Short answer: the JBL Boombox 4 for better sound quality, the JBL Authentics 300 for the lower price. The JBL Boombox 4 ranks #17 of 73 boombox speakers at $549.95. The JBL Authentics 300 ranks #30 at $299.95, $250 cheaper.
What stands out about the JBL Boombox 4: It has pretty insane output capability for its size. The compromise: it’s pretty overpriced for the category, sounds worse than the Boombox 3 out of the box, and only pulls ahead once Oluv’s EQ and its 7 EQ bands, versus the Boombox 3’s 3, are put to use, and it drops the Aux input entirely.
The case for the JBL Authentics 300: It integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously, which is rare for smart speakers, pairs a retro seventies design with leather and a Quadrex grille, packs a 100-watt amp with a leather-trimmed carry handle, and has a rechargeable battery rated around 8 hours. The catch: it sounds narrow with bass that doesn’t go as deep as others, has peaky upper mids, lacks TWS support and any IP rating, isn’t as loud as others, and doesn’t offer much battery life.
Buy the JBL Boombox 4 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Authentics 300 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Boombox 4 is rated for 28 hours versus 8 hours for the JBL Authentics 300.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Boombox 4 at IP68 (extended submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Authentics 300 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 4 | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #17 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #30 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | AAC 144ms, SBC 48ms | - |
| Max Volume | 115dB | 100dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (JBL One) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cable |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 5.98 kg | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3, AAC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, up to 30W) | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | No |
| Output Power | 210W AC / 200W battery | 100W |
| Dimensions | 20.1" x 10.2" x 8.3" (510 x 260 x 210 mm) | 13.5" x 7.7" x 7.1" (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 123mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 1" tweeter + 4" woofer + passive radiators |
| Wifi | - | Yes |
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Boombox 4: $549.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Pretty insane output capability for the size.
Cons: Pretty overpriced for the category. Better than the Boombox 3 mostly because there are more 7 EQ bands instead of just 3 and it can be better tuned. Try Oluv’s EQ for it. Out of the box sounds worse than the Boombox 3. No Aux input.
Full JBL Boombox 4 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3, AAC |
| Bluetooth Latency | AAC 144ms, SBC 48ms |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| 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 |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Max Volume | 115dB |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Output Power | 210W AC / 200W battery |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, up to 30W) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 5.98 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Boombox 4 vs Boombox 3 - old one sounding better? 🤔
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Boombox 4 vs Earfun UBoom X - sound test
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Boombox 4 vs Boombox 3 - any improvement?
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Boombox 4 vs Partybox Encore 2 - outdoor loudness & basstest
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Boombox 4 - finally a real BOOMbox from JBL 👏
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 4 HUMILIATES Brane X?! Ultimate Bass Battle!
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 4 Compared to Boombox 3 & 3 WiFi – Worth the Upgrade?
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 4 distortion fest bonanza! how bad can it be lol 🤣
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Boombox 4 Vs Zealot Ze21!!!
- Techder Audios: JBL Boombox 4 VS Zealot ZE21 BATTLE OF THE BOOMBOXES!
- Dominik Reviews: Zealot S89 vs JBL Boombox 4 - JBL Alternative? Sound Test
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Boombox 4 Vs Zealot S89!!!
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Boombox 4 Vs Zealot S95!!!
- Reddit Search for JBL Boombox 4 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- JBL Boombox 4 vs JBL Boombox 3 Wifi
- JBL Boombox 4 vs JBL Boombox 3
- JBL Boombox 4 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9
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JBL Authentics 300: $299.95 Amazon
Pros: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). Retro seventies design with leather and Quadrex grille. 100-watt amp, carries well with leather-trimmed handle. Rechargeable battery rated ~8 hours.
Cons: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others. Peaky upper mids. No TWS. No IP rating. Not as loud as others. Not much battery life.
Full JBL Authentics 300 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.5" x 7.7" x 7.1" (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 4" woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 100dB |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Output Power | 100W |
| Party Mode | Yes (JBL One) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| Wifi | Yes |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Authentics 300 - sound quality test
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - update
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - listening session
- Alan Ross Reviews: Not quite! JBL Authentics 300 review and sound test vs Boombox 3, Encore and Stormbox Blast
- Reddit Search for JBL Authentics 300 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons