JBL Boombox 3 vs 4: How These Portable Speakers Compare

A white tee. A grilled cheese. Jorts. A classic’s a classic for a reason — if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Enter the JBL Boombox 4. We built it to last and built it to surpass, so now it’s there for every canon event. Every backyard barbecue, beach party, lake hike, and camping trip across New Zealand, it’s the sound that follows you everywhere.

You’re probably asking yourself: How? Can JBL really top the JBL Boombox 3 with another banger? The short answer is: Yes. Our speakers can always get better. Here’s what we’ve done with our latest portable Bluetooth speaker, comparing the boldest tweaks we’ve made, and shouting out the features we doubled down on by dialing it up to 11.

More Massive Sound

In the sound department, the JBL Boombox 4 picks up where the Boombox 3 left off. We've added two tweeters, three passive radiators, and given the new portable Bluetooth speaker two bigger woofers, so every track hits harder and sounds cleaner.

Where the Boombox 3 excelled with powerful beats, the Boombox 4 brings a little something extra for you. Our exclusive AI Sound Boost technology analyses your music in real-time and adjusts the sound. Even when the volume’s cranked all the way up for a beach hang at New Zealand’s Mount Maunganui, the music stays clear and full.

That’s more power, less distortion, all speaker, no hands.

JBL Boombox 4

Most powerful JBL portable waterproof speaker with massive JBL Pro Sound

$669.95

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Go the Distance — and Then Somemore

It’s hard to top 24 hours of playtime — and yet we did.

The Boombox 4 steps up to the plate with an extra 4 hours of playtime vs the Boombox 3, giving you up to 28 hours of accompanying tunes on a single charge. If you’re not ready to call it a day (or night) after that road trip to Taupō, JBL Playtime Boost adds an extra 6 hours — so you can save the last dance for us.

And if the battery finally runs out, the Boombox 4 now features a replaceable rechargeable battery, getting you back to 100% juice for the next adventure.

Splashproof, Dirt-proof, Accident-proof

Like a palm tree in the wind, the JBL Boombox 4 takes it all in stride. When comparing the Boombox 3 vs the Boombox 4, we kept the same rugged durability. The only difference now is its IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating.

Whether it's the rough sand of a West Coast beach or the inevitable splash during a pool party, the Boombox 4 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that thrives in all of NZ’s weather and unpredictability — sand, rain, and that one friend everyone knows has butterfingers.

All the Sound, Less to Carry

It’s bigger. It’s better. But compared to its predecessor, the Boombox 4 is surprisingly lighter. We redesigned the JBL Boombox 4 to be 810 grams less than the classic, all while keeping that same iconic silhouette. This makes it way easier to haul around when your hands are full of chilly bins and beach towels on your way to the perfect spot.

Even More About That Bass

You love bass. So do we. So much, in fact, we’re giving you options. The Boombox 4 comes with two incredible Bass Boost modes for the based bass enjoyer. When the JBL Horn glows orange, you get Deep Bass Mode, plunging you into the kind of rumble you feel deep in your chest. When the JBL Horn glows white, you get Punchy Bass Mode, offering tighter, more energetic bass that keeps the dance floor moving.

This is the kind of sound you can feel vibrating up through the deck boards at your next outdoor party, making the JBL Boombox 4 a serious contender in this comparison vs the Boombox 3.

More Connection, Because Pairing Is Caring

The JBL Boombox 4 rocks improved Bluetooth 5.4, and when compared to its predecessor, its multi-speaker power has a serious upgrade.

We retired PartyBoost in the JBL Boombox 3 in favour of Auracast™, the next-gen Bluetooth tech for multi-speaker setups. This means easier pairing, a wider range, and a more stable connection. No need to hijack the aux, the Boombox 4 ensures you all can pregame to the same playlist — drama not included.

And Something for the Audiophiles

If you live for perfect detail and clarity — this one’s for you. Like the JBL Boombox 3, the JBL Boombox 4 still lets you fine-tune how your music feels in the JBL Portable app. For those who want every teeny, tiny detail, just plug into your other audio devices via the USB-C port to vibe out to hyper-high-res, lossless audio.

Long Story Short: Same Spirit, New Edge

If you’re a Boombox 3 stan, our latest JBL Boombox 4 delivers all your fave features — just amped up in sound, battery, and Auracast™ connectivity. It’s the next level of portable speaker, ready for the next outdoor session or road trip sing-along across the South Island. If you’re ready to turn things up, Boombox 4’s the best one yet.

Ready to find your sound in New Zealand? Explore our full range of Bluetooth speakers at the JBL New Zealand Store today.

All product details verified on JBL.co.nz as of November 2025.