Insight Headphones

JBL Boombox 3 Speaker Review- Best Speaker in 2023?

JBL Boombox 3 Speaker

The JBL Boombox 3 is a new and upgraded addition to the JBL Boombox speaker series. Boombox 3 appears to be quite different from the previous Boombox original, and Boombox 2 speakers on the outside and inside as well. Overall, the JBL Boombox 3 is a solid speaker for beach and pool parties. However, the Boombox 3 release date was January 5, 2022. But even so, as of 2023, the current JBL Boombox 3 price on the JBL website is $599.98.

JBL Boombox 3 Speaker Review

Buyers are surprised because the JBL Boombox 3 is one of the few JBL speakers. That has not been raised in price. Nonetheless, if you’re considering purchasing this JBL portable speaker. Or if you’re thinking about upgrading from the Boombox 2 or the original Boombox. Then, read this blog to find out what the Boombox 3 is all about. So, continue reading.

JBL Boombox 3- Pros & Cons 

Pros Cons 
Massive bassHeavy 
Extremely loud Quite expensive 
Graphic EQ Soundstage is narrow and directional.
IP67 rating Only the SBC codec is supported 
Metal carrying handleNo shoulder straps

JBL Boombox 3- Specifications 

JBL Boombox frequency response 40Hz to 20k Hz
Output power (W)5 x 136 W 180-watt 
Dimensions (in)19.0 x 10.1 x 7.9
Dimensions (cm)48.2 x 25.7 x 20.0
Weight (kgs)6.7
Weight (lbs)14.7
Bluetooth profilesA2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.6
Bluetooth frequency2.402GHz – 2.480GHz
Bluetooth transmitted modulationGFSK, π/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK
Bluetooth transmitter power≤ 9 dBm (EIRP)
Bluetooth version5.3

JBL Boombox 3- Design & Quality 

JBL Boombox 3- Design & Quality 

Let us discuss the design and quality of the JBL Boombox 3 speaker. In terms of physical appearance. The JBL logo has been enlarged on the front of the Boombox 3. Which some people find objectionable. But that’s beside the point. But, yes, it is a little different from the previous JBL Boombox speakers. 

However, there is also one more feature that distinguishes this speaker from other Boombox speakers, its carrying handle. The JBL Boombox 3 now has a metal carrying handle in comparison to other previous Boombox speakers. But we still wish the Boombox 3 had a shoulder strap like the JBL Xtreme 3. Furthermore, Boombox 3 is a portable speaker that is small enough to carry with you. 

Nevertheless, it is significantly heavier than its predecessors. The Boombox 3 is 14.7 pounds in weight. The original Boombox weighs 13 pounds, while the Boombox 2 weighs 11 and a half pounds. And the Boombox 3’s weight gain is quite noticeable. Furthermore, the body of this speaker is mostly made of fabric. Lastly, the Boombox 3 is a solid and durable speaker with an IP67 rating, which means it is both dust and water-resistant.

JBL Boombox 3- Battery Performance 

JBL Boombox 3- Battery Performance 

When it comes to JBL Boombox 3 technical specs, this speaker has a 72.6-watt-hour battery. However, all Boombox speakers have the same advertised battery life of 24 hours. Moreover, this JBL speaker can be charged up in only 6.5 hours. But even so, in real-world use, Boombox 3 is set to play at 80% volume. We discovered that it provides approximately 8 hours of playback time, which is the same as the Boombox 2.

Aside from that, we can say confidently that users will find this to be a positive thing. That the Boombox 3 has more speakers to power than the Boombox 2. Which gives the Boombox 3 a brighter sound signature. As a result, this JBL speaker sounds a little louder than the other JBL Boombox speakers. Also lastly, Boombox 3 has a more powerful bass.

JBL Boombox 3- Sound Quality 

JBL Boombox 3- Sound Quality 

Now it’s time to talk about actually listening to music with this speaker. Both the Boombox original and Boombox 2 have dual 4-inch frontward firing woofers, dual 3-quarter-inch frontward firing tweeters, and dual passive radiators that shoot out the sides. Whereas the JBL Boombox 3 is quite different. The exposed dual passive radiators that shoot out the sides of the Boombox 3 remain.

Other than that, this speaker now includes a front-firing subwoofer. And the Boombox 3 still has a pair of front-firing woofers for the mids. They are still smaller, measuring 3.2 inches. Furthermore, the Boombox 3 retains dual front-firing 3-quarter-inch tweeters. However, they have stacked on top of the mid-range woofers. But don’t worry, the Boombox 3 doesn’t sound muffled because its tweeters are placed on top of its woofers.

Moreover, we found that the Boombox 3 has slightly better sound quality than its predecessors when using the stock EQ. Also, you will find the highs of Boombox 3 more prominent. Overall, the Boombox 3 outperforms the Boombox 2 and Boombox original, representing a significant performance improvement. Furthermore, the performance boost from the Boombox 2 to the Boombox 3 is mostly just more bass and massively loud sound quality.

JBL Boombox 3- Adjustable EQ Settings 

JBL Boombox 3- Adjustable EQ Settings 

Fortunately, the Boombox 3 includes an adjustable EQ app. This is an entirely new feature for JBL speakers in general. And we used this speaker with the base raised two clicks and the treble lowered one click. And with this setting, we noticed that this speaker sounded much more balanced. Perhaps surprisingly, the JBL Boombox 2 also now has an adjustable EQ, thanks to a recent firmware update.

However, in terms of overall performance, the JBL Boombox 3 has a similar instrument separation to the Boombox 2. In comparison, the original Boombox does sound a little narrower. Even so, with the proper EQ settings, the Boombox 3 has noticeably more bass than these other two speakers. Nevertheless, the instrument separation hasn’t changed much.

Also, keep in mind that in order to get the best sound quality out of Boombox 3, you must go in and adjust the bass and treble on this speaker. Because of the stock EQ, it is very bright and a little harsh. However, with the proper EQ, Boombox 3 no longer sounds relatively flat or nasally at higher volumes. Which was a problem for the Boombox 2. Nevertheless, the Boombox 3 does a much greater job this time around of linearly increasing its bass as the volume is increased.

JBL Boombox 3- Pairing

At last, let’s talk about how the JBL Boombox 3 pairing with the other speakers. The JBL Boombox 3 utilizes JBL’s Party Boost technology, which allows it to be easily paired with other Party Boost speakers such as the other Boombox 3, Boombox 2, Xtreme 3, Charge 5, Pulse 4, Flip 6, Flip 5, and the upcoming Pulse 5. What’s more, you can’t pair the JBL Boombox 3 with any of JBL’s older speakers that use JBL connect plus. That means it won’t work with the original Boombox, Xtreme 2, Charge 5, Pulse 3, and Flip 4. Even though this isn’t a bad thing.

However, Partyboost outperforms the JBL Connect Plus in terms of overall performance. you can have a much greater distance between your speakers and they connect far faster. Overall, we believe that Partyboost is the best speaker pairing protocol available. You simply press one button on each speaker to sync them. They will begin playing music, and skipping is not a problem. Now connect up to two devices wirelessly, for instance, a tablet and the speaker, and share your favorite songs in turns.

What Inside the JBL Boombox 3 Box?

The JBL Boombox 3 comes in a sturdy cardboard box packing that includes the following items:

  • JBL Boombox 3 speaker. 
  • AC power cord.
  • Quick Start Guide.
  • Safety sheet.
  • Warranty card.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How Loud is the JBL Boombox?

With a powerful 40 watts of power capability up to 60 watts when connected to a power source, the JBL Boombox is one of the loudest Bluetooth speakers available in the market. In addition, the JBL Boombox 3 speaker has a 20,000mAh battery that can provide up to 24 hours of continuous music playback time.

How many watts does Boombox 3 have?

With a 5 x 136 W 180-watt maximum power output, the JBL Boombox 3-speaker system features a subwoofer, two side speakers, and two tweeters.

Is the JBL Boombox 3 a stereo or mono device?

In terms of soundstage performance, it is comparable to the JBL Boombox 2. Because of the ability to play stereo content without cutting jobs to mono, instruments and sound effects in your sound quality can be identified in the sound system.

How Loud is the JBL Boombox 3?

Compared to the JBL Xtreme 3 speaker, the JBL Boombox 3 is a superior and louder speaker. And in comparison to its predecessor, it has a more balanced sound profile with deeper low bass. Even though it is as loud as the Xtreme 3, it has significantly less compression when playing your favorite songs at max volume, which results in a massive, louder, and cleaner sound.

Is Boombox 3 Superior to Boombox 2?

Yes, without a doubt, the JBL Boombox 3 is superior to the JBL Boombox 2. Because it provides noticeably massive bass and louder sound quality than its predecessor. 

Final Words 

Now with all of this being said in this blog. Overall, we liked and strongly recommended the JBL Boombox 3. There are some things we don’t like about the brighter stock EQ. Furthermore, the Boombox 3 disappointed us by not having a USB port like the Xtreme 3 that allows us to charge our phone while also using it as a wired connection. However, We still wish the JBL Boombox 3 had a shoulder-carrying strap.

Aside from that, we still recommend the JBL Boombox 3 because of its higher output, which allows this speaker to be noticeably louder. It is even louder than its predecessors. Just because of its additional front-firing subwoofers. The Boombox 3 has more bass than the Boombox 2 and the original Boombox. Even unlike the other JBL Boombox speakers, it also no longer sounds nasally and flat at higher volumes.

We also liked the new feature of the Boombox 3’s adjustable EQ, which is a new concept for JBL. However, if you are considering purchasing the JBL Boombox 3, you should do so because you have a healthy ecosystem to choose from among JBL speakers. And at last, we hope you found this blog useful in deciding whether to buy Boombox 3 or not. Thank you for reading this entire blog.