JBL Boombox 3 vs Bose SoundLink Max

JBL Boombox 3 vs Bose Soundlink Max: A Comparative Review

The JBL Boombox 3 is essentially the most powerful Boombox from JBL and is designed for rugged outdoor use with its IP67 waterproof design. This speaker is equipped with two 3/4″ tweeters, two 2-3/4″ mid-range drivers, a 3-3/16″ subwoofer, and dual side-firing passive bass radiators, delivering a robust audio experience with pronounced bass. Its IP67 rating ensures it’s both waterproof and dustproof, making it a durable choice for outdoor activities. On the other hand, the SoundLink Max features a 7.4 x 4.5″ woofer, two 3.2 x 3.2″ midrange drivers, and two 0.8″ tweeters, aiming to provide a balanced and clear sound profile. It also features an IP67 rating which makes it waterproof and dust resistant.

In terms of connectivity, both speakers offer Bluetooth capabilities for wireless streaming. The Boombox 3 includes a built-in microphone, allowing for hands-free calls, while the SoundLink Max does not feature a microphone. Design-wise, the Boombox 3 has a rugged aesthetic with a sturdy build making it suitable for outdoor use, whereas the SoundLink Max looks more sleek and refined and is a great speaker for indoor use. The JBL Boombox 3 provides 24 hours of playtime on a single charge while the Bose SoundLink Max provides roughly 20 hours of playtime.

In terms of sound performance, the JBL Boombox 3 is definitely louder and has much more power than the Bose SoundLink Max, although we liked the bass and sub-bass performance on the Bose SoundLink Max better than on the Boombox 3.

Specs Comparison

The Boombox 3 is a bit of a beast, weighing in at 6.7 kg and measuring approximately 484 x 256 x 200 mm. It’s got a 3-way speaker system that delivers up to 180 W when plugged in, with an 80 W subwoofer, two 40 W midrange drivers, and two 10 W tweeters. This setup covers a frequency range from 40 Hz to 20 kHz, giving it a deep bass presence. Plus, it’s IP67 rated, so it’s both dustproof and waterproof, which is great for outdoor use. The battery life is impressive too, lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge.

On the other hand, the SoundLink Max is more compact and portable, weighing around 2.13 kg and measuring 120 mm in height, 265 mm in width, and 105 mm in depth. It features two 89 mm transducers, one 23 mm transducer, and two passive radiators, delivering a balanced and immersive sound experience. The battery life is solid, providing up to 20 hours of playtime, and it charges via USB-C. With an IP67 rating, it’s both dustproof and waterproof, making it suitable for various environments. The SoundLink Max uses Bluetooth 5.3 and supports SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs and supports high-quality wireless audio streaming.

Table Comparison

SpecificationJBL Boombox 3Bose SoundLink Max
Power Output180 W (AC), 136 W (Battery)Not officially disclosed
Speaker Configuration3-way system (80 W subwoofer, 2 x 40 W midrange, 2 x 10 W tweeters)2 x 89 mm transducers, 1 x 23 mm transducer, 2 passive radiators
Frequency Response40 Hz – 20 kHzNot specified
Battery LifeUp to 24 hoursUp to 20 hours
Charging PortAC adapter, USB-CUSB-C
Bluetooth Version5.35.3
Audio CodecsSBC, AACSBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Weight6.7 kg2.13 kg
Dimensions (mm)484 x 256 x 200265 x 120 x 105
Water ResistanceIP67 (dustproof and waterproof)IP67 (dustproof and waterproof)
ConnectivityBluetooth, Aux inputBluetooth only

The JBL Boombox 3 delivers more powerful bass and volume with its higher wattage and larger build, making it better suited for outdoor or party settings. The Bose SoundLink Max, on the other hand, offers a more compact and lightweight design with advanced codec support for better audio quality in a smaller form factor, making it ideal for portability and personal use.

Sound Comparison

When it comes to clarity and bass, my go-to tracks were “Take Five (Dave Brubeck Quartet)” “Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)” and “Bad Guy (Billie Eilish)” because they allow me to experience diverse tonal ranges and hear the sub-bass in music performances.

The JBL Boombox 3 (with its 3-way speaker design) delivered deep bass in “Billie Jean” and had a solid midrange presence. It has dual 4-inch woofers and two tweeters, which created a punchy low end and clear enough highs. The maximum power output was noticeable when I pushed the volume higher during “Bad Guy” and I felt immersed in the beat. The Bose Soundlink Max (with a larger driver array than some other Soundlink models) had a more balanced response during “Take Five” and revealed detailed instrument separation in the mids. It didn’t hit quite as hard in the bass department, yet it never felt overwhelmed by complex jazz passages.

I was happy with how the JBL Boombox 3 filled the space with its strong low frequencies, especially for modern pop and hip-hop, though I noticed a slight overshadowing of higher frequencies in some tracks. On the other hand, the Bose Soundlink Max gave me a cleaner mix during acoustic or jazz tunes and I enjoyed picking out smaller nuances I might have missed on a bass-heavy speaker. Both are solid picks if you need power and detail but I would lean toward the Boombox 3 if I planned on outdoor gatherings and the Soundlink Max if I preferred a more balanced listening session.

One thing I did notice is that the Bose SoundLink Max has a more refined bass and sub-bass performance as compared to the JBL Boombox 3. While the bass on the JBL Boombox 3 can sound rather boomy and bloated at times while playing “Billie Jean” on high volumes, the SoundLink Max just felt more refined and nicer to listen to at lower volume levels.

Design Comparison

Comapred to the Bose SoundLink Max, the JBL Boombox 3 (which measures about 19.9 x 7.9 x 10.1 inches) is bulkier and has a silicone grip handle across the top. I found it easier to grip than previous models (it has a more rounded shape) and the IP67 rating made me comfortable taking it outdoors. The fabric covering felt thick and the passive radiators on the sides looked well-protected by rigid end caps. I liked the weight distribution (it’s just under 15 pounds) even though I usually prefer something lighter for quick trips.

The Bose SoundLink Max is a much slimmer speaker by comparison and definitely more portable. It had a cleaner silhouette with less visual emphasis on the handle. It still felt solid in my hands (it weighs around 7 pounds) though it used a softer grille material on the front. I noticed it had an IPX5 rating (plenty for light splashes) and I was impressed by the way the rubberized edges resisted scratches when I set it down on different surfaces. I really like the sleek design of the SoundLink Max – it looks and feels very high quality, and has a more refined appearance as compared to the rugged JBL Boombox 3.

Compared to other speakers in a similar price range (Sony’s SRS-XG500 and the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom), I found that the Sony model (which has a fabric wrap and a sturdy top handle) was closer in size to the JBL but felt a bit lighter. The Hyperboom had a tall rectangular form that worked well indoors but lacked a grab-and-go design. In the end, I felt JBL’s Boombox 3 gave me the toughest exterior (especially with its thick fabric and IP67 rating) and Bose’s Soundlink Max was appealing if I wanted something that could handle small bumps while still feeling easy to carry from room to room.

The Verdict?

If you are looking for an outdoor Bluetooth speaker to blast music, my first choice would be for the JBL Boombox 3. It’s one of JBL’s most popular speakers for good reason – it provides great sound, deep bass and its durable as a tank. The entire speaker is IP67 waterproof and can even float on water, making it great for pool parties. That said, it’s heavy and not exactly easy to carry around for long distances, and it does take quite a long time for the battery to reach a full charge.

The Bose SoundLink Max, however, has a more refined appearance and is definitely the kind of portable speaker that I would use indoors if I want to bring it with me for a house party. This speaker is highly portable and is not as heavy or bulky as the Boombox 3 speaker. I really liked the bass response from the SoundLink Max – it felt really refined and deep, and you can hear nice sub-bass notes especially if you are playing bass heavy music genres such as EDM and rock. It’s definitely a speaker that I would choose over the JBL Boombox 3 if I want a portable speaker that’s not too large and want to enjoy high quality sound.