Short answer: the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is the lighter, more tunable modern boombox; the original JBL Boombox is for someone invested in Connect+ multi-speaker playback. The JBL’s older feature set is not a direct substitute for the Soundcore’s portability.
The Boom 2 Plus carries unusually easily for its category and has reasonably deep bass. Its warm default response has an upper-bass lift and softer treble, but it has the potential to improve materially with EQ.
JBL’s Boombox supports Connect+ groups of up to 100 speakers, which remains useful for existing JBL owners. Its rougher treble presentation is the important sound caveat, particularly compared with newer options.
Buy the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus if you want a lighter boombox with app-based sound adjustment.
Buy the JBL Boombox if Connect+ compatibility with an existing JBL system is the reason for the purchase.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boom 2 Plus | JBL Boombox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $399 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #36 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #62 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (Pro EQ + presets) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| USB Playback | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Amplifier Power | 140W | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| Dimensions | 17.3” x 9.1” x 5.9” (440 x 230 x 150 mm) | 10” x 18.1” x 7.7” (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 114mm (4.5”) woofers + 2x 19mm (0.75”) tweeters | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Soundcore Boom 2 Plus compares with other leading options:
- Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs Tribit Stormbox Blast
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Boom 2 Plus: $179.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the Soundcore Motion Boom+ (ranked lower, rated 2.9/5).
Pros: Quite a bit lighter than most of the other boombox size speakers. This speaker will likely move up as we get a good EQ tune that makes it a lot more neutral. Measured bass extension of 39Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Warm tuning meaning a rolled off treble and some upper bass boost. Reasonably deep bass, but not as good as the top ranked.
Full Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 140W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 17.3” x 9.1” x 5.9” (440 x 230 x 150 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 114mm (4.5”) woofers + 2x 19mm (0.75”) tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Pro EQ + presets) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: This sounds totally different now! Soundcore Boom Plus 2 firmware 03.10 More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Review - worst boombox speaker under $400?
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Soundcore Boom 2 Plus VS Tribit Stormbox Blast 🛜 Boombox Basement Battle 📊Custom EQ 🔥Who You Got? More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Picky Audio: SO CLOSE! Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs JBL Boombox 3 More from pickyaudio →
- Picky Audio: Extended Sound Test (Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs JBL Boombox 3)
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: NEW RELEASE! Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs Motion Boom Plus🤯Stock EQ, Bass^ Enabled🤜🤛 A Family Feud😆
- GYMCADDY: Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Showcase - Lots Of Bass In A Small Package More from GYMCADDY →
- EL JEFE REVIEWS: Soundcore Boom 2 Plus 💥 BIGGER & BADDER! More from ELJefeReviews →
- Jagist reviews: Zealot S95 Vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus!!! More from Jagistreviews →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs W-King D20
- Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs Zealot ZE01
- Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs Zealot S95
- Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs W-King X20
- Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs LG Xboom Stage 301
- Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs Aiwa Exos-10
- Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs JBL Boombox 2
- Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs W-King H330
- See all 92 comparisons
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