Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Partybox 130 ranks #7 of 53 party speakers by sound quality at $449.95; the JBL Boombox 3 ranks #27 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $349.95.
The case for the JBL Partybox 130: A manageable party speaker with balanced, powerful sound, deep bass, a removable battery and a light show. It has a microphone input for karaoke or announcements, which the JBL Boombox 3 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox 3 lacks. The catch: It is still bass-forward and less clear than the PartyBox 120 in direct comparisons.
The JBL Boombox 3 is the longer-running, lighter option. A loud, fully waterproof boombox with a dedicated subwoofer, a 24 hour battery and power bank charging. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox 130. At 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox 130 at 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg). It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox 130. The catch: Dips in mid bass range which makes the bass sound undefined, bass boosted, peaky at 700Hz, not quite as good mids and treble as the Blast.
Buy the JBL Partybox 130 at $449.95 for a party speaker, or the JBL Boombox 3 at $349.95 for a boombox speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 130 | JBL Boombox 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 | $349.95 |
| Ranked | #7 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #27 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.3 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 2x 5.2” woofers, 2x 1” tweeters | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cable |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | 180W AC / 136W battery |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 22.6”H x 11.7”W x 11.9”D (575 x 298.4 x 303 mm) | 19” x 10.1” x 7.9” (482 x 257 x 200 mm) |
| Strap | No | No |
| Aux Latency | - | 25ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 43Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 100ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
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