Short answer: the JBL Boombox, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #61 of 89 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $399. The Braven XXL 2 ranks #79, rated 2.3/5, at $350, $49 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 89 boombox speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Tribit Stormbox Blast instead, ranked #2 at $179.99.
What the JBL Boombox does well: At 5.2 kg, JBL Boombox combines 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators with Bluetooth and aux. The tradeoff: There is no companion app.
What the Braven XXL 2 does well: 18 hour battery life; USB-A port charges your phone 4 times over. The catch: Not very deep bass.
One note: the JBL Boombox is no longer in production and isn’t widely stocked new anymore.
Buy the JBL Boombox. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $49 with the Braven XXL 2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox | Braven XXL 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 Discontinued | $350 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #61 of 89 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #79 of 89 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60W AC / 40W battery | 100W |
| Dimensions | 10” x 18.1” x 7.7” (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) | 22” x 9” x 8” (558.8 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 60W dual drivers |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Boombox:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs JBL Boombox
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs JBL Boombox
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Boombox
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Boombox
- JBL Partybox Encore vs JBL Boombox
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 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: $399 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Boombox 4, ranked higher, rated 4/5.
Pros: At 5.2 kg, JBL Boombox combines 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators with Bluetooth and aux. Claimed 24 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, ipx5 protection and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. JBL Connect+ links up to 100 compatible speakers.
Cons: There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Treble is not very smooth. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 60W AC / 40W battery |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10” x 18.1” x 7.7” (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Braven XXL 2: $350 Discontinued eBay
Pros: 18 hour battery life; USB-A port charges your phone 4 times over. IPX5 water-resistant and floats despite weight. Built-in subwoofer delivers powerful bass. Includes bottle opener.
Cons: Not very deep bass. Very heavy. Discontinued.
Full Braven XXL 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 22” x 9” x 8” (558.8 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 60W dual drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons