Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

JBL Boombox Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£330Audio output power:?Battery life:24 hoursIP rating:IPX7Bluetooth version:4.2Weight:5250 g

JBL Boombox Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

JBL Boombox
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

7.1

Technical score

20%

9.7

User score

★Better than 92% of portable speakers
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

â–²Better than 82%
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

32%

7.7

Audio

20%

7.9

Battery

18%

7.4

Durability

16%

5.8

Connectivity

8%

6.2

Controls

3%

4.0

Design

3%

7.1

Smart features

â–²Better than 82%
9.7

User score

User score
9.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.5

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 99%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker JBL Boombox

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

32%

7.7

Audio

20%

7.9

Battery

18%

7.4

Durability

16%

5.8

Connectivity

8%

6.2

Controls

3%

4.0

Design

3%

7.1

Smart features

7.1
User score
User score
9.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

9.5

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.7
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
JBL Boombox has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than 92% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

8.0
Audio output power
?
Driver unit size
102 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 102 mm which is larger than that of 90.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
4
This portable speaker has 4 drivers, which is more than 81.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.9% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
50 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 50 Hz which is lower than that of 59.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.1% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP; HFP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 24 hours which is longer than that of 88.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.4% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
10,000 mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 10,000 mAh which is larger than that of 96.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.1% of portable speakers.
Charging time
6 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 6 hours which is longer than that of 95.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.4% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
IPX7
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IPX7 which provides better ingress protection than 47.6% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 25.2% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
1 m
This portable speaker has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
Drop resistance
?
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On-device controls placement
top
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
no
This portable speaker does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Weight
5,250 g
This portable speaker weighs 5,250 g which is heavier than that of 89.4% of portable speakers.
Height
25.45 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 25.45 cm which is taller than that of 87.2% of portable speakers.
Width
49.5 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 49.5 cm which is wider than that of 97.8% of portable speakers.
Depth
19.55 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 19.55 cm which is deeper than that of 89.7% of portable speakers.
Carry options
handle
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Companion app name
JBL Portable
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

JBL Boombox vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 52 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (102 mm vs 50 mm).
    102 mm vs 50 mm
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    3 vs 1
  • 12 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (24 hours vs 12 hours).
    24 hours vs 12 hours
  • 7,400 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (10,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    10,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    4 vs 2
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • Floats in water
    This portable speaker floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
  • 20.7% higher user score
    User score
    9.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    JBL Boombox
    the average portable speaker
    JBL Boombox has a higher user score than the average portable speaker (9.66 vs 8).
    9.66 vs 8
  • 2.38x more popular
    JBL Boombox is more popular than the average portable speaker (10 vs 4.21).
    10 vs 4.21
  • 5.7% better value for money
    JBL Boombox offers better value for money than the average portable speaker (7.97 vs 7.5).
    7.97 vs 7.55
  • 52 mm larger main driver
    This portable speaker has a larger main driver than the average portable speaker (102 mm vs 50 mm).
    102 mm vs 50 mm
  • 2 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (4 vs 2).
    4 vs 2
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 10 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    50 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more USB ports
    This portable speaker has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 12 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (24 hours vs 12 hours).
    24 hours vs 12 hours
  • 7,400 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (10,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    10,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Floats in water
    This portable speaker floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX7 vs IPX5).
    IPX7 vs IPX5
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 3 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 3 hours).
    6 hours vs 3 hours
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 4,450 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (5,250 g vs 800 g).
    5,250 g vs 800 g
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 31.4 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (49.5 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    49.5 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 13.05 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (25.5 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    25.45 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 11.25 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (19.6 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    19.55 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 3.67x more expensive
    JBL Boombox is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£330 vs £90).
    £330 vs £90
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This portable speaker has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 3 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 3 hours).
    6 hours vs 3 hours
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 4,450 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (5,250 g vs 800 g).
    5,250 g vs 800 g
  • 31.4 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (49.5 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    49.5 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 13.05 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (25.5 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    25.45 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 11.25 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (19.6 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    19.55 cm vs 8.3 cm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
techradar.com
19/04/2018
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
20/12/2017
Summary of the review
M
majorhifi.com
21/11/2017
Summary of the review
E
expertreviews.co.uk
15/10/2020
Summary of the review
T
techhive.com
05/07/2021
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
20/12/2017
Summary of the review
A
au.pcmag.com
21/12/2017
Summary of the review
C
cnet.com
31/08/2017
Summary of the review
L
lbtechreviews.com
17/08/2018
Summary of the review
T
techaeris.com
04/03/2018
Summary of the review
D
deccanchronicle.com
04/08/2018
Summary of the review
H
hightechdad.com
16/01/2018
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
09/11/2017
Summary of the review
0
01net.com
09/11/2017
Summary of the review
L
letemsvetemapplem.eu
30/09/2017
Summary of the review
H
hardware.info
16/09/2018
Summary of the review
G
gadgetgear.nl
21/03/2018
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: August 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about JBL Boombox

  • Powerful audio output with deep, booming bass
  • Excellent battery life providing up to 24 hours or more of playtime
  • Rugged build quality with excellent IP-rated water and dust resistance
  • Built-in power bank capability to charge external mobile devices
  • Multi-speaker pairing options to link with other compatible JBL speakers

What customers don't like about JBL Boombox

  • Heavy and bulky design that limits effortless true portability
  • High premium price tag compared to other portable options
  • Audio quality can suffer from compression or harsh treble at maximum volume
  • Lacks a flat or accurate sound signature for purist audiophiles
  • Does not feature built-in voice assistant capabilities or smart features

Verdict

The original JBL Boombox is a powerful portable Bluetooth 4.2 speaker equipped with a massive 20,000mAh lithium-ion battery that delivers up to 24 hours of continuous playtime and functions as a dual-charge out power bank. It features an IPX7 waterproof rating, a 50Hz - 20kHz frequency response, and an output power of 2 x 30W on AC mode (dropping to 2 x 20W on battery), pushing monstrous sound with deep, punchy bass via dual passive radiators. Key advantages include its exceptionally loud audio performance, rugged durability for outdoor use, and JBL Connect+ integration to pair over 100 speakers. However, notable drawbacks include its heavy and bulky design weighing 11.6 lbs, a premium price tag, a lack of built-in equalizer adjustments within its app, and the absence of included auxiliary or USB cables.

Compare JBL Boombox with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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