JBL Boombox 2 Review

During the olden times, the boombox was quite popular among music lovers, party people, travelers, and youngsters. They would bring it along anywhere they went. Whether it is for camping, in the backyard, or to a friend’s house party, the boombox would entertain them and get them to dance to the tunes the same is true for the JBL Partybox 300, so make some time to check out the JBL Partybox 300 review. Well, the idea of the shindig and the purpose of having a boombox remains the same. This is why today, we’ll go back to the nineties and have ourselves a look at this JBL Boombox 2 review.

The technology has had a breakthrough, and even though the boombox from those times is obsolete now, its purpose is served by the present-day sound systems and various audio accessories. JBL keeps that spirit of celebration high by its diverse array of speakers that have different designs, sizes and come with different features along with its signature sound. 

The JBL Boombox 2 Review- All About JBL Boombox 2 Speaker

You need to understand that this JBL Boombox 2 is a wonderful addition to its lineup of incredible sound systems and is a mid-sized soundbox with massive audio output that can shake you up, and this JBL Boombox 2 review will be a display of these very features. Even though the company hasn’t given JBL Boombox 2 a visual makeover, there certainly have been some upgrades (if not a lot) to make it a bit better. The price of this second-generation model, however, is still expensive, considering the average magnitude of changes that have been incorporated. 

Speaking of the modifications, the best change JBL Boombox 2 has got is a better sound quality from the already powerful and rich sound of its predecessor. So you can imagine what we are talking about here! There has been an upgrade in the Bluetooth version as well with the latter supporting Bluetooth v5.1 which offers more seamless audio streaming and better connection if you want to watch videos. 

The positive JBL Boombox 2 reviews and appreciation from users and experts signify how good of a product it is. The next section of the article will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the various aspects of the speaker through our version of the JBL Boombox 2 review. This will cover the various parameters like features, design, sound quality, etc., which will help you understand why these speakers may or may not be the right choice for you. 

JBL Boombox 2 Review – Portable Bluetooth Speaker:

There is an ocean of options available in the market when it comes to wireless, easy-to-carry speakers, and it can be quite tricky to understand whether this type of speaker will cater to your needs or not. So, before you make a purchasing decision on this speaker, it is always recommended to take a look at the various JBL wireless speakers reviews online, or more specifically go through the “JBL Boombox 2 portable Bluetooth speaker reviews”, so you can get to know them first-hand experiences of the users. Meanwhile, here’s ours.

JBL Boombox 2 Review: Design and Build

Design:

To start with, JBL Boombox 2 is available in two colors- Black and Camouflage (Camo) which leaves you with limited but classic options to choose from. The speaker is almost cylindrical that weighs 13 pounds with dimensions 19.1 x 10.1 x 7.9 inches. This means that even though the speakers come under the “bring along” bracket, it is not small and light enough to slide into your backpack along with other things. It is quite bulky which is why it is provided with a big sturdy handle with grips underside for easy carrying, so you can move it to your party area, or place it at the back of your car. However, this may not be a great option if you are looking for something more handy and small that you can walk around with. 

Now, the overall design of the JBL Boombox 2 is pretty much the same as that of its predecessor, with the only difference being that the latest model is marginally bigger. If you haven’t noticed already, the speaker looks pretty much like a ‘traditional boombox’ which is designed to be placed horizontally. It has a plastic base to make the system stand firmly and not shift because of the sound vibrations. 

Material Build:

Most of the speaker’s surface area is wrapped with nylon mesh, which encases the drivers and the woofers. There are two tweeters of 20 mm each and two woofers that are 4 inches big. There are two large-sized passive radiators on each side of the cylinder. All of this together is responsible for the powerful and bass-heavy performance that the speaker delivers. JBL Boombox 2 has a fairly good frequency response with a range covering between 50 Hz to 20,000 Hz. There is a built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, which will be covered under “JBL Boombox 2 review: Battery life”.

LED and Charging Ports:

JBL Boombox 2 carries its logo on one side, right under which is a small LED indicator that shows that battery status and also when it pairs with a device. The other side has a silicon/plastic flip-open lid that conceals the connectivity ports. There is a 3.5 mm stereo input for Aux cable, one USB type-A port for charging devices like tablets, mobiles, and others from the speaker’s battery, one micro USB port for charging the speaker. 

Controls:

On the upper front-end of the speaker lie the various controls. There is a power on and off control and a Bluetooth button for pairing with other devices. There are volume controls, a play/pause/skip multifunctional button, and a PartyBoost button for connecting with other speakers to get an amplified stereo surround sound. Now, while the speaker lets you skip a track, it doesn’t have control over selecting the previous track. A few users in the JBL Boombox 2 portable Bluetooth speaker reviews did point this out as it is a bit disadvantageous to some, especially for people who have the habit of switching the tracks back and forth. 

JBL Wireless Speakers Review: Various Features

Water-Resistance:

One of the most prominent features of JBL Boombox 2 is its waterproofing capabilities. The audio machine carries an IPX7 rating for waterproofing. This makes the speaker extremely versatile in the sense that it can be used anywhere.

With its waterproof build and dustproof protection, JBL Boombox 2 can remain under shallow water (0.5 to 1 meter deep) for about 30 minutes without getting affected. This makes it an ultimate candidate for poolside parties, beach events, etc. The speaker can also hold up pretty well if there is a sudden downpour. The speaker can even float. Do make sure that the connection ports are shut tight with the flap provided so water doesn’t seep in or at least dry the speaker completely before you connect it to the power outlet for charging. The Bluetooth connection however wobbles as the signal doesn’t travel through the water well. 

Bluetooth Connectivity:

Next up is wireless connectivity. JBL Boombox 2 supports Bluetooth v5.1 and the connection is perfect. It also allows you to pair with two different devices at the same time, so you can play music from both devices taking turns. It also allows you to quickly switch to the second device if the first one isn’t functioning or runs out of charge. The speaker also has received some good JBL Boombox 2 portable Bluetooth speaker reviews when it comes to streaming videos via Bluetooth thanks to the low latency, which isn’t the case with every speaker. The only catch here is that it supports SBC Bluetooth codec and not AAC or AptX which are the best as far as the audio quality is concerned. 

Device Pairing:

Speaking of pairing with other speakers, this second-generation Boombox 2, is compatible with JBL’s PartyBoost software. This feature enables the speaker to pair with multiple other enabled speakers to form a loud and clear surround listening experience. This is useful when you are in a large room or a crowded place. The app also features stereo pairing mode which allows the speaker to pair with another Boombox 2 to form a more intense stereo sound effect. 

What’s Not There…

There is no provision to adjust the EQ settings, which means that you cannot personalize the sound quality and adjustments as per your preference. There are a few things that have been eliminated when compared to JBL Boombox that is worth mentioning. While the previous model had the indoor and outdoor mode which would help adjust the sound quality depending on the surrounding environment, this version does not have it. JBL does claim that this newer model has a better audio profile and drivers for improved sound. There should have been at least some provision for customizing the sound adjustments considering the higher price tag. On that note, you should take a look at JBL partybox 1000 too.

Some other things are the absence of a speakerphone. So if you intend to use the speaker only for listening to the music then this is going to be a great one, but if you plan on using it for conference calls, then obviously you will have to look for other options. There are a lot of speakers within JBL itself that offer speakerphone functionality that may serve your purpose.  The speaker also doesn’t have an integrated voice assistant feature, which can be a dealbreaker to some people. If you are looking for this smart feature support, then you may want to take a look at JBL Xtreme 2 or the Link series. 

JBL Boombox 2 Review: Battery Life

Playback Time:

As per several JBL Boombox 2 reviews, Boombox 2 has one of the best battery life and battery performance when compared to other speakers of its kind, and that is true! With a battery capacity of 10,000 mAh, the speaker has a playback time of one whole day (24 hours) on a single charge, which is incredible. You can get your speaker fully charged and get seamless music streaming the entire day and if you do not need it for the whole 24 hours which you surely wouldn’t, you do not need to charge it daily as well. When you consider that the JBL pulse battery life is lower, you might need to consider switching to the Boombox 2.

However, you need to take into account how you use it. If you turn the speaker on top volume, then the battery will drain out faster, and that’s how it works for any given speaker. But, if you use it at the optimal volume set by the company, then it will give you about 23 to 24 hours of run time. The customers in several JBL wireless speakers reviews stated that when turned on at 60 to 70% volume, the battery lasted for about 20 hours or so. The speaker also comes with an automatic power-off feature. If you do not use it or the speaker remains idle for 20 minutes, then it will shut off on its own, saving you power. 

Charging:

When it comes to charging it takes 6.5 hours to get fully charged which is a long wait. So if you need the speaker for a night-long party or longer hours outdoors, then you need to charge it ahead of time. 

The speaker can also charge other devices through its battery which is pretty convenient when you do not have any other power outlet available close by. 

JBL Boombox 2 Review: Sound Quality and Performance

Sound Quality:

How could we skip away from this section when it comes to a JBL Boombox 2 review. When it comes to the audio performance, JBL Boombox has a bellowing sound for its size. The sound is intense and engaging. If you are a fan of bass-heavy numbers, the speaker is sure to make your heart leap!

The overall sound quality across the entire frequency spectrum is well proportionate, and the company has worked notably well in eliminating distortion at any phase.  Boombox 2’s audio profile is perfect for every type of music genre be it bass-heavy Rock, Jazz to Electronic Dance Music, or the lighter ones like Pop or Classic. This sound system can take in every kind of music and deliver the sound impartially without an extra emphasis on any particular one. 

The speaker has strong and prominent mid-bass and high bass lines. A few JBL Boombox 2 portable Bluetooth speaker reviews stated that it loses the punch slightly at low bass, but this may depend on the track as well. It is noticed that in the case of some tracks the lower bass is impeccable, while in the case of some the sound reproduction was a bit shaky. The mids and the treble come out perfectly well carved and crisp even at high volumes which is pretty impressive. 

Performance:

The vocals delivered have excellent clarity, and so are the background instruments. In a typical orchestral track, while you can hear the prominent presence of the drums and the guitar notes, they do not shadow over the vocals or the lighter instruments when on high volumes. 

The speaker has mixed JBL wireless speakers reviews about the sound stage. While most of the users are pretty happy with its sound stage, a few keen listeners felt that the treble is deemed directional, and it depends on where you stand and listen. The bass, however, remains unaffected. All in all, the speaker offers good stereo surround sound capabilities filling a sufficiently large space. 

Turning Point of the Speaker:

With that said, the only flashpoint of the speaker is its sound skewing up at volumes over 85 to 90% level, which is common across most of the speakers of its kind. To be honest,  Boombox 2 is exceptionally loud, so you may not need to go up to that level at all. You will get the best listening experience in terms of the bass, mids, and treble when the speaker is at moderate volumes between 60-70% where the sound has a distinctive bass element, and well-boosted mids and highs. 

Although the purists or the sound enthusiasts may want to look for more perfection, JBL Boombox 2 proves to be a grandstander with its incredibly rumbling yet harmonious audio output and gives its fans what they love to hear. 

JBL Boombox 2 Review: Price

Although JBL Boombox 2 is one of the best speakers from JBL’s speaker lineups in terms of audio performance, we still think that it carries an expensive price tag taking into account some of the features that it lacks. You will get the speaker at $499.95 at the JBL website and JBL Boombox 2 Best Buy. On the Amazon e-commerce website, you may get it at a discounted price. 

Pros and Cons Based on the JBL Wireless Speakers Review

Pros

• Excellent battery life
• Significantly loud sound output
• Great audio profile with an excellent bass response and undistorted mids and highs 
• Portable speaker 
• IPX7 rated waterproofing capabilities
• Ability to pair with multiple other speakers to deliver a stereo surround sound
• Facilitates charging other mobile phones and tablets

Cons

• Although portable, the speaker is quite bulky
• Thins out a bit on low deep bass
• Expensive speaker option 
• Not a great sound option for audiophiles 

Some Alternatives to the JBL Boombox 2 and How It Compares to the JBL Boombox 2

JBL Boombox 2 is a great speaker with an amazing sound signature and multiple other selling points that can interest you. If  you are particular about any of the downsides mentioned and are considering some other options, then below is the list of some other similar products for comparison:

JBL Xtreme 3

If you are looking for something lighter than the Boombox 2 and do not want to wait for 6.5 hours for the speaker to get fully charged, then Xtreme 3 from JBL is a suitable option worth consideration. The latter takes just about 2.5 hours to power up, which is a notably short duration. But, what you are giving up with Xtreme 3 is the amazing 24 hours of battery life and powerful and almost undistorted sound of Boombox 2, especially on the higher frequencies. You can also carry it in your backpack, unlike our Boombox 2. Xtreme 3 is also close to $200 cheaper than Boombox 2 if you want something handier and at a lower price range. 

UE Hyperboom

This speaker is at the same level of competition or a little more superior to that of Boombox 2 in terms of loudness and overall sound quality. There are, however, a few things to note otherwise. When it comes to the ease of carrying outdoors, Boombox 2 is a lot easier to carry thanks to its sturdy, ergonomically designed handle. Hyperboom on the other hand has a silicone strap, which may not be that comfortable. Another major aspect to note is that this speaker is IPX4 rated, which means, unlike Boombox 2, it is only splashproof and not fully waterproof. But if you are willing to compromise on the handle design and know that you will not use it around the pool, then UE Hyperboom is a good choice at a price lesser than Boombox 2. 

Tribit StormBox Pro

Tribit is not a name you would frequently hear like the other market leaders in the speaker industry like Sony, JBL, or Bose. However, this company has brought in some amazing products that undoubtedly can be a tough contender. If you are on a tight budget but want a speaker with exceptional performance, then StormBox Pro is sure to make you happy. This waterproof speaker pumps out an excellent sound with dual-channel stereo, giving it a more lively experience. Additionally, with a price tag close to just one-fourth of what  Boombox 2 has, you will get the speakerphone and the voice assistant functionality. 

Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Outdoor Speaker

Here’s another lightweight and extremely pocket-friendly outdoor speaker known for mighty audio output that gives you an amazing listening experience. Famed for booming lows, and well-defined mids and highs, this speaker can put on a real show. It also comes with EQ settings that let you personalize the sound quality just like you want it to be. With its waterproof design and the ability to float in water, the speaker is ideal for any pool parties, beach games, or camping. While the bass is not as powerful as that of the Boombox 2, it still delivers exceptionally well for its size and price.

There are several alternatives if you look for a good speaker. However, Boombox 2 has its uniqueness and qualities that push it to the top of JBL’s outdoor speaker list. The speaker is big and rugged but has 100% waterproofing capabilities and can float in water. When it comes to sound, it delivers what the brand claims. Boombox 2 offers plenty of competence to be able to perform in a big place full of people and fits in well among the party speakers’ category unless you need a light show to go along. While it costs a bit high, it is something worth investing in if you want an awakening sound that is well-defined across the entire frequency range.

Conclusion

This JBL boombox 2 review gives you the entire information about the product’s specifications. It is one of the best speakers that has highly advanced features and is full-bodied. If you observe, whichever product has the new features, costs high. We believe you have learned from this article, “JBL boombox 2 review” so make the choice and pick up this device today.

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