Short answer: the Boombox 4 if you’re buying either, but look at the rest of the class first. The Boombox 4 ranks #20 out of 112 boombox speakers at $549.95; the Boombox 3 ranks #27 at $349.95.
The upgrade is real but narrow, and it is mostly the EQ. Our notes are explicit: the Boombox 4 is better than the 3 mostly because it has 7 EQ bands instead of 3 and so can be tuned properly. The underlying tuning problems of the line (dips in the mid-bass that leave the bass sounding undefined, boosted bass, a peak around 700 Hz on the 3) are the sort of thing more EQ bands help with.
Bass extension actually goes the wrong way: 41 Hz on the 4 against 43 Hz on the 3. Output and volume go the right way: 210 W and 115 dB against 180 W and 110 dB.
Other differences: IP68 against IP67, 28 hours against 24, and the 4 is 0.7 kg (1.5 lbs) lighter. The 4 moves to Auracast; the 3 uses PartyBoost, and they do not pair with each other. The 3 has an aux input, which the 4 drops. If you want to plug in a mixer or a turntable, that alone decides it.
The honest framing. Both sit in the middle of their class while being among its most expensive members. The Tribit Stormbox Blast sits near the top of the class for sound quality at $200, weighs less, and survives submersion. Unless you specifically want the JBL badge, Auracast, or that much raw volume, the money goes further elsewhere.
Buy the Boombox 4 over the 3. The EQ bands are worth more than the $200 gap suggests. Buy the Boombox 3 only at a steep discount, or if you need the aux input.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
An extremely loud boombox for its size with fully waterproof, dustproof build, a long battery and a flexible app EQ.
A loud, fully waterproof boombox with a dedicated subwoofer, a 24 hour battery and power bank charging.
Prices on this page were last checked November 5, 2026 at 10:30 PM 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 | JBL Boombox 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $349.95 |
| Ranked | #20 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #27 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | AAC 144ms, SBC 48ms | 100ms |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cable |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg) | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3, AAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, up to 30W) | Yes (USB-A) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| FM Tuner | No | No |
| Microphone Input | No | No |
| MicroSD Playback | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 210W AC / 200W battery | 180W AC / 136W battery |
| Dimensions | 20.1” x 10.2” x 8.3” (510 x 260 x 210 mm) | 19” x 10.1” x 7.9” (482 x 257 x 200 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 123mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Strap | No | No |
| Aux Latency | - | 25ms |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 4 Compared to Boombox 3 & 3 WiFi – Worth the Upgrade?
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Boombox 4 vs Boombox 3 - any improvement?
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Boombox 4 vs Boombox 3 - old one sounding better? 🤔
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