Short answer: the JBL Boombox 4 on measured sound quality, the Hopestar A65 on price. The JBL Boombox 4 ranks #20 of 113 boombox speakers, rated 4.0/5, at $549.95. The Hopestar A65 ranks #57, rated 3.3/5, at $159.99, $389.96 cheaper.
Side by side the JBL Boombox 4 was the better speaker, with more clarity and deeper low bass. The Hopestar A65 is mids heavy with weak highs; its mids are too forward and it sounds like a cheaper speaker.
The Hopestar hits harder in punchy upper bass, especially at high volume, and it is slightly louder. The Boombox 4 can be harsher at max volume because of how hard it pushes the top end.
The A65 includes a wireless microphone, SD, USB and aux inputs and lights. The Boombox 4 adds IP67 protection, the JBL Portable app, Auracast and a much more refined sound.
Buy the JBL Boombox 4 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Hopestar A65 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Battery life favors the JBL Boombox 4: rated for 28 hours against 10 hours for the Hopestar A65.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 4 | Hopestar A65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $159.99 |
| Ranked | #20 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #57 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8-10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | AAC 144ms, SBC 48ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | - |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg) | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3, AAC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, up to 30W) | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 210W AC / 200W battery | 300W |
| Dimensions | 20.1” x 10.2” x 8.3” (510 x 260 x 210 mm) | - |
| Drivers | 2x 123mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 2x 119mm woofers + 2x 78mm midranges + 2x 66mm tweeters |
| Strap | No | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 1 Included |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Watch Them Compared
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