Short answer: the JBL Boombox 2. It ranks #29 of 73 boombox speakers by sound quality at $350; the JBL Boombox ranks #46 and costs $399, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Boombox 2 gets right: 24 hour battery life (default volume); 20+ hours even at 60% volume. The catch: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy.
On the JBL Boombox side: Connect+ up to 100 speakers. Set against that: Treble isn’t very smooth.
Buy the JBL Boombox 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Boombox and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 2 | JBL Boombox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 Discontinued | $399 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #29 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 140ms | - |
| Max Volume | 108dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg | 11.5 lbs / 5.2 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| FM Tuner | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| MicroSD Playback | No | No |
| Output Power | 160W | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| Dimensions | 19.1" x 7.9" x 10.1" (485 x 201 x 257 mm) | 10" x 18.1" x 7.7" (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Boombox 2: $350 Discontinued Amazon
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.
Cons: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 140ms |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.1" x 7.9" x 10.1" (485 x 201 x 257 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 108dB |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 160W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
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JBL Boombox: $399 Discontinued JBL Boombox
Pros: Connect+ up to 100 speakers.
Cons: Treble isn’t very smooth. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10" x 18.1" x 7.7" (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs / 5.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons