The JBL Boombox 4 is the next generation of the popular JBL Boombox 3. Rather than overhauling a winning formula, JBL has chosen to include a smaller set of feature upgrades, like Bluetooth LE audio, Auracast compatibility, and a detachable (and replaceable) battery pack, to modernize the popular party speaker. This model is also lighter and louder: ready and able to deliver the soundtrack to your next backyard hang or beach day festivities.
Our Verdict
The JBL Boombox 4 is decent for music. It features a mostly balanced default sound profile that rolls off some treble detail compared to its predecessor. Still, bassheads will enjoy the effect the two Bass Boost levels have on the already pronounced low-end, which can add punch and depth to kicks and basslines. And you can easily dial in your sound preferences with more granularity via the 7-band EQ and presets in the app. While it can get louder than its predecessor, pushing the volume to its extremes can negatively impact audio quality. Its dual-driver design means it can play back stereo content without downmixing to mono, though its directivity still leaves something to be desired.
7-band graphic EQ in app.
Can get very loud.
Dynamics suffer quite a bit at higher volumes.
Sub-par directivity.
The JBL Boombox 4 is passable for videos and movies. It has a relatively balanced default sound profile that can be tweaked via the 7-band EQ to adapt the sound to whatever video content you're watching. It's more than loud enough for an impromptu watch party, too, though audio dynamics are sacrificed at higher volumes. While it can playback stereo content without downmixing to mono, its sub-par directivity means you'll want to position everyone directly in front of the drivers. Latency will depend on whether you're able to connect via Bluetooth LE audio, as the default SBC codec yields high latency with both iOS and Android devices. You'll need an Android device to take advantage of the low-latency LC3 codec, though.
Marathon 40-hour battery life.
7-band graphic EQ in app.
Can get very loud.
Dynamics suffer quite a bit at higher volumes.
Sub-par directivity.
High latency if you're not using Bluetooth LE.
The JBL Boombox 4 is a very good choice for podcasts, with a balanced mid-range that renders podcast dialogue accurately. While there's compression as you turn up the volume, it only really affects the bass and treble ranges, plus there's plenty of volume on tap if you're aiming to fill the house with your favorite hosts' voices. This iteration is one of the most portable Boomboxes to date, so it's relatively easy to carry it from room to room in one hand. It's hampered slightly by its lackluster directivity, though, which causes audio to sound different depending on your listening angle.
Marathon 40-hour battery life.
Lightweight and portable design.
7-band graphic EQ in app.
Dynamics suffer quite a bit at higher volumes.
Sub-par directivity.
The JBL Boombox 4 doesn't have a built-in mic and can't be used for voice assistant functions.
The JBL Boombox 4 is a great choice for outdoor activities. This new iteration has shed some weight but still features a comfortable (albeit plastic) carrying handle, which makes it a very portable option for outdoor shenanigans. There have been upgrades to both build quality and battery life, too, as it boasts an IP68 rating for full protection against dust and submersion in water, plus a marathon 40-hour battery life (further extendable with Playtime Boost). If you want to keep the party going even longer, you can swap out the battery using a screwdriver, thanks to the swappable design. The default sound profile dishes out plenty of bass for backyard raves, which can be further enhanced via the Bass Boost button, and there's a 7-band EQ and presets for further adjustments. While this speaker has a very high max volume, there's quite a bit of compression as you crank it, and the middling directivity can cause audio delivery to differ depending on the listening angle.
Marathon 40-hour battery life.
Lightweight and portable design.
IP68 rating with solid build quality.
Sub-par directivity.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The JBL Boombox 4 comes in three color variants: 'Blue', 'Black', and a camo design named 'Squad' (here's a picture of our unit's label). If you encounter another variant of this speaker, please let us know in the comments.
Popular Speaker Comparisons
The JBL Boombox 4 is the next generation of the JBL Boombox 3. Owners of the last generation will likely want to know if this version is worth an upgrade. While it introduces forward-thinking features, like Bluetooth LE support and Auracast compatibility, and can get a bit louder, there are some trade-offs beyond the higher retail price. The default sound profile is a shade darker, the dynamics performance suffers at higher volumes, and the aluminum carrying handle has been swapped out for a cheaper-feeling plastic one. Unless you're desperately in need of a longer battery life, more volume, or the modernized connectivity options, it's worth sticking with the previous generation. If you're content to sacrifice some volume, battery life, and bass response in favor of greater portability, the JBL Xtreme 4 is a compelling alternative. Those who want better directivity in an even more portable package can look to the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM, too, though it lacks the Boombox 4's multi-day battery life.
See also our recommendations for the best portable Bluetooth speakers, the best Bluetooth speakers for bass, and the loudest Bluetooth speakers.
The JBL Boombox 4 offers mostly connectivity upgrades to the JBL Boombox 3, as well as a slightly louder top volume and a lighter design. Bluetooth LE support and Auracast compatibility are forward-thinking additions that aren't universally supported: there's no LC3 support for iOS devices, for example, and older JBL speakers can't connect via Auracast. The longer battery, with a swappable battery pack, is a definite bonus for outdoor use, though, as is the decreased weight. Still, when it comes to audio performance, the older generation has a more even default sound profile and less compression at max volume. It also yields lower latency via the standard SBC codec, too. While the fourth iteration has a more complete feature set, you might find better value with the third generation, given it'll likely be available on sale.
The JBL Charge 6 is a lighter, more portable alternative to the JBL Boombox 4, though its compactness comes with drawbacks. The larger Boombox 4 has a much longer battery life, better bass extension, a louder top volume, and stereo playback. Both speakers support Auracast for easy pairing with newer JBL speakers, but only the Boombox features Bluetooth LE compatibility. If you don't find these caveats to be a dealbreaker, the Charge 6 offers a better built quality and a smaller footprint at a more affordable price point.
The JBL Partybox Club 120 is a better choice if you're looking to take the party to the next level, though the JBL Boombox 4 is a more versatile choice. The Boombox features a much longer battery life, a lighter and less bulky build (that can be carried with one hand), as well as Bluetooth LE connectivity for lower latency playback with select Android devices. While both speakers can achieve comparable max volumes, the Partybox compresses less as you crank it up. It also has a more balanced default sound profile, better directivity, and comes with a host of party-friendly features, like mic inputs, DJ effects, and customizable lighting.
The Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM and the JBL Boombox 4 are both portable party speakers from popular manufacturers in the Bluetooth speaker space. The JBL is a more complete party speaker: it can get louder and has a much longer battery life, and there's even the option to swap out battery packs for even more battery life. When it comes to sound profile, the JBL offers a more bass-heavy sound that can inject some energy into the dancefloor, though both speakers feature a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization. The Ultimate Ears is a better choice for portability, though: it's smaller and lighter, plus its cylindrical design gives it top-tier directivity.
Test Results
The JBL Boombox 4 shares a visual resemblance to its predecessor, the JBL Boombox 3, though its design has been expanded to make it taller and wider. Its predecessor's aluminum handle has been replaced with a smaller, plastic one that features grippable grooves underneath, and there are two silicon strips mounted on the underside to secure it in its natural horizontal position. Four of the buttons are now backlit, and an LED strip under the logo acts as a battery life indicator. This speaker is available in 'Blue', 'Black ', and 'Squad' (camo) color variants.
This speaker is very portable. It's lighter than the previous generation, thanks to a change in handle material, from metal to plastic. It can be easily transported with just one hand, with plenty of purchase for your fingers, thanks to the grooves in the carrying handle.
The build quality is amazing. Though the carrying handle is now made of plastic, instead of the previous generation's aluminum, the IP rating has been upped to IP68, making the speaker both dust-tight and fully submergible in water for long periods. The USB-C and AC ports are located on the back, secured by thick rubber flaps. There are also two silicon strips on the underside of the speaker to help secure it in place. All in all, the build quality is sturdy and tough, though removing the metal handle does give the speaker a slightly less premium feel.
The control scheme is fairly intuitive and easy to remember. The buttons themselves are tactile and clicky, with a texturized coating. There's a nice synergy between the control scheme and the use of LED lights: most controls are backlit, plus there's an LED strip battery indicator and different backlight intensities to differentiate the Bass Boost levels. There are audible chimes to indicate when you've begun the pairing process and when you've successfully paired, though there are no chimes for volume-related functions (max/min volume) or for when a device is disconnected.
- JBL Boombox 4
- Power cable (2 m / 6.6 ft)
- Quick start guide
- Safety instruction and warranty card
- Removeable battery
The JBL Boombox 4 has decent frequency response accuracy. Using the JBL Signature EQ with Bass Boost off, it's largely similar to the previous generation JBL Boombox 3, though there are some key differences. The treble range overall is de-emphasized, and while there's slightly more low-bass presence, there's a larger dip in the mid-bass that can result in kicks sounding boomy instead of punchy. It's suitable for a variety of genres, though this tuning is perhaps best-suited for genres like house and hip-hop that are defined by kicks and basslines. The recessed treble range can carve out vocals and lead instruments, meaning these slightly elements are lacking in genres like folk and singer-songwriter. Still, there are a few EQ presets to choose from in the app, two tiers of Bass Boost (Punchy and Deep), as well as a 7-band custom EQ for finer tuning.
This speaker also offers Bluetooth LE audio, which can stream audio at higher bitrates using the LC3 codec. That said, we weren't able to capture much of a difference when listening using this codec or hear any difference in quality subjectively. It's also worth noting that using the Playtime Boost function will reduce bass and increase mid/treble frequencies to help preserve the battery life. Finally, this model features an AI Soundboost feature advertised as an adaptive form of DSP. It's difficult to ascertain what it does exactly, however, as this feature can't be disabled.
The soundstage performance is okay. While it can playback audio in stereo, it lacks even directivity due to its front-facing design. As a result, your audio will sound different depending on where you're positioned around the speaker.
The JBL Boombox 4 has a good dynamics performance. It can get a fair bit louder than its predecessor, though its max volume is similar regardless of your power source. There's some considerable bass-range compression and treble-range expansion at max volume, however, that can really affect audio reproduction as you crank the volume up.
While some users have reported that there's audible distortion in the bass range, we weren't able to replicate this during testing, even with the various Bass Boost settings enabled. It's possible that this issue was rectified via the firmware update we installed prior to testing.
The battery life performance is outstanding. Lasting over 40 hours off a single charge, the battery life can be extended even further (to 46 hours) using the Playtime Boost function, though this comes at the expense of bass reproduction. Other useful features include a power-saving feature (that shuts the speaker off after 20 minutes) and a swappable battery pack (available through the JBL website) that allows for extended playback. This battery can even be replaced if it becomes defective or stops holding as much of a charge. Just remember you'll need a screwdriver to do this.
The JBL Portable app is great and offers comparable functionality to what was offered with the JBL Boombox 3. There's a 7-band graphic, allowing for some finetuning of the sound, as well as a selection of presets. You can also use Auracast technology for both Party Mode and stereo pairing, though this is limited only to newer JBL speakers, like the JBL Charge 6 and JBL Flip 7. Older speakers, like the Boombox 3, use a different protocol (PartyBoost) that isn't compatible with this generation.
The JBL Boombox 4 features a USB-C port that charges the speaker and allows for wired, lossless audio playback. However, this comes at the expense of an AUX input.
The JBL Boombox 4's Bluetooth connectivity is very good. This speaker features Bluetooth multi-device pairing, so it'll automatically switch playback between up to two paired devices. While latency is quite high with iOS and Android devices, it can be reduced to just 73 ms by connecting via Bluetooth LE instead, though at the time of writing this only works with Android devices.