Released in the summer of 2022, JBL’s Boombox 3 is the latest in this range of portable speakers. Boasting an improved speaker configuration, dedicated app, and multi-speaker connectivity, this model is surely a refinement of its predecessor.
What’s New With the JBL Boombox 3?
This model is the latest incarnation of the Boombox range, and JBL claim a number improvements on the previous model. The Boombox 3 is currently on sale for $499.95, whereas you can pick up a Boombox 2 for just $349.95.
So you might be wondering, how much of an upgrade is this latest version, and is it worth the extra cash? To find out, let’s take a look at a rundown of some of the key specs.
Robust, Compact, Waterproof Design
On the surface the JBL Boombox 3 looks strikingly similar to the older model, but there are a couple of small, albeit notable changes.
Although it may be slightly heavier than the Boombox 2, it is still fairly lightweight at 14.7lbs. By the same token, it is also fairly compact with a metal handle and silicone grips, making this an ideal size and weight for a portable rig.
JBL haven’t strayed too far from the sturdy and robust overall design that these speakers are known for. Available in black or camo, it has a rock-like, dense appearance that screams durability.
In this case, this speaker can indeed withstand anything you might throw at it. In the event that you might want to bring this speaker to the beach or to the lake, you’ll be glad to know that it’s IP67 waterproof and dustproof.
As with the previous version, the JBL Boombox 3 can be submerged under water for up to 30 minutes without any damage being dealt to any of its internal or external mechanics.
JBL Boombox 3 Speaker Configuration
The most notable update with the Boombox 3 relates to driver configuration. Whereas the previous model used a two-way set-up, this version houses a three-way configuration which has extend the bottom end range by an extra 10Hz.
To illustrate, within the Boombox 3 are five drivers. Two mid-range woofers, two high-end tweeters and an all new sub-woofer that provides a subtle yet pronounced boost to the low end. In comparison, the Boombox 2 housed a two-way configuration with two woofers and two tweeters.
Not only does this give you an extra driver to play with in terms of maximum volume, but it has increased the frequency range from 50Hz-20KHz with the Boombox 2, to 40Hz-20kHz with the Boombox 3.
Although 10Hz may not feel like much, at the lower end of the frequency spectrum this goes a long way to providing audible and clear sub-bass.
| JBL Boombox 2 | JBL Boombox 2 | |
| Speaker configuration | Two-way. Two woofers, two tweeters | Three-way. Sub-woofer, two mids and two tweeters |
| Frequency range | 50Hz-20kHz | 40Hz-20kHz |
| Price | $349.95 | $499.95 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.1. SBC codec | Bluetooth 5.3. SBC codec |
| Waterproof? | IPX7 waterproof | IP67 waterproof and dustproof |
| Partyboost mode? | Yes | Yes |
| Portable app compatibility | Yes | Yes |
Portable yet Powerful
The JBL Boombox 3 can either be powered using mains power, or from its own battery. Battery life is 24 hours when charged for 6.5 hours to full capacity. Furthermore, this speaker also has a USB A output which allows it to charge small devices.
It’s important to note that how the speaker is being powered affects the driver output. The table below illustrates the differences in battery vs mains power supply modes.
| Battery | Power supply | |
| Sub | 60W | 80W |
| Mids | 30W each | 40W |
| Tweeters | 8W each | 10W each |
As shown above there are slight differences in power depending on whether you choose to use this speaker in your home, or out and about using the battery. Nonetheless, the battery power mode should be more than satisfactory for most outings.
In any case, the Boombox 3 is fairly consistent at different volume levels, performing best at moderate-high volume. There is no noticeable distortion when used at maximum volume, though a slight thinning in very low end has been observed.
In the interest of fairness, we must judge this speaker for what it is – a small portable speaker. A compact design such as this can’t be expected to perform as well as a bigger, more complex sound system, and it doesn’t.
However, as far as portable rigs go, it performs very well indeed.
JBL Boombox 3 Connectivity
To connect to the Boombox 3, you can either use it’s 3.5mm aux input, or connect up to 2 devices via Bluetooth 5.3 – a basic, yet stable and low energy wireless connection. Although SBC codec is supported, this speaker does not support AAC or APTX.
Be that as it may, unless you are planning on using Bluetooth connectivity for gaming or your home theater, SBC codec should do the job just fine. 16 bit, 48kHz and 328 kbps capability makes it more than suitable for parties and blasting tunes.
On the other hand, if it’s minimal latency wireless you’re looking for, you might be better searching somewhere else.
On the positive side, if one JBL Boombox doesn’t satisfy your craving for volume as a stand-alone speaker, you can link it with multiple speakers using the Partyboost function. Create a stereo sound, or get creative with a more complex setup for increased volume or a more expansive sound.
JBL Portable App
A key extra to take note of is the JBL Portable app, available on android or iOS. Though this feature is also usable with the Boombox 2, it’s an undoubtedly useful yet simple tool that helps to improve the user experience.
To demonstrate, using the app you can check the speaker’s battery life, update firmware, and toggle feedback suppression in the case of using the Boombox for microphone amplification. Though most importantly, the app contains a 3 band EQ which allows you to tweak low, mid, and high frequencies.
You can take advantage of this to optimize the performance of the Boombox 3 depending on the setting.
Is This an Upgrade?
While the JBL Boombox 3 shares many features and similarities with its predecessor, some refinement sets it aside.
Namely, a three-way speaker configuration that increases the frequency range, allowing it to output waveforms as low as 40Hz. Not to mention the increase in maximum volume that can be output with the addition of an extra driver.
However, the recent price reduction of the Boombox 2 to $349.95 begs the question of whether an added 10Hz is worth the extra price tag of $499.95.
If rich subs at high volume is important to you, then the JBL Boombox 3 is the way to go!