JBL Boombox 3 and JBL Boombox 2 are Bluetooth speakers from JBL aimed at those who sacrifice portability in favor of powerful sound, between 160 and 200 W RMS. With a water-resistant design and 24-hour music battery, both options are available in the market.
Following, we compare the technical specifications of the two Boombox models in more detail. You get to know which of the two offers more powerful sound, and what the differences are in features, prices, and even weight – important when it comes to carrying the Boombox, which is not as portable as smaller boxes.
JBL Boombox 3 vs JBL Boombox 2
| Specifications | JBL Boombox 3 | JBL Boombox 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | September 2022 | December 2020 |
| Price | from $399 | from $429 |
| RMS power | 180 W RMS (assumed) | 160 W RMS |
| Response frequency | 40 Hz a 20 kHz | 50 Hz a 20 kHz |
| Drivers | 1x subwoofer de 80 W RMS, 2x midrange de 40 W RMS e 2x tweeters de 10 W RMS | 2x woofers de 40 W RMS e 2x tweeters 40 W RMS |
| connectivity | USB, 3.5 mm cable, and Bluetooth 5.3 | USB, 3.5 mm cable, and Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Battery | up to 24 hours | up to 24 hours |
| Colors | black or camouflage | black or camouflage |
Design
Generally speaking, the design of the two versions is quite similar: the format is cylindrical and has a reinforced handle on the top to facilitate the transport of accessories that are not compact: the Boombox 2 weighs 5.9 kg, while the Boombox 3 is even heavier, at 6.7 kg.
In the finish, the two products mix plastic and rubberized surfaces with the fabric lining of the sound outlets. In colors, both models are found in black or in a camouflage pattern, which gives them a more adventurous look.
In both cases, there is protection against splashes and dust ingress through IP67 certification. In terms of connectivity, both devices have a power cable port, a conventional USB port (which can be used to charge the phone’s battery), and a 3.5 plug for those who want to use the cable and not Bluetooth to share music.
Sound quality
Although they are part of the same Boombox line, the two speakers have prominent technical differences in the datasheet and the trend is that these features affect sound quality.
Starting with the Boombox 2, JBL explains that the device consists of two 40W RMS woofers and two 40W RMS tweeters. The woofers are speakers meant to emphasize the bass sound, while the tweeters are meant for the higher-pitched sound. If you add it all up, the Boombox 2 has a maximum power output of 160 W RMS.
The Boombox 3, on the other hand, has a more versatile speaker system. There’s an 80 W RMS subwoofer, two 40 W RMS mid-range speakers, and two 10 W RMS tweeters (these power outputs drop a little on the battery, as a form of power saving). With the presence of intermediate speakers, the Boombox 3 should cover better medium frequencies, presenting a more balanced sound and higher fidelity.
In addition to the more balanced hardware, the Boombox 3 also provides a wider frequency response range. The box covers the range from 40 Hz to 20 kHz, while the Boombox 2 offers a slightly narrower range from 50 Hz and 20 kHz.
Battery
Nothing changes between one Boombox and the other as far as autonomy is concerned. On both models, JBL reports a total of 24 hours of use for listening to music. The parity also persists for the time required to recharge the speakers’ battery: it is 6.5 hours in both cases.
In addition, the two Boomboxes can function as a power bank to recharge the battery of mobile phones via USB cable.
Extra features
Both devices support JBL’s PartyBoost feature, which allows the user to create a wireless network between JBL speakers. With this, you can play sound in all of them at the same time, creating a more powerful sound system.
Newer, the JBL Boombox 3 is compatible with the JBL Portable app and also supports the connection of up to two mobile phones simultaneously. In addition, the new summer already offers Bluetooth 5.3, while the Boombox 2 uses Bluetooth 5.1.
Price and Availability
Both models are easily found in the market, both in black and in a camouflage pattern. As you can imagine, between the two, the Boombox 2 is the cheapest: the previous generation model can be found on Amazon’s marketplace for $399 The Boombox 3 is more expensive and, also on Amazon, appears in ads at $429.
- Buy JBL BoomBox 2
- Buy JBL BoomBox 3
Choosing between one and the other involves considering your budget and also considering what you consider most important: design, battery, and features are the same between the two. But power and sound quality should favor the Boombox 3. For the Boombox 2, the trumps are the weight – it is a little lighter without sacrificing battery – and the more affordable price.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.