The evolution of technology has given rise to new models in the electronic market. Gone are the days when you had a few manufacturers vying with each other for a share of the pie. Today, you can find tons of models, brands, and constant upgrades that make things pretty difficult.
Today, we are going to be reviewing two Bluetooth speaker models sold in the market. Though one of them has been discontinued, the sheer demand for it in the market is astounding. We are going to be reading about the JBL Boombox – Portable Bluetooth Speaker vs JBL Boombox 2 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker.
They are splendid models that a famous brand, JBL, manufactures. This brings us to the question, are upgrades really worth it? Are they worth your time, money, and reviewing? When you are keen to own a solid product, then we can say that most of the upgrades are worth your money & time.
Both the models might seem quite similar to each other to the untrained eye. Even we were pretty surprised to see the differences in them, though few. But they did make a significant impact in choosing the winner at the end of the post.
The JBL Boombox is a good option that comes with amazing features. Its sound quality is quite excellent, and the additional features provided in it, like the water-resistant and connectivity, are fantastically done.
It is light, and you can take them with you anywhere you want. It is also quite large, and several users have complimented the size. Likewise, the JBL Boombox 2 speaker was released on the market in 2000.
It is a mid-sized unit that comes with exceptional features in it. The model is similar in size to the earlier version. You can feel the audio performance, which is quite impressive and fantastic too.
The model can reproduce vocals and lead instruments but lacks the low bass. You will not struggle when carrying it with you. They both come with a carrying handle. Their battery life is also the same for 24 hours.
It can last more if it has to. There are no voice assistant capabilities. The mid-range is exceptionally well-balanced and produces eloquent sound quality. It is pretty loud, and you may have some compression problems when it is put at maximum volume.
The soundstage is kind of directional, and the audio is slightly low. Let us read to find out whether it is worth using the old model, or if you want to upgrade to the new model that is provided for you, which is quite expensive.
 |  |
|---|---|
| JBL Boombox | JBL Boombox 2 |
| PROS | PROS |
| It is lightweight and portable. It provides you with opulent hearing quality. The model has an exceptional connectivity option. The unit has terrific battery life. The product is excellent for outdoor use. | The unit is extremely portable. It can provide you with eloquent sound content. It offers you with a well-balanced sound profile. It supports multi-device pairing. The battery life is spectacular, coming in at 24 hours. |
| CONS | CONS |
| The sound effects could have been done better. | The product lacks low bass. |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Specifications | JBL Boombox | JBL Boombox 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Boombox Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Boombox 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker |
| Brand | JBL | JBL |
| Model Number | JBLBOOMBOXBLKAM | JBLBOOMBOX2BLKAM |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, USB |
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Rechargeable | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Number Of Speakers | 1 | 1 |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | 80 decibels | 80 decibels |
| Minimum Frequency Response | 50 hertz | 50 hertz |
| Maximum Frequency Response | 20000 hertz | 20000 hertz |
| Battery Charge Time | 6.5 hours | 6.5 hours |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-polymer |
| Warranty | Not Available | 1 year |
JBL Boombox vs JBL Boombox 2: Design & Features
The JBL Boombox speaker comes with an opulent design. JBL models are usually quite sturdy and robust in design. The same can be said about this model. The design is also pretty ergonomic because we felt like that.
You can admire the curves and the smooth shape of the body. There are no sharp corners present on the unit. It comes with a cylindrical design, which is the most commonly available of them all.
Its design makes the audio performance of the model seem good. The high frequencies of synths and the instruments are elegant. It is suitable for outdoor use that is possible because of the water-resistant feature that is present.
The unit supports the Connect+ app for pairing with another device. It is surprising to note that the models weigh and are sized almost the same. The Boombox weighs around 12 pounds. But the newer unit comes at 13 pounds.
We don’t see this aspect as something that might affect your purchasing decision. They both are lightweight, and you can take them on your shoulders or inside a strong backpack if you want.
The JBL Boombox 2 speaker is an exceptional model that is present in the market for you to choose from. It can sit horizontally and has a base that is produced from plastic. The handle is made from sturdy plastic and has a grip pad on top.
The lights found on the model show you the battery working-level present on it. Moreover, you also know whether it is connected with Bluetooth. Yes, you can carry it with a single hand. The battery can be brought outside if you want to.
We felt that the build quality of the new model is somewhat better than the old model. This could perhaps be one of the reasons for upgrading. When you are in search of a durable speaker, then the new unit is definitely robust in design.
The speaker is wrapped in a tight fabric and has a plastic base. We liked the positioning of the buttons present on the speaker. You can find them with your hands. It comes with a 10,000 mAh battery that is able to provide you with an impressive 24 hours of playtime.
As it has the IPX7 rating, the model does not become wet when water splashes on it, making it ideal for outdoor usage. Now, you can enjoy those pool parties or outdoor events, which require some eloquent music to be played.
The Boombox 2 comes with the PartyBoost feature letting you to connect with another JBL speaker for better performance. It does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. So, if you are somebody who insists on using devices with Wi-Fi connectivity, then you might want to look elsewhere.
Both the models are splendid in design & features are almost the same in each of them.
JBL Boombox vs JBL Boombox 2: Setup & Performance
The JBL Boombox speaker provides you with an eloquent setup & performance. We will start with the battery that you would love to use the battery as it works for more than 24 hours. It takes along 6.5 hours for charging completely.
It is pretty impressive for a speaker of this size. Of course, no user will want to make use of a speaker for 24 hours. However, you can use it for 2-3 days at a time without charging. Additionally, the unit has two charging ports.
The model does not come with an equalizer for you to be able to adjust the bass & treble. However, it comes with an indoor and outdoor setting where you can enjoy the listening experience outside.
It provides you with loud bass, but that is about it. You can increase or decrease the sound volume according to your requirement. You do not have to make use of the battery. The manufacturer claims that the battery offers you with 60 watts when plugged in.
But 20 watts is used when you are using the battery itself. You will be glad to know that it is loud enough for having a small outdoor party utilizing the model. You can use the outdoor setting to increase the sound and the bass when sitting outside.
Having USB charging ports enables you to charge the device. It is like an emergency feature that you can make use of. But you will want to know that it does not affect the primary function of the unit.
We now come to the connectivity of the model. It is an in-built software that decides on the connectivity of your device. It has the JBL Connect +. However, please do know that the devices can connect when you are using the same device.
If you have two JBL Boombox models, then you can connect them. The JBL Boombox 2 speaker has an exceptional setup & performance. The Boombox 2 has one charging port, which does not have to be a serious issue.
But usually, when you upgrade to a speaker, you find better features and certainly not going a step backward. Likewise, when you have the JBL Boombox 2 models, then you can connect them with a similar feature.
The Bluetooth in this unit is Bluetooth 5.1, which provides you with exceptional connectivity ability. Besides, it is much better on this model than on the Boombox model. The sound quality is impressive on the unit.
There can be some differences between listening to this speaker and the earlier model. We felt that this one sounded better than the other model. It just goes to show the development that has been made from the previous versions since the 1980s products.
Users have credited the design of the model for the sound quality. You can clearly hear everything even when you are using it outside. This was one of the main highlights of the Boombox 2 model.
Our tester thought that this unit came with better stability and control when you want to make use of it at high volumes. Typically, most of you do not need to use the high volume unless you are a party that is located in a remote area and not inside a town or city.
You do not want to cause a disturbance to those around you because it can get quite loud if you use it on the maximum setting. We did find it pretty loud, and the performance was eloquent to say.
You can change your devices for charging, like the laptop or the smartphone. It is a small but handy feature to consider having on your speaker. You can also make use of it to watch videos besides listening to music.
The range of the model is also quite good. All in all, they are splendid models and produce opulent sound performances that are noteworthy. These models might be on sale and come slightly cheaper.
Of course, the older version, the Boombox currently discontinued. But you can find it on sale at some retailers. Sadly, they don’t come relatively cheap as you want. They are worth your money & time.
Each of them comes with a 1-year warranty if you get them new. Did you find any alternative? Yes, we did some searching but were not able to find a Bluetooth speaker that could match with its sound performance.
You have some models from Sony and Bose as well, but Marshall Kilburn II was a standout.
JBL Boombox vs JBL Boombox 2: Price
The JBL Boombox – Portable Bluetooth Speaker, is priced under $500. Today, the model has been discontinued in the market. That means you can get it much cheaper for as low as $200 second-hand.
We don’t have to remind you about the durability aspect of JBL units. They are sturdy & robust. These models can last 8-10 years or more. The unit comes with some fantastic features in it. The JBL Boombox 2 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker is priced under $500.
As you can see, there is no price difference between the new models of both these products. However, the chances of finding a new Boombox in today’s market are highly unlikely. You can try it in your local market; you can find a second-hand piece at the most.
But that does not take the sheen away from the product. When the Boombox was originally released in the market, many users complained that the pricing was quite steep. However, it provided them with its worth as a splendid outdoor speaker.
When you are wondering, which model to go with, then we are in a fix too. Choosing between two models of the same brand can always be tricky. However, if you can afford the Boombox 2, you can go for it, but when you are satisfied with the new device, then go for Boombox model.
JBL Boombox vs JBL Boombox 2: Verdict
We have come to the end of our comparison review between the JBL Boombox – Portable Bluetooth Speaker vs JBL Boombox 2 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker. We hope that you liked what you read in the above post and were able to make your decision.
The JBL Boombox – Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a great device that comes infused with incredible features. Users have commended on the functionality of the earlier version of the Boombox and found it a fabulous unit.
As you read, the design and the battery performance are the same. That brings us to the question of whether an update was really necessary. The connectivity of the Boombox is also excellent and similar with the new model.
The JBL Boombox 2 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a good choice. That is because you would be bowled over by the better Bluetooth and the hardware present on the model. Besides, Boombox 2 was able to offer you with sublime audio quality.
Hosting outdoor parties in your home or apartment events can become a joy with the model. Unfortunately, the pricing needs to be justified. We just don’t feel convinced about paying that much amount for a Bluetooth speaker model.
These two models are an example of what happens when the flagship product is so famous that the next model faces the heat because of the previous unit. It is weird, but that is how things work for the moment.
The JBL Boombox speaker has a subwoofer, it comes with twice the battery power, and it has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack. You will be glad to know that it has 1 more USB port, comes with a 3.5mm male connector, and is 650g lighter.
It also comes with voice prompts & 60.5mm thinner. The JBL Boombox 2 speaker comes with a 0.9 newer Bluetooth version & is 53.5mm shorter. Our winner between the JBL Boombox vs JBL Boombox 2 speakers is the Boombox 2 model.
The decision was a tough one as they come with similar features mostly. The main difference would be the power present in the new unit. We felt that the new unit provides you with more value for the money because it is better, heavier, and more powerful than the old unit.
You are getting your money’s worth because of the durability and noise power. It is suitable for outdoor parties and events. However, the Boombox model is astonishing because it comes with splendid features and is cheaper, and isn’t a bad choice you’d expect from JBL.
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James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.