JBL Boombox 3

Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers / Portable

A JBL Boombox 3 Wireless Bluetooth Portable speaker system.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model is derived from our expert lab test results.

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Current Range of Tested Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers

What goes into the Overall Score?

Sound quality

/ 5

Ease of use

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

Detailed Test Results

Sound quality: JBL's Boombox 3 had Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. With the EQ settings in the JBL Portable app set for the most even tonal balance, bass has good impact and goes deep but is a bit prominent and somewhat boomy. Midrange is fairly even but is somewhat grainy, and hazy. Treble is extended but a bit subdued and smeared. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience and sounds somewhat congested. When two units are used as a stereo pair the sound stage can be made wider depending on placement. There is no significant difference between Bluetooth and Aux sound quality. Provides a decent volume level in a large sized room. The midrange is more hazy and congested than the JBL Boombox 2 it supersedes and the overall sound quality is lower than its predecessor.

About

A JBL Boombox 3 Wireless Bluetooth Portable speaker system. In our tests the sound quality, and the versatility of provided features are assessed.

Features & Specs

Features

IP rating

Claimed battery life (hrs.)

Adjustable tone settings

Yes

Wireless stereo pairing

Yes

Speaker phone w/built-in mic

Optional multi-room sharing

Remote

Power source

Battery/AC

Updatable software/firmware

Yes

Warranty (mos.): parts/labor

12/12

Other features

Manufacturer claims the unit is IP67 dust and water resistant. With PartyBoost (Bluetooth speaker linking feature) can connect to multiple compatible JBL Bluetooth speakers to provide sound reinforcement (increased evenness of sound spread and/or volume in a given area). Can stereo pair with a second unit of the same model. Free JBL Portable app download for Apple and Android mobile devices can be used to check battery status, adjust EQ, update unit firmware, initiate PartyBoost mode, and set up stereo pairing of two Boombox 3 speakers. Unit firmware version 0.3.0.0, Apple app version 5.6.7, Android app version 5.6.6

Included accessories

Power cord, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, Safety Sheet.

Specs

Wireless type

Bluetooth

Audio format

Stereo

Height (in.)

Width (in.)

Depth (in.)

Weight (lbs.)

14.75

Connections

Stereo analog audio input

Yes

Optical digital audio input

Headphone jack

Active subwoofer pre-amp out

Other connections

USB charging port also serves as a service port.

Price & Shop

JBL Boombox 3

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

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