Short answer: the LG Xboom Stage 301. It ranks #23 of 73 boombox speakers by sound quality at $279.99; the JBL Boombox 2 ranks #29 and costs $350, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the LG Xboom Stage 301 side: Wedge-style design works as a karaoke hub with removable/replaceable battery. Set against that: overpriced for what it is.
The case for the JBL Boombox 2: 24 hour battery life (default volume); 20+ hours even at 60% volume. The tradeoff: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy.
Buy the LG Xboom Stage 301. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Boombox 2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Boombox 2 is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the LG Xboom Stage 301.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Boombox 2 at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the LG Xboom Stage 301 at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| LG Xboom Stage 301 | JBL Boombox 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.99 | $350 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #23 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #29 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz | 46Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
| App | Yes (LG Xboom app) | No |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power brick |
| Output Power | 120W | 160W |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 3.1" x 3.5" (220 x 80 x 90 mm) | 19.1" x 7.9" x 10.1" (485 x 201 x 257 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer + dual 2.5" midrange drivers (Peerless) | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| Aux Latency | - | 33ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 140ms |
| Max Volume | - | 108dB |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
LG Xboom Stage 301: $279.99 Amazon
Pros: Wedge-style design works as a karaoke hub with removable/replaceable battery. Multiple standing positions. AI audio optimization via Dual-Bar lighting.
Cons: overpriced for what it is. Not the greatest frequency response.
Full LG Xboom Stage 301 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (LG Xboom app) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 3.1" x 3.5" (220 x 80 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer + dual 2.5" midrange drivers (Peerless) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 120W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jagist reviews: LG xboom Stage 301 Vs Zealot S95!!!
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- GYMCADDY: LG’s New xboom Speaker And Earbud Lineup Explained - Meet The Stage 301, Bounce, Grab And Buds!
- Reddit Search for LG Xboom Stage 301 Review
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JBL Boombox 2: $350 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: 24 hour battery life (default volume); 20+ hours even at 60% volume. IPX7 rated. Doubles as a power bank. Bluetooth 5.1 with PartyBoost (up to 100 speakers). Reaches 101dB.
Cons: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 140ms |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.1" x 7.9" x 10.1" (485 x 201 x 257 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 108dB |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 160W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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