JBL is a name that makes some of the best Bluetooth speakers. And today, we will look into one of these in our JBL Boombox 3 Review. The Boombox 3 is one of its top-notch entries, which is a stylish and durable speaker like its predecessor.
It sports a distinct integrated handle, an outdoor-ready build, and essential upgrades like a companion app with customisable EQs. The speaker also has a subwoofer offering better low-end audio quality and an IP67 rating. However, the Boombox 3 is on the pricier side of things.
In this JBL Boombox 3 Review, we will see if the Boombox 3 is worth its price and heft. We will also determine if it is as good as claims by discussing its design, functions, specs, features, etc.
JBL Boombox 3 Packaging
Our Boombox 3 arrived in a typical JBL-looking box sporting an orange and white theme. We were surprised to see the size since we expected something slightly smaller.
One of the longer sides of the package displays an image of the speaker, its name, and the JBL branding. The opposite shows another angle of the product, its name, and the line MASSIVE SOUND ALL DAY LONG. You will also see a quick list of its features in this section.
The smaller section displays the company tagline, which is DARE TO LISTEN. Then, the opposite shows us the top-view image of the speaker.
The Boombox 3 has other items inside the box, like a quick start guide, safety sheet, and warranty card. JBL also included an AC power cord, but the AC plug and its quantity vary per region.
JBL Boombox 3 Review – Design and Functionality
Let us begin our JBL Boombox 3 Review by discussing its functions and design. You can get the Boombox 3 in two colours: black or camouflage. Both look amazing, so you only need to choose one based on your preferences and style.
You can carry it around from one place to another since the speaker is portable. However, we do not suggest moving it around in a tote for hours since it is still hefty.
Like most recent JBL speakers, the Boombox 3 has an IP67 rating, making it dust and water-resistant. That means you can submerge it in a meter of water for 30 minutes. This way, you can take the Boombox 3 to the park or beach without issues.
We love that it is water resistant, meaning we can rinse it if dirt randomly sticks to the surface.
While writing our JBL Boombox 3 Review, we also saw that it has two midrange drivers, a subwoofer, and two tweeters. All of these face forward, while the passive radiators appear on either side.
We love the feel of these radiators thumping when there is plenty of low-frequency content.
A Speaker Great for Parties
The Boombox 3 sounds excellent, and it can get loud. Turning up the volume will not make its audio sound horrible. This makes it an ideal option if you need loud music for parties.
Additionally, the Boombox 3 is bass-heavy, which can be perfect depending on your tastes. If that is not your thing, you can use the JBL Portable app to manage the equaliser. Here, you can lower or increase the bass if you want more thump and boom.
However, it is fine if you are not interested in equalising your speaker. The bass is not overwhelming by default, and the Boombox 3 sounds perfect.
Looks, Power, and Feel
The speaker resembles its predecessor, the Boombox 2, with its integrated handle and large passive radiators. However, the Boombox 3 features notable optimisations beneath its grille. The earlier model also had dual woofers, tweeters, and passive radiators, which is similar to the setup of the Boombox 3.
Although the current model sports the same setup, it adds a subwoofer to its build.
JBL offers specs for the AC and battery modes. If you plug the speaker into AC, you will get 80W for the sub and 40W for its midrange drivers. You will also receive 10W for each tweeter available.
When on battery, the power slightly decreases. The sub receives 60W while the midrange drivers get 30W. Each tweeter receives 8W. The subwoofer increases the frequency range to 40Hz – 20kHz, which makes a huge difference.
The SBC codec is supported by the Boombox 3 and is compatible with Bluetooth 5.3. However, AAC and AptX are not supported.
Sonic fidelity is not too significant outdoors, but given the premium price, we expect higher-end codec support. Again, the strong bass and impressive volume output are unaffected, but anything that improves audio clarity over Bluetooth is appreciated.
As long as the snap-shut cover on the back is in place, its IP67 rating will work. According to the rating, the Boombox 3 is dustproof and waterproof for 30 minutes at 1m deep. So, heavy rain or splashes from the pool should not be an issue.
Its battery life is estimated to be around 24 hours. However, your experience will differ depending on the volume settings. According to the company, the battery takes about 6.5 hours to charge fully from zero.
Key Features of the JBL Boombox 3
Our JBL Boombox 3 Review will share all the elements that make it a crowd favourite. Check these out and determine if the speaker suits your tastes and needs for non-stop music enjoyment.
Massive Sounds + Intense Power
Take advantage of the JBL Original Pro Sounds to enjoy your favourite tunes. No matter how loud you crank up the volume, its 3-way speakers deliver higher sensitivity to its acoustic design. This feature sharpens clarity while reducing distortion for massive bass and a rich audio spectrum.
24 Hours of Playtime
Celebrate each moment with your favourite music. JBL added 24 hours of battery life for non-stop fun. So whether it is your morning workout routine or late-night hang-outs with friends, enjoy your favourite music non-stop.
IP67 Splash and Dustproof
Whether at the pool or in the park, the Boombox 3 has an IP67 feature to keep it water and dustproof. It will allow you to bring your speaker anywhere, whether rain or shine.
Durable and Bold Design
JBL updated its sleek silhouette with double sidecaps and a sturdy metal handle. It also sports an attractive orange silicone grip that lets you take your music and aesthetics anywhere.
Wireless Bluetooth Streams
It does not matter whose playlist you choose because you can connect up to two Smartphones or tablets to the speaker wirelessly. Then, take turns with friends and family sharing your favourite music.
Boost Your Fun with PartyBoost
PartyBoost lets you connect two PartyBoost-compatible speakers for stereo sounds. You can also link several compatible speakers for continuous audio possibilities.
JBL Portable App
Download the JBL Portable App to take advantage of everything your Boombox 3 can offer. Customise your settings, get real-time updates, and unlock features to always listen to your tunes.
Eco-friendly Package
We all know that JBL is committed to earth-friendly and sustainable packaging. That is why the speaker comes in a paper-based and recyclable package, which includes the inner tray. Moreover, it has an exterior with prints made from soy ink.
Specifications
In this part of our JBL Boombox 3 Review, you can check the product specifications of the speaker. These will help you determine if the Boombox 3 is the right product for your party and music-listening needs.
- Dynamic Frequency Response: ranges from 40Hz to 20kHz
- Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP 1.3 and AVRCP 1.6
- Frequency: 2.402GHz to 2.480GHz
- Bluetooth Transmitter Power: 9 dBm or lower (EIRP)
- Bluetooth Version: 5.3
- Maximum Music Playtime: 24 hours
- Charging Time: 6.5 hours
- Measurements and Weight: 48.2 x 25.7 x 20.0cm and 6.7kg.
Hands-on with the JBL Boombox 3
We used the speaker for a week to share our hands-on experience with it in our JBL Boombox 3 Review. We used it under various conditions and played multiple music genres. Doing these will help determine whether the Boombox 3 is worth its heft and price tag.
JBL Portable App
The JBL Portable App is compatible with Android and iOS devices. It displays the remaining battery life of the speaker while letting you update the firmware. You also get an adjustable three-band EQ.
All this is significant because the previous model lacked even a companion app. The Bass, Mid, and Treble bands have five positions in the EQ. However, it is still better than nothing and allows for fine-tuning.
In addition, there is a PartyBoost option, a user manual, a software update section, and a toggle for feedback tones. You can connect the Boombox 3 to additional JBL speakers via PartyBoost mode.
You can select between Party Mode to keep the speaker in stereo. Or, you can opt for Stereo Mode to designate it to handle the left/right audio channels.
JBL Boombox 3 Performance
JBL achieved a balanced tuning appropriate for all contemporary music, jazz, and other genres. The reproduction voices sounded very natural and crisp.
The Boombox 3 avoided an issue where most outdoor speakers reduced the bass at higher volumes. It often happens to prevent distortion or even damage to the drivers. Fortunately, the speaker handled the problem and was able to produce excellent sounds even when outdoors.
The subwoofer performed how it should when we turned the volume control halfway up. It also pushed higher to a certain point as levels increased. We loved how rich its punch was when we played dance music with plenty of beats.
The higher end of the transmission range allowed the speaker to produce sharp highs. Cymbals, together with high-frequency impulses, did not only flash amazingly. These also offered a pleasant effortlessness that we loved.
JBL Boombox 3 Review Summary
The Boombox 3 from JBL is another excellent speaker from JBL. It offers deep bass and loud max volume, making it perfect for parties. We enjoyed its sound quality and excellent connectivity when we tested it for our JBL Boombox 3 Review.
Aside from its exceptional audio, it has a user-friendly app with a customisable EQ. The JBL Portable App is an excellent tool for fine-tuning the sound of the Boombox 3.
We highly recommend this product to anyone who wants a high-quality speaker. It has outstanding features, a solid build, impressive audio, and long battery life.
Visit the official product page of JBL for more details about the Boombox 3.
