Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Boombox 4 ranks #20 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $549.95; the Klipsch Detroit ranks #81 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $235.11.
The JBL Boombox 4 is the deeper-bass, longer-running option. An extremely loud boombox for its size with fully waterproof, dustproof build, a long battery and a flexible app EQ. Its bass reaches about 41Hz before falling 10dB, against 55Hz for the Klipsch Detroit. It is rated for 28 hours of battery against 20 for the Klipsch Detroit. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Klipsch Detroit lacks. The catch: Pretty overpriced for the category.
The Klipsch Detroit is the lighter pick. A rugged, fully waterproof stereo boombox with a long battery, fast USB-C charging, and power bank output. At 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Boombox 4 at 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg). It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Boombox 4 lacks. Watch for: Weird boosted upper bass, bass not very deep.
Buy the JBL Boombox 4 ($549.95) for a boombox speaker; the Klipsch Detroit ($235.11) suits a large speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 4 | Klipsch Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $235.11 |
| Ranked | #20 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #81 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | ~55Hz |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | AAC 144ms, SBC 48ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 93dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg) | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3, AAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, up to 30W) | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| USB Playback | No | - |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 210W AC / 200W battery | 30W RMS |
| Dimensions | 20.1” x 10.2” x 8.3” (510 x 260 x 210 mm) | 13.1” x 4.2” x 4.7” (334 x 107 x 119 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 123mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 2x 76mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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