In this comparative review, we take a closer look at the JBL Boombox 3 and JBL Boombox 2 side by side to compare their specs and sound performance.
The JBL Boombox 3 was released on 5th February 2022 as the successor to the well-known JBL Boombox 2 and has steadily built up a reputation of being a high-performance outdoor Bluetooth speaker. While the JBL Boombox 2 delivers very loud volume and bass, we felt that the JBL Boombox 3 delivers deeper low-end bass due to its dedicated subwoofer. The JBL Boombox 2 has a power output of 160 watts RMS while the JBL Boombox 3 has a output power of 136W (on battery) and 180W on AC power. While both speakers are comparatively loud, the JBL Boombox 3 certainly has much more to offer in terms of bass response and has a longer lasting battery life.
Read more: The 15 Loudest Bluetooth Speakers Ranked and Tested
Comparing the Specs
| Specification | JBL Boombox 3 | JBL Boombox 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Power Output (RMS) | 1x80W RMS-subwoofer + 2x40W RMS-midrange + 2x10W RMS-tweeter (AC mode), 1x60W RMS-subwoofer + 2x30W RMS-midrange + 2x8W RMS-tweeter (Battery mode) | 2 x 40 W RMS-woofer + 2 x 40 W RMS-tweeter |
| Wattage | 136W (180W peak) | 160W (peak) |
| Battery | 24 hours (10,000mAh) | 24 hours (10,000mAh) |
| Frequency Response | 40 Hz to 20 kHz | 50 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Dimensions | 48.2 x 25.7 x 20.0 cm | 48.5 x 20.1 x 25.7 cm |
| Weight | 6.7 kg | 5.9 kg |
| Additional Features | PartyBoost, JBL Portable app,eco-friendly packaging | PartyBoost, strong, bold design, built-in powerbank |
The JBL Boombox 3 delivers louder sound performance and has more bass due to its dedicated subwoofer. It also has an improved waterproof and dustproof rating (IP67) compared to the Boombox 2’s IPX7 rating. The Boombox 3 is slightly larger and heavier than the Boombox 2.
Both models share features like Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, long battery life, and PartyBoost, allowing you to link multiple JBL PartyBoost-compatible speakers.
Sound Performance
Compared with the JBL Boombox 2, the new JBL Boombox 3 features a 3-way speaker system that delivers tremendous output power, volume and deep bass. It now comes with its own dedicated subwoofer that is built into the speaker to deliver massive bass performance, in addition to its two midrange drives and two tweeters. We played a couple of music soundtracks including EDM, rock and hip-hop music gernes and they sounded very tight and punchy. There is also a noticeable improvement in the overall bass output on the Boombox 3 and the lows can get very deep with plenty of depth and substance.
This makes the JBL Boombox 3 the ideal speaker for outdoor parties and events where you can blast music and dance to the beat of the music. We also found that the JBL Boombox 3 delivers slightly better clarity than the JBL Boombox 2 in terms of highs and treble ranges; the highs sound smoother and less recessed, and the midranges do not distort at higher volume levels.
If we were to compare the JBL Boombox 3 and JBL Boombox 2 side by side, the one thing we can say with confidence is that the JBL Boombox 3 definitely delivers much louder and sustained bass performance with very deep lows. You will certainly enjoy listening to pop and disco music on the JBL Boombox 3 and the bass from this speaker is very powerful and punchy.
Specifications
In terms of specifications, the JBL Boombox 3 can pump out slightly more power than the JBL Boombox 2 with 180Ws of output power when connected to an AC. Like the JBL Boombox 2, it comes with a built-in battery that can deliver easily 24 hours of playtime on a single charge at around 60-70% volume level. Both speakers are also IPX7 waterproof and you can even submerge the speakers underwater to a depth of 1 meter without any issues, making them great for beach or poolside parties. Both speakers come equipped with two tweeters and two midrange drivers that emphasize the highs and midranges in music soundtracks. Sound-wise, both speakers also have the same frequency range of 40 Hz to 20 kHz and a signal to noise ratio of >80 dB.
One of the key feature that is present in both the JBL Boombox 3 and JBL Boombox 2 is the PartyBoost feature which allows you to pair two JBL PartyBoost compatible speakers together for a true stereo sound performance, and allows you to create a much wider listening field than before. Both speakers also feature navigation buttons at the top of the speaker which allow you to adjust the volume and skip soundtracks on the go.
Furthermore, both speakers can also double as a powerbank and allow you to charge your Bluetooth devices by connecting them to the USB output from the back of the speaker.
Design
In terms of design, the JBL Boombox 3 features a noticeable upgrade from the previous JBL Boombox 2 and looks sleeker and more modern with a nice metallic finish. It also comes with a sturdy metal handle with silicone grips which makes carrying this speaker around outdoors much easier. When we compared both the JBL Boombox 3 and Boombox 2 side by side, we felt that the JBL Boombox 3 looks much more sleek with nice curvy angles and a rubberized base to keep the speaker in place. Both speakers come with passive bass radiators at the side which pumps out massive bass and you can see the radiators moving while playing music which is really neat.
The Verdict?
The JBL Boombox 3 is a good upgrade from the JBL Boombox 2 and delivers much better bass due to its built-in subwoofer, in addition to the two tweeters and two midrange drivers that both speakers already have. This new 3-way design allows the JBL Boombox 3 to have much better clarity when it comes with the highs, midranges and bass, without the sound bleeding into another frequency range; each woofer and tweeter is designed for a specific frequency band.
The JBL Boombox 3 also has slightly louder power output as compared to the JBL Boombox 2 when connected on AC power and has a power output of 180W compared to the Boombox 2’s 160W. Having said that, the JBL Boombox 3 and Boombox 2 retain the same shape and design and battery life. Both speakers are IPX7 waterproof and are portable enough to be carried around, while the battery can double as a portable power bank for your smartphone and Bluetooth devices.
The JBL Boombox 3 is definitely worth the upgrade if you are looking for much louder sound and deeper bass output, and they certain pull off a much cleaner sound than the JBL Boombox 2 which does not have a dedicated woofer. Having said that, both speakers are rather similar in aesthetics and design, and are both waterproof and suitable for outdoor use. If you already have the JBL Boombox 2, it might not be worth the upgrade as the difference in sound output is relatively similar. However, if you still do not have the JBL Boombox, we highly recommend getting the JBL Boombox 3 due to the improved bass output and overall cleaner sound performance.