Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Soundcore Boom 2 ranks #10 of 105 large speakers by sound quality at $99.99; the JBL Boombox 3 ranks #27 of 99 boombox speakers by sound quality at $349.95.
The Soundcore Boom 2 is the lighter option. Pretty deep bass for the size. At 3.7 lbs (1.68 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Boombox 3 at 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox 3 lacks. Watch for: Only a single midrange driver, so you only get stereo for the tweeters.
The JBL Boombox 3 is the louder option. 24 hour battery life (6.5 hour charge time). Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 110dB at full volume, against 105dB for the Soundcore Boom 2. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Soundcore Boom 2 lacks. Watch for: 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 Soundcore Boom 2 at $99.99 if you want a large speaker. Buy the JBL Boombox 3 at $349.95 if you want a boombox speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boom 2 | JBL Boombox 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $349.95 |
| Ranked | #10 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #27 of 99 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms | 100ms |
| Maximum SPL | 105dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs (1.68 kg) | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 11.7” x 7.3” x 4” (297 x 185 x 102 mm) | 19” x 10.1” x 7.9” (482 x 257 x 200 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm x 90mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 80W | 180W AC / 136W battery |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | No |
| Aux Latency | - | 25ms |
| USB Playback | - | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Soundcore Boom 2 compares with other leading options:
- Soundcore Boom 2 vs Vifa Helsinki
- JBL Xtreme 5 vs Soundcore Boom 2
- Soundcore Boom 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Lava
- Brane X vs Soundcore Boom 2
- Soundcore Boom 2 vs Minirig 4 with subwoofer
Prices on this page were last checked October 14, 2026 at 2:38 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore Boom 2: $99.99 Amazon $99.99 Lowest B&H Photo Video Soundcore $139.99 eBay
Older model: the Soundcore Motion Boom (ranked lower, rated 4.5/5). See every Soundcore Boom generation.
Same family: the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus (larger model, rated 3.6/5).
Pros: Pretty deep bass for the size. Cool lights in the side passive radiators. For the best sound quality use Oluv’s EQ or Alan Ross’s EQ. With the stock tuning, this speaker would rank around #24, due to the boosted bass and rising treble. Measured bass extension of 47Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Only a single midrange driver, so you only get stereo for the tweeters. Sound processing issues with inconsistent bass notes that disappear at low levels like the Soundcore Boom and Soundcore Boost, not great for listening at low levels. Quite bass heavy with BassUp turned on, which is best left off. A little bit of a bright tuning in the treble, about +5db.
Full Soundcore Boom 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 125ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7” x 7.3” x 4” (297 x 185 x 102 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm x 90mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 105dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs (1.68 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 3D Audio Show: Tribit StormBox Lava vs SoundCore Boom 2 - sound quality demo More from Oluv’Sone →
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Charge 6 vs SoundCore Boom 2 - David vs Goliath
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Bose SoundLink Max & SoundCore Boom 2 - indoor soundtest
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Bose SoundLink Max & SoundCore Boom 2 - outdoor soundtest
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Sony ULT Field 5 vs Anker SoundCore Boom 2 - listening test
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Klipsch Detroid vs SoundCore Boom 2 - outdoor test
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Best portable speakers 2025 - get the best bang for your buck $$$
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Xiaomi Sound Party - Best Bluetooth Speaker 2026 award
- Joy & Oluv’Sone🔈3DAudio🎧& Music: JBL Xtreme 5 - Best Bluetooth Speaker 2026 award
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: JBL, Bose, B&O, Sonos, Earfun, SoundCore… which portable speaker sounds best?
- Oluv Patreon: Anker Soundcore Boom 2 - first impressions
- Oluv Patreon: Xiaomi Sound Party vs Boom 2 & Helsinki
- Oluv Patreon: SoundCore Boom 3i - first impressions & EQs
- Alan Ross Reviews: Ultimate Soundcore Boom 2 Review - Is It Worth The Hype? More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross: Xiaomi Sound Party or Soundcore Boom 2 - 4 db louder?!
- Alan Ross Reviews: Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Review - worst boombox speaker under $400?
- Dominik Reviews: Tronsmart Fiitune X30 vs Soundcore BOOM 2 - LETS BOOM! - Sound Test More from Dominik Reviews →
- Dominik Reviews: Bugani Brief Pro vs Soundcore Boom 2 - Soundcore still holds up?
- Dominik Reviews: Tronsmart Bang 2 vs Soundcore Boom 2 - Get the Boom throw the Bang!
- Mateusz Cholewa: TRIBIT StormBox LAVA vs Soundcore BOOM 2 More from Mateusz Cholewa →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: New Release! Soundcore Boom 2 😯 Bluetooth Boombox Speaker 🔊 Unboxing, First Look & Sound Demo More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
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- Jagist reviews: Tronsmart Bang 2 Firmware updated Vs Soundcore Boom 2!!! More from Jagistreviews →
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- CEONTHEMAKING: Soundcore Boom 2 - HANDS DOWN The Best Speaker Under $150! More from CEONTHEMAKING →
- Josh’s Gadgets and More: Budget Monster ZZA K8 vs Soundcore Boom 2
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- Santiago Lotino: ZEALOT S85, ZEALOT S79, SOUNDCORE BOOM2, JBL EXTREME 3 SOUND COMPARISON.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Boom 2 vs Mifa Wildbox
- Soundcore Boom 2 vs Marshall Stockwell II
- Soundcore Boom 2 vs B&O Beosound A5
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- Soundcore Boom 2 vs Minirig 3 with subwoofer
- Soundcore Boom 2 vs Soundcore Select Pro
- See all 99 comparisons
JBL Boombox 3: $349.95 Amazon $349.95 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Boombox 4, ranked higher, rated 4/5, released Jul 2025. It adds USB audio input, app control, adjustable EQ and AAC, but drops the aux input. Water resistance goes from IP67 to IP68.
Older models: the JBL Boombox 2 (ranked lower, rated 3.5/5) and the JBL Boombox (ranked lower, rated 2.9/5). See every JBL Boombox generation.
Same family: the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi (larger model, ranked higher, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: IP67 rated. 24 hour battery life (6.5 hour charge time). Doubles as a power bank. PartyBoost links up to 100 compatible JBL speakers. Three-way speaker system with subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 43Hz (-10dB).
Cons: 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.
Full JBL Boombox 3 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 180W AC / 136W battery |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 25ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19” x 10.1” x 7.9” (482 x 257 x 200 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Boombox 4 vs Boombox 3 - any improvement? More from Oluv’Sone →
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Boombox 4 vs Boombox 3 - old one sounding better? 🤔
- Oluv Patreon: Earfun UBoom X vs JBL Boombox 3 - outdoor test
- Oluv Patreon: Earfun UBoom X vs JBL Boombox 3 - outdoor
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 3 review vs JBL Boombox 2 a subwoofer and a 3 way equals heaven? 💋 More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: WiFi Edition: JBL Boombox 3 ultimate review! vs Boombox 3 Bluetooth edition
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- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 4 Compared to Boombox 3 & 3 WiFi – Worth the Upgrade?
- Alan Ross Reviews: W King T11 party boombox and Karaoke machine review vs T9, Stormbox Blast and Boombox 3.
- Alan Ross Reviews: W-King X20 JBL Boombox 3 killer! this should be illegal! - I was shocked!
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- Dominik Reviews: JBL Boombox 3 vs 2x Tribit Stormbox Blast 🤑 Huge difference? More from Dominik Reviews →
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- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: New! W-King X20 vs JBL Boombox 3 🛜 Head to Head 🔋Battery Powered 📊Custom EQ - Links In Description
- 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)
- YARNZO Tech: Jbl boombox3 vs zealot s98 full sound comparison 🔊🎧 More from YARNZO Tech →
- GYMCADDY: Bose S1 Pro Vs JBL Boombox 3 & Sony ULT 7 More from GYMCADDY →
- AudioTribe: JBL Authentics 500 VS JBL Boombox 3 Sound Test Comparison
- flmclau: Zealot s98 160W!!!quick unboxing and sound test,is it better than Jbl boombox 3?
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- See all 97 comparisons