JBL Boombox 4 Review: Nearly the Perfect Party Speaker

Experience powerful sound and booming bass with JBL Boombox 4, the ultimate Bluetooth speaker for your next gathering.

Testing JBL Boombox 4: A Party Speaker Like No Other

I spent hours testing the incredibly loud JBL Boombox 4—much to the dismay of my close neighbors—and I can honestly say it's one of the best party speakers you can buy right now.

The JBL Boombox 4 is the latest flagship in the popular JBL consumer Bluetooth speaker line, facing high expectations set by its predecessor. The Boombox 3 Wi-Fi became a favorite on audio forums and social media for those seeking a top-tier Bluetooth speaker, thanks to its rugged build, impressive sound, and portability.

While the Boombox 3 featured a three-way system with a dedicated subwoofer, the Boombox 4 switches to a two-way design, replacing the subwoofer with a passive radiator. On paper, this might look like a downgrade, but in real life, the Boombox 4 sounds just as crisp as the 3 Wi-Fi, with noticeably richer bass.

It’s also significantly louder, pumping out a staggering 105 dB—roughly the volume of a car horn—which is more than enough for big outdoor spaces. Just remember, the sound tends to get muffled near such extreme volumes, which is expected given its relatively modest size of 51 x 26 x 21 cm.

Some audiophiles may argue that the Boombox 4 sacrifices midrange accuracy for louder, bass-heavy tuning compared to the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi. To them, I’d say: maybe look into alternatives like the Bose Soundlink Max if you prioritize sound precision over party vibes.

Unlike the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi, unplugging the Boombox 4 from power doesn't noticeably affect its sound quality (though technically it loses about 5W per low-frequency driver, which is hard to spot without a spectrogram). This makes it a more practical choice for on-the-go events.

What’s really exciting is the Boombox 4’s removable battery, a smart move by JBL. Buy the official JBL Battery 600 (avoid lookalikes), and you don’t have to worry about your pricey speaker turning into electronic waste after a few years.

JBL even sells battery chargers, so you can keep a backup fully charged at all times. Plus, Auracast technology lets you easily pair it with compatible models like the new JBL Grip or JBL Flip 7.

Is all this enough for Boombox 3 Wi-Fi owners to shell out $550 for an upgrade? Probably not. But if you’re buying your first big party speaker, the Boombox 4 is a standout pick.

JBL Boombox 4: Price and Release Info

• Price: $549.95
• Release Date: September 2025
• Price Drops: Already discounted by almost $100

The Boombox 4 hit the market in September 2025 priced at $549.95, about $100 more than the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi. However, thanks to occasional solid discounts, the price gap has narrowed considerably.

With similar price points, Boombox 4 is the better buy, boasting new features like Auracast, louder sound, richer bass, and a swappable battery for extended longevity.

Available in three colors: camo green (Squad), bright blue, and classic black.

Specs at a Glance

• Weight: Approximately 5.89 kg
• Dimensions: 51 x 26 x 21 cm
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C (for lossless audio)
• Battery Life: Up to 28 hours
• Speakers: 2 low-frequency drivers (65W RMS each), 2 high-frequency drivers (40W RMS each, battery mode)
• Water Resistance: IP68

Features and Functionality: Pure Party Power

JBL Boombox 4 packs all the modern bells and whistles you’d expect. Bluetooth 5.4 keeps connections stable, while the USB-C port supports lossless audio playback (or emergency phone charging).

Auracast comes with a dedicated button, allowing you to connect a near-unlimited number of compatible speakers simultaneously—talk about party mode! Two bass boost modes, Deep and Punchy, are toggled via a button or the JBL Portable app.

Though Punchy is my favorite for some extra oomph, I mostly avoided these bass boosts because they tend to drown out other sounds, making the listening experience less balanced.

When you activate the Deep Bass mode, the massive passive radiators on the sides light up with a pulsing orange glow, shifting to white for Punchy mode. It’s a neat visual effect, but I wish the lighting could be customized or toggled independently. At least you can turn it off completely.

Standard controls—power, Bluetooth, play/pause, volume, plus Auracast and bass mode—are all easy to find and use, with important buttons backlit for visibility.

The JBL Portable app adds an equalizer with a seven-band slider so you can create your own sound profiles.

If battery life is a concern, the Playtime Boost mode can squeeze out extra hours but at the cost of a hollow, bass-less sound with muted mids and highs. It’s good to have in a pinch, but you probably won’t want to use it regularly.

Speaking of battery, JBL claims up to 28 hours of playtime. In my tests, I even got over 35 hours at moderate volume (around 20%). Crank up the volume and bass boosts, and expect 5-10 hours—plenty for a party and a couple of noise complaints.

Functionality Rating: 5/5

Sound Quality: Clean with Mighty Bass

• Crisp sound with powerful bass
• Best performance under 70% volume
• Occasional distortion at max levels

At most times, JBL Boombox 4 delivers excellent sound, especially if you keep volume under 70%—perfect for house parties without sparking neighborly wars.

Energetic percussion in Ado’s Readymade sounds serious and detailed, with dramatic vocals and bright highs shining through. The punchy Mirror Tune by Zutomayo shows clear instrument separation despite the booming bass, and Japanese hip-hop anthem Harenchi by Chanmina offers lush sub-bass without losing low-frequency detail.

I worried that mellow tracks like undress me and Artificial Vampire by Cö Shu Nie might get muddled by bass, but they came through lively and detailed.

Push volume above 70%, though, and distortion creeps in as drivers max out. Midrange sounds get buried, and highs turn harsh—expected trade-offs for such a compact, loud speaker. The bass stays strong no matter what, so it’s guaranteed to fill big rooms with sound.

However, not everything is flawless. On Butterfly by Wednesday Campanella, I noticed noticeable distortion in the lower treble, causing an unpleasant hiss. This track has some original sibilance, but the Boombox 4 amplifies it more than any other device I’ve tested.

The cause is unclear, though some other users online report similar issues with certain tracks. Since I only encountered this once in hundreds of songs, it’s not a dealbreaker but something JBL should fix in a software update.

Sound Quality Rating: 4.5/5

Design: A Sturdy Beast Built for Parties

• Bold, robust look
• Classic tough JBL construction
• User-friendly controls

If you love JBL’s iconic “indestructible” design, the Boombox 4 won’t disappoint.

This speaker is a beast in shape, resembling a battering ram. It’s wrapped in dense, cut- and scratch-resistant fabric and sports a massive, sturdy handle. While the body is mostly plastic with a small metal strip on top, the handle feels impressively solid with a nice texture.

Though lighter than the 6.7 kg Boombox 3 Wi-Fi, it’s still hefty at 5.89 kg. You won’t want to sling it over your shoulder for hours, but it’s portable enough for parties or park hangouts.

Huge passive radiators on each side are surrounded by thick rubber layers, protecting against drops. Each radiator sports a JBL logo that lights up with bass modes.

A flat rubber base with non-slip strips keeps it stable. Peeking closer, you can spot screws for removing the battery—a bit tricky, but that’s understandable given the IP68 rating that makes the speaker fully waterproof.

Behind a rubber flap on the back are the charging port (using the included adapter) and a USB-C port for lossless audio input. You can’t charge the speaker via USB-C, but it works as a power bank for your gadgets.

Controls are straightforward: play/pause, volume, power, Bluetooth, Auracast, and a “B” button for bass modes. The layout is intuitive, with important buttons backlit.

Design Rating: 5/5

Value for Money: Premium Speaker for Serious Partygoers

• Premium party system
• Pay for brand and build quality
• Worth it if the budget allows

No denying it: JBL Boombox 4 is pricey. At $549.95, it’s way more expensive than budget alternatives like the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 and even the previous JBL generation.

You’re paying for sleek design, solid build, and excellent software, so if funds are tight, look elsewhere. But if you can spare the cash or snag a discount, you’ll be delighted.

Value Rating: 4/5

Should You Buy the JBL Boombox 4?

How the JBL Boombox 4 Compares

My Testing Experience

I spent over three months with the JBL Boombox 4, playing tracks from Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Tidal. I used it indoors, outdoors, and at public events.

Battery life was tested on a looped playlist at 20% volume until it died. I also compared it with the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi, Flip 7, Grip, and Go 4.

“Bluetooth speakers in 2025 offer wireless sound with no compromises.”

Final Thoughts

JBL Boombox 4 is a party beast with powerful bass, excellent build, and smart features like a swappable battery and Auracast. While it’s not perfect—occasional distortion and a high price tag might put some off—it stands out as a top choice for those wanting a serious sound system for big gatherings.

FAQ

• What makes JBL Boombox 4 better than Boombox 3?
  Boombox 4 includes a removable battery, Auracast support, louder sound, and richer bass, making it more future-proof and versatile.
• How long does the battery last on JBL Boombox 4?
  Up to 28 hours on moderate volume; over 35 hours possible at low volume; 5-10 hours with max volume and bass boost.
• Is JBL Boombox 4 waterproof?
  Yes, it has an IP68 rating, meaning it’s fully waterproof and dustproof.
• Can I connect multiple JBL Boombox 4 speakers together?
  Yes, thanks to Auracast technology, you can pair many compatible JBL speakers simultaneously.
• Does the Boombox 4 support lossless audio?
  Yes, through the USB-C port, you can play lossless audio.

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