Short answer: the JBL Boombox 3. It ranks #27 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $349.95 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 Boombox 3 is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. A loud, fully waterproof boombox with a dedicated subwoofer, a 24 hour battery and power bank charging. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Bumpboxx Flare 8. At 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Bumpboxx Flare 8 at 19 lbs (8.62 kg). It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the Bumpboxx Flare 8 cannot. The catch: Dips in mid bass range which makes the bass sound undefined, bass boosted, peaky at 700Hz, not quite as good mids and treble as the Blast.
Why pick the Bumpboxx Flare 8: A retro styled party speaker with FM radio, water resistance and high volume for small outdoor parties. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox 3 lacks. Watch for: Bass is thuddy rather than deep or controlled, and there is no app to improve the tuning.
Buy the JBL Boombox 3. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Bumpboxx Flare 8 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 3 | Bumpboxx Flare 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.95 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #27 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 25ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 118dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) | 19 lbs (8.62 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| FM Tuner | No | Yes |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 180W AC / 136W battery | 200W |
| Dimensions | 19” x 10.1” x 7.9” (482 x 257 x 200 mm) | 28” x 8” x 16” (711 x 203 x 406 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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