Short answer: the JBL Boombox 4 for the JBL name and IP68 toughness, the Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 if you just want raw output for less. The Boombox 4 ranks #20 of 91 boombox-size speakers at $549.95. The Yeahbox ranks #54 at $228.99, $320.96 cheaper.
The Boombox 4’s own review is unusually blunt about its sound. Its cons state plainly that out of the box it sounds worse than the Boombox 3, and that its main audible advantage, a 7-band EQ versus the Boombox 3’s 3 bands, only pays off if you take the time to retune it yourself (the review points specifically to Oluv’s EQ preset for it). It also drops the Aux jack entirely and is called “pretty overpriced for the category” in the same breath.
The Yeahbox undercuts it on both power and price. It runs a true 3-way, 5-driver array rated at 200W RMS / 300W peak, close to the Boombox 4’s 210W AC rating, for well under half the price. It also keeps the Aux input the Boombox 4 dropped, plus USB and microSD playback the JBL doesn’t offer at all.
The tradeoff is trust, not raw specs. The Yeahbox’s own cons callout flags it as a budget import brand with limited independent testing: its power figures are manufacturer-claimed, and its water rating is reported inconsistently across listings (IPX6 on Yeahbox’s own site, IP66 or IP67 elsewhere). The Boombox 4 carries a confirmed IP68 rating and JBL’s app support, warranty, and retail backing.
Everything else favors JBL’s ecosystem: Auracast party mode, a removable battery, USB-C power bank output, and Bluetooth 5.4 with AAC and LC3 codec support, none of which the Yeahbox matches.
Buy the JBL Boombox 4 if you want a confirmed IP68 rating, JBL’s app and warranty support, and don’t mind spending time in the EQ to get it sounding right.
Buy the Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 if you want comparable power and a 3-way driver array for $320.96 less, and you’re comfortable with an unverified import brand’s specs and durability claims.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 4 | Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $228.99 |
| Ranked | #20 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #54 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 111Wh (14.8V/7,500mAh) (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | AAC 144ms, SBC 48ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg) | 16.8 lbs (7.64 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3, AAC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| 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) | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 210W AC / 200W battery | 200W RMS / 300W Peak |
| Dimensions | 20.1” x 10.2” x 8.3” (510 x 260 x 210 mm) | 20.7” x 8.3” x 10.6” (525 x 210 x 268 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 123mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 189x114mm woofer, 2x 89mm midrange, 2x 38mm tweeters |
| Strap | No | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Boombox 4 compares with other leading options:
- Earfun Uboom X vs JBL Boombox 4
- JBL Boombox 4 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs JBL Boombox 4
- JBL Boombox 4 vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs JBL Boombox 4
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Boombox 4: $549.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older models: the JBL Boombox 3 (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5), the JBL Boombox 2 (ranked lower, rated 3.5/5) and the JBL Boombox (ranked lower, rated 2.9/5).
Pros: Pretty insane output capability for the size. IP68 protection and Auracast pairing with other current JBL speakers. Measured bass extension of 41Hz (-10dB).
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 →
| Amplifier Power | 210W AC / 200W battery |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3, AAC |
| Bluetooth Latency | AAC 144ms, SBC 48ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| 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 | Yes (7 band) |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, up to 30W) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Boombox 4 vs Boombox 3 - old one sounding better? 🤔 More from Oluv’Sone →
- 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! More from alanrossreviews →
- 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!!! More from Jagistreviews →
- Techder Audios: JBL Boombox 4 VS Zealot ZE21 BATTLE OF THE BOOMBOXES! More from techderaudios →
- Dominik Reviews: Zealot S89 vs JBL Boombox 4 - JBL Alternative? Sound Test More from Dominik Reviews →
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Boombox 4 Vs Zealot S89!!!
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Boombox 4 Vs Zealot S95!!!
- M1MTechChannel: Welche JBL Partybox ist die BESTE ? Alle Partyboxen im Vergleich | 2026 More from M1MTechChannel →
- M1MTechChannel: JBL BOOMBOX 4 - Einfach komplett GEISTESKRANK
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3: $228.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A large 3-way, 5-driver party speaker with claimed 200W RMS output, a 111Wh battery, USB-C fast charging, app EQ, TWS pairing, and aux, USB and microSD playback. Listener comparisons describe powerful bass, strong output and decent mids and highs for outdoor party use.
Cons: There is limited independent testing and the water/dust rating is reported inconsistently across listings. Listener comparisons find it less clear and refined than stronger boombox rivals, so its big bass and output are a better fit for parties than critical listening.
Full Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 200W RMS / 300W Peak |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 111Wh (14.8V/7,500mAh) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 20.7” x 8.3” x 10.6” (525 x 210 x 268 mm) |
| Drivers | 189x114mm woofer, 2x 89mm midrange, 2x 38mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Lights | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 16.8 lbs (7.64 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 vs Skullcandy Barrel
- Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 vs Sony ULT Field 7
- Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 vs Bugani Boost Max
- Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 vs Soundcore Rave Party 2
- Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 vs W-King T11
- Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 vs Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2
- Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 vs JBL Partybox On the Go
- Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 vs Tronsmart Bang Max
- See all 54 comparisons