Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used, though neither ranks well in its class. Used, the JBL Boombox is the better pick: it ranks #71 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 2.9/5), against #82 (rated 2.6/5) for the Bumpboxx Flare 8. If you want one new, the JBL Boombox 4 replaces the JBL Boombox and is rated 4.0/5 at $549.95. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 113 boombox speakers, and the Tribit Stormbox Blast, ranked #2 at $199.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The JBL Boombox is the longer-running, lighter choice. A water resistant stereo boombox with a 24 hour battery and linking for many speakers. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Bumpboxx Flare 8. At 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) it weighs much less than the Bumpboxx Flare 8 at 19 lbs (8.62 kg). It links with other speakers (Connect+ up to 100 speakers), which the Bumpboxx Flare 8 cannot. The catch: Treble is not very smooth.
The case for the Bumpboxx Flare 8: A retro styled party speaker with FM radio, water resistance and high volume for small outdoor parties. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox lacks. The tradeoff: Bass is thuddy rather than deep or controlled, and there is no app to improve the tuning.
Buy the JBL Boombox only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Boombox 4, which replaces the JBL Boombox.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox | Bumpboxx Flare 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 Discontinued | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #71 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) | 19 lbs (8.62 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| FM Tuner | No | Yes |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 60W AC / 40W battery | 200W |
| Dimensions | 10” x 18.1” x 7.7” (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) | 28” x 8” x 16” (711 x 203 x 406 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX6 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 118dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Boombox: reviews by Audio Mix7 and Macbrebonicks.
- Bumpboxx Flare 8: reviews by Flossy Carter and The TatMan.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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