The JBL Boombox 3 and the JBL PartyBox 310 are some of the loudest speakers from JBL that we have tested. Comparatively, the JBL PartyBox 310 is more powerful than the Boombox 3 at 240Ws RMS on AC mode as compared to the Boombox 3’s 180W, but I did find that the bass on the Boombox 3 sounds much deeper and has more depth than the PartyBox 310 – the bass on the PartyBox 310 feels quite muddy and somewhat bloated at higher volume levels. I liked the sound quality of the JBL Boombox 3 more than the PartyBox 310 overall.
With that said, both speakers are designed for two different uses. The JBL Boombox 3 is more of a portable party speaker while the JBL PartyBox 310 works as a portable PA sound system and is more suitable for amplifying instruments or vocals while connected to a microphone. Both speakers are water-resistant, although the JBL Boombox 3 is fully waterproof and is definitely more rugged than the PartyBox 310.

Specs Comparison
Right off the bat, the Boombox 3 is more compact and lightweight, weighing 6.7 kg, making it easier to carry around. It delivers a V-shaped sound signature with a 3-way speaker system and delivers up to 180W of power when connected to AC. Its IP67 rating means that it is both dustproof and waterproof and suitable for any outdoor conditions. In contrast, the Partybox 310 is larger and heavier, tipping the scales at 17.42 kg. It provides a louder sound with a 240W RMS power output and a frequency response of 45Hz–20KHz, delivering really loud sound performance and more boomy bass, although at the expense of bass depth as the bass sounds more muddy in my view.
The Partybox 310 also features RGB lighting that syncs with the music, adding a visual element to your listening experience. However, it has a shorter battery life of 18 hours and takes longer to charge (approximately 6.5 hours) compared to the Boombox 3’s 24 hours of battery life and 3.5-hour charging time. Additionally, the Partybox 310 has an IPX7 rating, making it waterproof but not dustproof. In summary, if portability and longer battery life are your priorities, the Boombox 3 is a better choice.
While the Partybox 310 offers great sound quality, its battery life is shorter at around 18 hours, and it takes about 3.5 hours to charge fully. The Boombox 3, in comparison, offers up to 24 hours of playtime and takes 6.5 hours to recharge. While both speakers are water-resistant, the Partybox 310 only has an IPX4 rating, which makes it splashproof but not as rugged as the Boombox 3.
Specs Table
Here’s a detailed comparison of the JBL Boombox 3 and JBL Partybox 310 with their specifications:
Specification | JBL Boombox 3 | JBL Partybox 310 |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 48.2 cm x 25.7 cm x 20.0 cm | 36.6 cm x 72.6 cm x 36.6 cm |
Weight | 6.7 kg | 17.42 kg |
IP Rating | IP67 (dustproof and waterproof) | IPX4 (splashproof) |
Battery Life | Up to 24 hours | Up to 18 hours |
Charging Time | 6.5 hours | 3.5 hours |
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
Frequency Response | 40 Hz – 20 kHz | 45 Hz – 20 kHz |
Wattage/Power Output | 180W (AC mode) | 240W RMS (AC mode) |
Power Output (Battery mode) | 80W | 50W |
Additional Features | 3-way speaker system, built-in power bank | RGB lighting, built-in power bank, karaoke support |
Carrying Option | Metal handle | Built-in wheels and handle |
The Boombox 3 is a more portable option, offering a powerful 3-way speaker system with solid bass response. It has a 180W output when plugged in, which drops to 80W when running on battery. The Partybox 310, on the other hand, offers higher output, with 240W RMS when plugged in, providing louder sound. However, it’s bulkier and less portable than the Boombox 3. It features splashproof protection with an IPX4 rating and includes fun RGB lighting and karaoke support making it more suited for parties or singing event setups.
Sound Performance
I chose “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd to check the clarity of the mids and the punch of the bass. On the Boombox 3, the sound was crisp, with decent bass that didn’t overpower the vocals. The 3-way speaker system gave a well-balanced output, especially with the midrange frequencies. The bass sounded tight and punchy, and you get more elevated depth when you tweak the EQ settings on the lower frequency ranges. I really like how punchy the Boombox 3 sounded compared to the PartyBox 310 especailly when it comes to EDM soundtracks – there’s just more punch and depth to the overall sound.
Moving to the Partybox 310, I played “Levitating” by Dua Lipa. The Partybox 310, with its 240W RMS power output, delivered a more aggressive bass and clearer highs. The deeper bass was more noticeable, and the sound filled the room, though at times, the mids could feel a bit recessed due to the emphasis on bass. Despite the bass being louder, the treble on the Partybox 310 felt slightly sharper, which might be more suited for larger spaces or outdoor events. I did find that the bass on the JBL Boombox 3 sounded more accurate and had more depth and punch; the PartyBox 310 bass sounded louder and slightly muddy, and the beats on the JBL Boombox 3 sounded more pleasant to listen to at higher volume levels.
Overall, the Boombox 3 offers a more balanced and controlled sound, especially in smaller environments, while the Partybox 310 provides louder and boomier bass making it ideal for parties or open-air settings. Both speakers handled the tracks well, but the Partybox 310’s louder output and boomier bass was a noticeable difference.

Design
The Boombox 3 features a classic boombox silhouette with a modern design and polished aluminum handle grips. Its sleek cylindrical body and integrated carrying handle make it highly portable. With compact dimensions of 48.2 x 25.7 x 20.0 cm, it’s easy to carry around while still delivering powerful sound. On the other hand, the PartyBox 310 has a much larger upright design similar to a professional PA speaker system. Standing at 68.8 x 32.6 x 36.8 cm, it’s bulkier, but it comes with wheels and a retractable handle making it easier to move despite its size. This design is all about delivering a more immersive party experience.
The Boombox 3 has an IP67 rating, meaning it’s fully dust and water-resistant. It can even float in water which is great for pool parties. The PartyBox 310 is splashproof, so it’s good for outdoor use but not meant for full water immersion. Visually, the Boombox 3 has a more understated look, with a sturdy metal handle featuring silicone grips and twin sidecaps for extra protection. It comes in classic black or a bold camouflage pattern. In contrast, the PartyBox 310 has circular RGB lights that sync with the music, creating a lively light show.
In terms of controls, the Boombox 3 keeps things simple with an easy-to-use layout. The PartyBox 310, however, offers a more advanced control panel with knobs for microphone and guitar inputs as well as karaoke settings. This design makes it more versatile for different party situations or for events that require a PA sound system.

One speaker that the JBL PartyBox 310 is often compared to is the Sony XP700 speaker. The Partybox 310 has a larger, bulkier design (68.8 x 32.6 x 36.8 cm and 17.42 kg) and includes wheels and a retractable handle for easier mobility, making it better suited for parties and outdoor gatherings. It also features vibrant RGB lighting that syncs with the music to create a dynamic atmosphere. In contrast, the Sony XP700 has a more streamlined design (38.2 x 64.4 x 34.3 cm, weighing 13.3 kg) and doesn’t come with lighting effects but focuses on sound quality and portability with its handles for easier transport. That being said, the JBL PartyBox 310 is clearly the more powerful speaker here.
The Verdict?
The JBL Boombox 3 is a great speaker for outdoor parties and events, and comes with a 3-way sound system that can blast a good 180Ws of output power on AC mode. This speaker, although quite heavy, is more portable than the JBL PartyBox 310 and you can carry it around with the carry handle.
The JBL PartyBox 310 is designed more as a portable PA sound system. Compared with the PartyBox 710 and 1000, the PartyBox 310 is unique in the sense that it comes with a built-in battery, and is also IPX4 water-resistant which is great. This means that you can use this speaker for singing events and not have to worry if it starts to drizzle or rain, and this is a significant improvement over the previous PartyBox 300.
If you are looking for a portable PA sound system, I would recommend going with the JBL PartyBox 310 but if you just need a speaker for poolside parties and gatherings, the JBL Boombox 3 is also a great choice.