 has no water resistance. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks. The catch: Bass is thuddy rather than deep or controlled, and there is no app to improve the tuning.
Buy the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Bumpboxx Flare 8 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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
| JBL Authentics 300 | Bumpboxx Flare 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #46 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | IPX6 |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 118dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 19 lbs (8.62 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 200W |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 28” x 8” x 16” (711 x 203 x 406 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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