The JBL Boombox 3 and the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi share a similar design and build, both featuring a sturdy handle and an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. However, the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi introduces Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling streaming via AirPlay 2, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Chromecast built-in and Spotify Connect. This model also supports high-definition audio streaming, including 3D Dolby Atmos over Wi-Fi, providing a more immersive listening experience. Both models offer up to 24 hours of battery life, making them suitable for extended use.
While both speakers deliver powerful sound and good portability, the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi offers enhanced connectivity options and audio features for users seeking a more versatile listening experience, especially if you intend on streaming higher quality audio codecs or via lossless audio.
Specs Comparison
Comparing the Boombox 3 and the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi side by side, both speakers share a similar 3-way speaker setup and a dedicated subwoofer design – there’s essentially no difference in the speaker design. The regular Boombox 3 produces up to 180 W of total RMS output in AC mode, which comes from an 80 W subwoofer plus two mid-range drivers and two tweeters. The Wi-Fi edition delivers about 135 W in battery mode (or 180W in AC mode) yet still uses the same style of subwoofer and twin tweeters. Both speakers offer a frequency response that goes from 40 Hz to 20 kHz and both include an IP67 rating that makes them dust and water resistant. The dimensions are almost identical at around 484 x 256 x 200 mm and the weight sits at about 6.7 kg for both models.
In terms of absolutely power output, it’s safe to say that both the JBL Boombox 3 and Boombox 3 Wi-Fi are virtually identical in terms of specs and subwoofer design.
The biggest difference for me comes from connectivity options. The regular Boombox 3 has Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless playback while the Wi-Fi model adds dual-band Wi-Fi support, giving me the ability to stream high-resolution audio up to 24-bit and 96 kHz. The Wi-Fi edition also supports Apple AirPlay, Chromecast built-in, and Alexa MRM. That kind of flexibility means I can use multiple streaming services or set up multi-room audio. Aside from that, both share similar build quality, a sturdy handle, and the same strong bass output for outdoor parties and poolside events. Both speakers also offer up to 24 hours of playtime on a single battery charge.
Specs Table
Here’s a comparison of the JBL Boombox 3 and the JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi:
| Feature | JBL Boombox 3 | JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi |
| Power Output (AC Mode) | Subwoofer: 80W RMS Midrange: 2 x 40W RMS. Tweeters: 2 x 10W RMS | Subwoofer: 80W RMS Midrange: 2 x 40W RMS Tweeters: 2 x 20W RMS |
| Power Output (Battery Mode) | Subwoofer: 60W RMS Midrange: 2 x 30W RMS Tweeters: 2 x 8W RMS | Subwoofer: 60W RMS Midrange: 2 x 30W RMS Tweeters: 2 x 10W RMS |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz – 20kHz | 40Hz – 20kHz |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Additional Features | – | 3D Dolby AtmosAirPlayAlexa Multi-Room MusicChromecast built-inSpotify Connect |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Waterproof and Dustproof Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 482.4 x 256.9 x 199.7 mm | 482.4 x 256.9 x 199.7 mm |
| Weight | 6.7 kg | 6.7 kg |
Both models offer robust sound performance and portability, with the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi providing additional connectivity options and features for a more versatile listening experience.
Sound Comparison
I played “Hotel California” by Eagles through the JBL Boombox 3 and I felt the 180 W rating gave me a vibrant kick. The low end reached down to 40 Hz and I could hear the subwoofer power when the iconic guitar riff began. The two midrange drivers and two tweeters worked together to deliver a clear mid and high range. I tried the same track on the JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi, rated at 135 W, and found the bass to be slightly less intense though I heard cleaner details in the vocals. The Wi-Fi model let me stream in high resolution from my phone without hassle. That made it easy for me to explore different playlists or services without relying on Bluetooth alone.
I used “Space Oddity” by David Bowie to compare the clarity in the higher registers and I thought both speakers captured the layered vocals well. The Wi-Fi edition allowed me to enjoy lossless streaming in 24-bit which seemed to enhance some subtle effects in the track. Both models share the same 40 Hz low-end specification and similar driver arrangements yet the tuning on the Wi-Fi model felt a bit more balanced. I liked that the regular Boombox 3 could get louder in a bigger room though the Wi-Fi model sounded more controlled with a crisper midrange. Neither speaker felt weak in any frequency area but I noticed the Boombox 3 delivered a heavier bass punch while the Wi-Fi model gave me a smoother overall tone.
To be honest, both speakers sounded rather similar even when streaming lossless audio to the JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi, and the differences in sound quality are quite minor albeit with some improvements on the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi. The problem with the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi is that it isn’t designed as a Hi-Fi speaker system where you can easily pick up subtle differences, and both the Boombox 3 and Boombox Wi-Fi have essentially the same tweeter and subwoofer specs and design. The Boombox Wi-Fi does provide the ability to support multi-room streaming and lossless streaming via Wi-Fi, but that’s about the most you can get from this upgrade.
The only exception is if you are streaming Dolby Atmos to the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi, you’ll notice that the sound feels much more crisp and clear, and you do get some cinematic effects with enhanced bass performance that the JBL Boombox 3 lacks with just Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Vocals start to sound clear and you get pretty good spatial imaging with Dolby Atmos turned on.
Design Comparison
Comparing the design of both the JBL Boombox 3 and Boombox 3 Wifi, they both have that solid handle that arches over the main speaker body which makes it easy for me to carry them around even though they weigh about 6.7 kg each. The textured exterior looks durable and they both measure around 484 by 256 by 200 mm so they take up a bit of space but not so much that I find them unwieldy. They are both IP67 rated which gave me confidence when I took them outdoors for a small gathering. The surfaces feel quite rugged and I have never worried about bumps or occasional splashes. I like how the rubberized edges are smooth to the touch and I see little difference in the physical design apart from the Wi-Fi variant having a few extra indicators on its panel.
In terms of design compared to other large portable speakers in the same price bracket I think the Boombox 3 line looks sleeker than a Sony SRS-XG500 or an Ultimate Ears Hyperboom. Those models might have their own appeal and often feature big passive radiators on the sides. The XG500 has a more cylindrical shape while the Hyperboom is chunkier and taller. I prefer the JBL approach because it feels well balanced in my hand plus the robust handle is easier for me to grip. Even though the Sony speaker and the Hyperboom might weigh in a similar range (over 5 kg) they lack the same low-profile silhouette that I like on the JBL models. Overall the Boombox 3 and the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi share a nearly identical build with minimal external differences though the Wi-Fi edition benefits from that extra streaming functionality which sits neatly on top of the same sturdy body.
The Verdict?
From our tests, we found that both the JBL Boombox 3 and the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi sound rather similar when streaming music via Bluetooth. Even when using lossless music files, the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi provided subtle differences at best over Wi-Fi connectivity. While there’s some improvement in the vocals and upper midrange clarity, we did find the sound performance on both speakers essentially the same especially when it comes to EDM and rock music with bass beats. Do bear in mind that the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi is not a Hi-Fi speaker system where you can pick up subtleties in the music, and lossless audio files will make a subtle difference at best.
What we did find was that the JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi sounded much better when streaming with Dolby Atmos – you can very clear frontal vocals, good bass performance and nice cinematic sound. Compared to the JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi, the Boombox 3 sounded “flat” when watching movies while the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi brought in good spatial imaging and cinematic sound performance via Wi-Fi. This is the biggest difference in sound quality that you can get from both speakers, and if you do require lossless audio listening with Dolby Atmos, the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi may be a good choice.