Short answer: the JBL Boombox for better sound quality, the Braven XXL 2 for the lower price. The JBL Boombox ranks #46 of 73 boombox speakers at $399. The Braven XXL 2 ranks #64 at $350, $49 cheaper.
What the JBL Boombox offers: Connect+ up to 100 speakers. Watch for: Treble isn’t very smooth
What the Braven XXL 2 offers: 18 hour battery life; USB-A port charges your phone 4 times over. Watch for: Not very deep bass.
Buy the JBL Boombox if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Braven XXL 2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Braven XXL 2. It ranks near the bottom of the 73 boombox speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox | Braven XXL 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 Discontinued | $350 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #46 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #64 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs / 5.2 kg | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
| 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 | - |
| Output 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 |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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- JBL Boombox 2 vs Sony SRS-XG500
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Turtlebox
- Bumpboxx Flare 8 vs Braven XXL 2
- JBL Boombox vs Bumpboxx Flare 8
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Boombox: $399 Discontinued JBL Boombox
Pros: Connect+ up to 100 speakers.
Cons: Treble isn’t very smooth. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Output Power | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| 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 |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Braven XXL 2: $350 Discontinued
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 →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 60W dual drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Output Power | 100W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons