Short answer: the JBL Boombox 3. It ranks #27 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $349.95. The EcoXGear Defender ranks #84, rated 2.5/5, at $299.99, $49.96 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The JBL Boombox 3 is the better-sounding choice. A loud, fully waterproof boombox with a dedicated subwoofer, a 24 hour battery and power bank charging. 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. Watch for: 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.
The EcoXGear Defender is the lighter choice. A rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank. At 10 lbs (4.54 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Boombox 3 at 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox 3 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 JBL Boombox 3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $49.96 you would save on the EcoXGear Defender does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A loud, fully waterproof boombox with a dedicated subwoofer, a 24 hour battery and power bank charging.
A rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 3 | EcoXGear Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.95 | $299.99 |
| Ranked | #27 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #84 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 25ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.1A) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 180W AC / 136W battery | 100W |
| Dimensions | 19” x 10.1” x 7.9” (482 x 257 x 200 mm) | 6.7” x 15.4” x 9.6” (170.2 x 391.2 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters | 52mm full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Strap | No | No |
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