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 #107 (rated 2.1/5) for the Turtlebox. 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, deeper-bass pick. A waterproof boombox with a long battery that also charges your phone, and linking for many speakers. Its bass reaches about 46Hz before falling 10dB, against 65Hz for the Turtlebox. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the Turtlebox cannot. Watch for: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy.
The Turtlebox is the lighter choice. A loud, waterproof and crushproof outdoor speaker with a long battery and stereo pairing with a second unit. At 10 lbs (4.54 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Boombox 2 at 13 lbs (5.9 kg). The catch: Sounds basically identical to the later Turtlebox Gen 2 and Turtlebox Gen 3: each generation mainly added features, not sound quality.
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 | Turtlebox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 Discontinued | $329 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #45 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #107 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz | ~65Hz |
| 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) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 160W | 50W |
| Dimensions | 19.1” x 7.9” x 10.1” (485 x 201 x 257 mm) | 12” x 7” x 8.7” (305 x 178 x 222 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 1x 6x9” (152x228mm) woofer + 1x 1” (25mm) tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.0 |
| Strap | No | - |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Boombox 2: reviews by Alan Ross, Mateusz Cholewa and YARNZO Tech.
- Turtlebox: reviews by KosherTech, Outeraudio and Everyday Man.
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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