The JBL Boombox 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is one of the most powerful and durable speakers available today. It is designed for people who appreciate high-quality sound while on the move. This speaker combines a rugged design with top-notch audio performance. In this review, we will provide a detailed look at the JBL Boombox 3’s design, features, sound quality, battery life, and more to help you determine if this speaker is the right choice.
Quick Highlights:
- Powerful stereo sound
- Waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rating)
- 7 hours of battery life
- Multiple connectivity options
- Customizable via the JBL Boombox 3 app
Release Date
The JBL Boombox 3 was officially released on September 8, 2022. It brings important improvements in sound quality and durability over its predecessor. Its features make it one of the most sought-after speakers in the premium Bluetooth speaker market.
Unboxing: JBL BoomBox 3 Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Boombox 3 comes neatly inside the box to ensure safe transport. Here’s what you get:
- JBL Boombox 3 Speaker
- Power cable
- Quick start guide
- Safety instruction
- Warranty card
The packaging is durable and protective, ensuring the speaker arrives without damage.
Quick Specs: JBL BoomBox 3 Bluetooth Speaker
Feature |
Specification |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Battery Life | 29.7 hours |
| Charging Time | 4.6 hours |
| Weight | 15.1 lbs. (6.9 kg), |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 |
| Dimensions | 7.9″D x 19″ W x 10.1″H |
Design and Build Quality
The JBL Boombox 3 sticks to the familiar cylindrical design seen in previous JBL models but with enhancements that make it even more rugged and functional. The speaker’s rubberized exterior provides excellent shock absorption, making it resistant to bumps and minor impacts. It also features a sturdy handle for easy portability.
The speaker is large, measuring 7.9″D x 19″W x 10.1″H inches and weighing 15.1 lbs. (6.9 kg), making it significantly heavier than many other portable Bluetooth speakers. While this affects portability, it also means that the speaker delivers more powerful sound than smaller models like the JBL Flip or Charge series.
Available Colors
The JBL Boombox 3 comes in a few eye-catching colors, including:
- Black
- Camouflage
These color options allow you to choose a design that suits your style.
Controls and Display
The JBL Boombox 3 doesn’t have a complex display, but it does include LED indicators that show battery life and connection status. The top of the speaker features tactile buttons for:
- Volume control
- Play/Pause
- Bluetooth pairing
- JBL Party Boost (for connecting multiple JBL speakers)
The controls are intuitive and responsive, making the speaker easy to use even in outdoor settings.
Features: JBL Boombox 3 Bluetooth Speaker
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Waterproof and Dustproof
One of the standout features of the JBL Boombox 3 is its IP67 rating, which makes it both waterproof and dustproof. This level of protection ensures that the speaker can handle extreme conditions, such as:
- Submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- Protection against dust and sand
This makes the Boombox 3 an excellent choice for outdoor environments, whether at the beach, by the pool, or on a camping trip.
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Sound Quality, Deep Bass and Crisp Highs
The JBL Boombox 3 shines when it comes to sound performance. It is equipped with a three-way speaker system that consists of a subwoofer, two mid-range drivers, and two tweeters, providing balanced sound across all frequencies. The Boombox 3 is known for its rich, deep bass from the upgraded subwoofer. The bass is strong enough to be felt, making the speaker a favorite for genres that thrive on lower frequencies like EDM, hip-hop, and rock.
While the bass is powerful, the mids and highs remain clear and undistorted, even at high volumes. This ensures that vocals and instruments are well-defined, making the Boombox 3 suitable for various musical genres.
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Stereo Sound and Party Boost
For those looking to amplify the sound even further, the JBL Party Boost feature allows you to connect the Boombox 3 with other JBL speakers. This creates an expansive sound stage, making the Boombox 3 ideal for large parties or outdoor events.
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Connectivity: JBL Boombox 3 Speaker
The JBL Boombox 3 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, which provides several benefits:
- Improved range and stability for wireless connections
- Better energy efficiency, helping preserve battery life
- Simultaneous connection of two devices, so you and a friend can easily switch between playlists
- AUX Input and USB Port
In addition to Bluetooth connectivity, the Boombox 3 features an AUX input for wired connections and a USB port for charging other devices, such as smartphones. This USB charging capability doubles the Boombox 3 as a power bank, making it highly useful during outdoor trips.
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Battery Life and Charging Time
One of the JBL Boombox 3’s most impressive features is its 29.7-hour battery life. This extended battery life allows you to enjoy your music all day and night without recharge. However, the battery life can vary depending on volume and usage.
The speaker takes about 6.5 hours to fully recharge, which is reasonable considering its long playback time.
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JBL Boombox 3 Speaker App
The JBL Boombox 3 app offers an enhanced way to control and customize your speaker experience. Key features include:
- Custom Sound Settings: Adjust bass, treble, and more to personalize your audio.
- PartyBoost Integration: Pair multiple JBL speakers for a larger, more immersive sound experience.
- Firmware Updates: Keep your JBL Boombox 3 up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
- Seamless Connectivity: Easily manage multiple connected JBL devices for quick and reliable pairing.
- User-Friendly Interface: intuitive design for easy control of your speaker’s functions.
With the JBL Boombox 3 app, take full control of your sound and enjoy a more dynamic audio experience wherever you go.
Price and Availability
The JBL Boombox 3 is priced at around $449, placing it in the premium range for portable Bluetooth speakers. While this price point may be high for some, the speaker’s features—especially its durability, battery life, and sound quality—justify the cost for many users.
It is available at major online retailers such as Amazon, JBL’s official website, and other electronics stores worldwide.
Comparison: JBL Boombox 3 Bluetooth Speaker
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JBL Boombox 3 Speaker vs. Ultimate Ears Hyper boom
The Ultimate Ears Hyper Boom is another popular large Bluetooth speaker. While it delivers excellent sound, the JBL Boombox 3 offers better waterproofing and a longer battery life, making it a better choice for outdoor use. However, the Hyper Boom is slightly more portable due to its lighter weight.
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JBL Boombox 3 Speaker vs. Sony SRS-XG500
The Sony SRS-XG500 is a strong competitor with similar sound capabilities and durability. However, the JBL Boombox 3 surpasses the Sony model regarding battery life and its ability to charge other devices via the power bank feature.
Conclusion
The JBL Boombox 3 Bluetooth Speaker is a powerful and durable portable speaker that excels in outdoor environments. Its IP67 rating ensures that it can withstand harsh conditions, while its 24-hour battery life means you can enjoy music without frequent recharging. The sound quality is outstanding, with rich bass and clear highs, making it suitable for all types of music.
While the speaker is heavy and comes at a premium price, its performance and durability make it a worthy investment for those who want a reliable, high-quality speaker. If you’re hosting outdoor parties, going on camping trips, or simply looking for an excellent portable speaker, the JBL Boombox 3 is a great choice.
How long does the battery last?
The JBL Boombox 3 offers up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, depending on usage and volume levels. Whether hosting a party or enjoying a day outdoors, this long-lasting battery ensures you can play your favorite music all day without interruptions.
Can I connect multiple devices to the Boombox 3?
Yes, the JBL Boombox 3 supports PartyBoost, allowing you to connect multiple JBL speakers wirelessly. You can pair two or more compatible JBL speakers to create a larger sound experience for your gathering or event. However, you can only connect one device at a time to play music.
Does it have voice assistant support?
Yes, the JBL Boombox 3 comes with built-in voice assistant support. You can easily access your phone’s voice assistant (such as Google Assistant or Siri) directly through the speaker, making it simple to control music, check the weather, or answer calls with voice commands.
