Short answer: the EcoXGear Defender, if you are buying new. The JBL Boombox 2 ranks higher than it (#40 vs #74 of 91 boombox speakers, 3.5/5 vs 2.5/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the EcoXGear Defender is still sold new at $299.99.
The JBL Boombox 2 is the better-sounding option. 24 hour battery life (default volume); 20+ hours even at 60% volume. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the EcoXGear Defender cannot. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the EcoXGear Defender. The tradeoff: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy.
The EcoXGear Defender is the lighter option. A rugged 10 lbs (4.54 kg) outdoor speaker with IP67 protection, a floating design, a flashlight, bottle opener, aux input, USB-C power-bank output and claimed 25-hour battery life. At 10 lbs (4.54 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Boombox 2 at 13 lbs (5.9 kg). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox 2 lacks. Watch for: Its single front-facing driver layout has narrow dispersion: clarity and detail drop noticeably when you move off-axis, and the soundstage is limited.
Buy the EcoXGear Defender if you want one new; the JBL Boombox 2 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 2 | EcoXGear Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 Discontinued | $299.99 |
| Ranked | #40 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #74 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 140ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 160W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 19.1” x 7.9” x 10.1” (485 x 201 x 257 mm) | 6.7” x 15.4” x 9.6” (170.2 x 391.2 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 52mm full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Strap | No | No |
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- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs JBL Boombox 2
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs JBL Boombox 2
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Boombox 2
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs JBL Boombox 2
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Boombox 2
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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
JBL Boombox 2: $449.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Boombox 4, ranked higher, rated 4/5.
Pros: 24 hour battery life (default volume); 20+ hours even at 60% volume. IPX7 rated. Doubles as a power bank. Bluetooth 5.1 with PartyBoost (up to 100 speakers). Reaches 101dB. Measured bass extension of 46Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 160W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 140ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.1” x 7.9” x 10.1” (485 x 201 x 257 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 3 review vs JBL Boombox 2 a subwoofer and a 3 way equals heaven? 💋 More from alanrossreviews →
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
EcoXGear Defender: $299.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A rugged 4.54kg outdoor speaker with IP67 protection, a floating design, a flashlight, bottle opener, aux input, USB-C power-bank output and claimed 25-hour battery life. Independent testing found it gets very loud for its size, while its three ecoEQ presets let you choose a bass-heavy default, a more balanced indoor mode or a brighter outdoor mode.
Cons: Its single front-facing driver layout has narrow dispersion: clarity and detail drop noticeably when you move off-axis, and the soundstage is limited. The default setting can be over-bassy at lower volumes, while there is no app, precise EQ, battery indicator or multi-speaker party mode. Bass does not reach as deep as competitors.
Full EcoXGear Defender review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 15.4” x 9.6” (170.2 x 391.2 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 52mm full-range driver |
| EQ | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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