Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Boombox 2 is the better pick: it ranks #45 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5), against #68 (rated 3.0/5) for the Sony SRS-XG500. If you want one new, the JBL Boombox 4 replaces the JBL Boombox 2 and is rated 4.0/5 at $549.95.
The JBL Boombox 2 is the better-sounding option. A waterproof boombox with a long battery that also charges your phone, and linking for many speakers. Watch for: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy.
What the Sony SRS-XG500 does well: A water resistant party speaker with a 30 hour battery, quick charging, and mic and guitar inputs. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Boombox 2 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox 2 lacks. The catch: Thuddy upper bass, not as deep bass as others.
Buy the JBL Boombox 2 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Boombox 4, which replaces the JBL Boombox 2.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 2 | Sony SRS-XG500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 Discontinued | $240.06 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #45 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #68 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP66 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 140ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| App | No | Yes (Music Center, Fiestable) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App + ClearAudio+) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 160W | 2x 25W + 2x 10W |
| Dimensions | 19.1” x 7.9” x 10.1” (485 x 201 x 257 mm) | 18.1” x 10.1” x 8.5” (460 x 256 x 215 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Strap | No | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Boombox 2: reviews by Alan Ross, Mateusz Cholewa and YARNZO Tech.
- Sony SRS-XG500: reviews by DLX Willington, Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More and Jagist.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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