The JBL Boombox 2 (see image) offers a slight edge in loudness and clarity over its predecessor, but only when plugged in and cranked up to louder volumes. This is thanks to the extra 20W output power the Boombox 2’s woofers provide.
JBL’s Boombox line is the second-largest in their repertoire of portable Bluetooth speakers, following the behemoth PartyBox models. The JBL Boombox and JBL Boombox 2 are near-identical in design, with only minimal variations in their sizes and weights. They’re perfect for outdoor parties on account of their incredible loudness and durability.
In summary, the JBL Boombox 2 offers a slight edge in loudness and clarity over its predecessor, but only when plugged in and cranked up to louder volumes. This is thanks to the extra 20W output power the Boombox 2’s woofers provide. Another notable difference would be the updated Bluetooth in the newer model, which allows for improved range and better syncing in video playback.
Now let’s dive right into the details.
Wattage
If you check out the spec sheet of the JBL Boombox on the manufacturer’s official website, you’ll find that it boasts two 4-inch woofers with a total output of 60W when plugged in and 40W when in battery mode. As for the JBL Boombox 2, it also features two 4-inch woofers but with a bit of added oomph. In AC mode, you’ll get a cumulative output of 80W, and in battery mode, it’s lowered slightly to 60W.
Both models include two 20mm tweeters for better rendering high-frequency sounds and added sound imaging.
The woofer wattage dictates the overall loudness of the device and can also help audio sound clearer. Since both speakers have the same frequency response of 50 – 20,000 Hz, this means that the sound profiles are essentially the same. That being said, the JBL Boombox 2 has a modest edge in overall sound performance.
Size And Weight
If you’re seeing the JBL Boombox and JBL Boombox 2 for the first time, it can be a little tough to tell them apart. Both speakers share a similar cylindrical shape with a large overarching handle and the trademark JBL logo in the middle. But if you take a close look at the specs, you’ll see that the JBL Boombox has dimensions of 458.5 x 254.5 x 195.5mm, whereas the JBL Boombox 2 sits at 484 x 201 x 256 mm.
This means that the newer model is a fair bit bigger than the original, albeit slightly shorter. It’s also noticeably heavier, as it weighs 13 lbs compared to the JBL Boombox’s 11.57 lbs. That’s a 1.43-pound difference.
How big and heavy a device can matter quite a bit as far as portable speakers are concerned, so if you prefer something a little smaller and lighter, then you may be better off sticking with the original.
The JBL Boombox (see image) actually features two USB ports that you can use to siphon a charge from the speaker battery. In comparison, the JBL Boombox 2 only has one.
Connectivity
One of the improvements the JBL Boombox 2 has over its older sibling is the improved Bluetooth technology. The original came with Bluetooth version 4.2, while its successor sports version 5.1. As a result, the newer model can stay connected to a device up to 50 feet away. The JBL Boombox, on the other hand, only has a range of up to approximately 33 feet.
Bluetooth 5.1 also provides better audio syncing when watching movies, which is exceedingly important if you plan on using your speaker to watch movies and TV shows.
Bluetooth aside, the older model actually features two USB ports that you can use to siphon a charge from the speaker battery. In comparison, the JBL Boombox 2 only has one.
Speakerphone
Although it’s not a feature that’s used too often these days, it’s worth noting that the original JBL Boombox has a speakerphone built into it, while its successor does not. This isn’t of much consequence since most of the devices that connect to the speaker have their own speakerphone, but some users may be specifically looking for a portable speaker with a speakerphone feature.
Here is the quick start guide for JBL Boombox 2.
Price
As of writing, the JBL Boombox is priced at $399.99, while the JBL Boombox 2 costs $499.95.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the JBL Boombox 2 is better than the two speakers, though not that much. You’ll get a bit more sound output and a more advanced Bluetooth connection, but in return, you’ll need to deal with a slightly bigger and heavier device.
As for value for money, it really isn’t worth upgrading to the JBL Boombox 2 if you already own the original. But if you’re a first-time investor in the JBL Boombox line and you can’t find the original on sale, then you’re better off picking up the JBL Boombox 2.