Short answer: the W-King X20S. It ranks #30 of 91 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $150.99 and is still sold new; the JBL Boombox ranks #62 (rated 2.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The W-King X20S is the better-sounding, tougher option. Clearer and smoother than the larger W-King X20 at about half its size and weight, and in side by side tests it held its own against the Harman Kardon Go + Play 3, with nicer, more exposed mids and more volume. It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the JBL Boombox. Watch for: Less bass and depth than the X20 and about 3dB quieter, and at maximum volume its mids and highs start to drown out the bass.
The case for the JBL Boombox: At 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg), JBL Boombox combines 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators with Bluetooth and aux. Watch for: There is no companion app.
Buy the W-King X20S. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL Boombox is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| W-King X20S | JBL Boombox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150.99 | $399 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #30 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #62 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Amplifier Power | 140W RMS (180W peak) | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.8 lbs (6.25 kg) | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Battery Life | - | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | - | USB-C |
| Microphone 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 |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How W-King X20S compares with other leading options:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs W-King X20S
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs W-King X20S
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs W-King X20S
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs W-King X20S
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs W-King X20S
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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
W-King X20S: $150.99 AliExpress W-King eBay
Pros: Clearer and smoother than the larger W-King X20 at about half its size and weight, and in side by side tests it held its own against the Harman Kardon Go + Play 3, with nicer, more exposed mids and more volume. 140W RMS (180W peak), IPX7, Bluetooth 5.4, a built-in microphone, TF card, USB and aux playback, FM radio, a carry handle and a shoulder strap.
Cons: Less bass and depth than the X20 and about 3dB quieter, and at maximum volume its mids and highs start to drown out the bass. With a flat EQ the bass is cut off, so it needs the bass boost. The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2 sounded better in a direct comparison. Sold direct from W-King in the US.
Full W-King X20S review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 140W RMS (180W peak) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13.8 lbs (6.25 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jagist reviews: W-king X20 Vs W-king X20S!!! More from Jagistreviews →
- Jagist reviews: W-king X20s Vs Harman Kardon Go Plus Play 3!!!
- Mateusz Cholewa: 140W W-KING X20S vs 160W HK Go Plus Play 3 More from Mateusz Cholewa →
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Encore Essential 2 Vs W-king X20s!!!
- Jagist reviews: W-king X20s Vs Tribit Stormbox Blast!!!
- Head-to-Head 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
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