JBL Boombox 3 vs Partybox 310: The Ultimate Speaker Showdown

When searching for portable speakers suitable for home theaters or indoor/outdoor use, options like the JBL Boombox 3 and Partybox 310 may come to mind. Both are high-quality portable speakers; however, you’d want to choose the best one.

While looking for a speaker, you must check your preferences, budget, and the different features of the two speakers to understand which suits your use.

Let’s see the salient features of both speakers and see which one suits you.

JBL Boombox 3 and Partybox 310 Deals:

Which One is Better: JBL Boombox 3 Vs. Partybox 310?

Design Language & Durability:

JBL speakers are highly durable and rugged, which protects the speaker against rough handling and accidental drops. 

With a weight of 17.42 kg, JBL Partybox 310 is a giant speaker with a plastic body and metal grill, protecting the sound drivers. It also has rubber feet on the speaker’s left, right, and bottom parts for easy placement. In addition, it also has RGB lights at the front, which can change color and give a light show effect in synchronization with the music.

The JBL Boombox 3 is a slightly smaller speaker which weighs only 6.7 kg. It has a strong plastic build with metal mesh fabric covering the front end of the speaker, protecting the sound drivers from damage. It doesn’t have any RGB light show like Partybox 310.

Portability:

A portable speaker is a true asset for audiophiles. Regarding portability, JBL Boombox 3 is better than JBL Partybox 310. It has a smaller size with a built-in handle that allows the user to carry the speaker anywhere easily. However, with a weight of 6.7 kg, it may be difficult to carry over longer distances.

On the other hand, the JBL Partybox 310 is a speaker on the wheels. It has a built-in handle and wheels, allowing the user to move it easily anywhere; however, given the huge size and weight of 17.42 kg, portability can be a problem for this one.

Battery Life:

When choosing a speaker, battery life is an important consideration. JBL Boombox 3 has a longer and better battery life of 24 hours than its competitor, Partybox 310 which has a battery life of 18 hours. However, the Boombox 3 has a significantly longer charging time of 6.5 hours, compared to the 3.5 hours required by the Partybox 310.

However, the battery life may change depending on several factors, including the type of music you’re playing, the RGB lights (on/off), the volume, and the temperature to which the speakers are exposed.

Furthermore, both speakers offer a power-saving mode, allowing the speaker to shut down, automatically, after 10-15 minutes of inactivity. 

Connectivity Options:

The JBL Boombox 3 and Partybox 310 are Bluetooth speakers, so you can wirelessly connect them to the audio source. The Boombox 3 offers Bluetooth 5.3, and the JBL Partybox 310 has Bluetooth version 5.1. With the newer version of Bluetooth, Boombox 3 offers a wider connectivity range, faster connection, and transmission rate. 

Both speakers support simultaneous connection to two devices, allowing users to alternate playing their preferred music.

JBL Boombox 3 and Partybox 310 offer a 3.5mm cable/Aux input, allowing them to connect to devices that do not support Bluetooth connection. Partybox 310 also has an additional input for a microphone and guitar, allowing the user to have their own karaoke party or street concert without any hassle. 

Sound Quality:

In terms of Sound quality, JBL Partybox 310 has louder audio that is suitable for filling larger spaces and rooms. With a power output of 240 Watts RMS and frequency response of 45 Hz- 20 KHz, this speaker can produce deep, punchy bass, clear mids, and trebles. It features two 6.5-inch woofers and two 2.5-inch tweeters; at the front, this speaker provides a solid bass for the music and well-balanced mid and high-range audio.

On the other hand, JBL Boombox 3 features two 4-inch woofers, two 20mm tweeters, and JBL’s signature bass radiators. With a power output of 180 Watts RMS and frequency response of 40 HZ- 20 KHz, this speaker has a better bass response, delivering punchy bass, clear midrange, and detailed highs.

Companion App:

Both speakers have a compatible JBL app, allowing the user to adjust the bass, mid, and treble from the equalizer function. It also allows you to make a stereo pair of two speakers connected.

In addition, the JBL Partybox 310’s companion app has a feature where you can choose the color of the RGB lights on the speaker as desired. 

Features:

Now, let’s talk about the features of the two speakers. JBL Boombox 3 is IP67 certified, making it completely dust and waterproof, which means you can now enjoy music at a pool party or outdoors without worrying much about damage. JBL Partybox 310, on the other hand, has an IPX7 rating, which means it’s only waterproof, and has no protection against dust.

Both speakers allow stereo pairing through the companion app and have an AUX input for connecting speakers to an audio source through wires. However, the Partybox 310 has an extra mic and guitar input to make the party fun. It also has a light show that synchronizes with the music. 

JBL Boombox 3 has a Partyboost feature, allowing it to connect with other Partyboost-supported speakers for simultaneous audio playback.

Warranty:

Both speakers come with a one-year warranty, which means if the speaker comes out damaged or broken or stops working within the time of warranty, you can ask the company for repairs or replacement of the speakers.

Price:

Price is a crucial factor when selecting a speaker. Both JBL Boombox 3 and Partybox 310 fall in the expensive category of JBL speakers. The JBL Boombox 3 (Amazon) typically falls in the range of $300 to $400 USD. On the other hand, the JBL PartyBox 310 (Amazon) is usually priced higher, ranging from $500 to $600 USD. 

Unpacking the Upgrades: From Boombox 2 and Partybox 300 to Boombox 3 and Partybox 310

Let’s talk about how the JBL Boombox 3 has evolved from its predecessor, the Boombox 2. It retains that epic 24-hour battery life but now includes an IP67 rating, making it completely dustproof. That’s a big win for beach and pool parties! Now, let’s move on to the Partybox 310, which is a clear step up from the Partybox 300. Not only does it have improved sound quality, but it also boasts wheels and a handle for easier transport. Plus, it has an upgraded light show feature, really cranking your party vibe up a notch. Both speakers are definitely worth the upgrade!

Feature	JBL Boombox 3	JBL Partybox 310
Design & Durability	Rugged, plastic build with metal mesh fabric cover; No RGB lights	Plastic body with metal grill and rubber feet; Has RGB lights
Weight	6.7 kg	17.42 kg
Portability	Compact with a built-in handle	Has a built-in handle and wheels, but larger and heavier
Battery Life	24 hours	18 hours
Charging Time	6.5 hours	3.5 hours
Bluetooth Version	5.3	5.1
Audio Output	180 Watts RMS	240 Watts RMS
Frequency Response	40 Hz- 20 KHz	45 Hz- 20 KHz
Waterproof Rating	IP67 (dustproof and waterproof)	IPX7 (waterproof)
Special Features	Partyboost for connecting with multiple speakers	Light show; Guitar and mic input
Price Range (USD)	$300 – $400	$500 – $600
Warranty	1 year	1 year
Companion App	Yes	Yes

Users’ Opinions on the JBL Boombox 3 and Partybox 310:

JBL Boombox 3:

Pros:

• Portability: Users find the Boombox 3 more portable and convenient to carry around, making it suitable for various settings.
• Durability: It is perceived to have better build quality and durability, with some users mentioning its waterproof feature as a significant advantage for outdoor use.
• Sound Quality: Several users appreciate the sound quality of the Boombox 3, noting it maintains sound integrity even at high volumes. It is considered to have a more balanced and clean sound, making it suitable for indoor use.
• Battery Life: It is praised for its long-lasting battery life.
• Versatility: It can connect to other JBL speakers using PartyBoost.

Cons:

• Bass: While the Boombox 3 has substantial bass, some users feel it lacks the depth and punch found in the Partybox 310.
• Price: Some users find it a bit pricey compared to the features it offers.

JBL Partybox 310:

Pros:

• Powerful Sound: Users unanimously agree that the Partybox 310 offers louder and more powerful sound, suitable for parties and larger gatherings.
• Deep Bass: It is renowned for its deep and monstrous bass, providing a club feeling, especially at higher volumes.
• Versatility: The Partybox 310 comes with inputs for mic and guitar, making it versatile for different uses, including karaoke and playing instruments.
• Features: It has a bass boost feature and can be used on a battery or plugged in for more power.

Cons:

• Portability: The Partybox 310 is bulky and heavy, making it less convenient to move around, although it does have wheels and a handle for dragging.
• Durability: Some users express concerns over its build quality, mentioning it is mostly plastic and could take damage if it falls.
• Sound Quality at Low Volume: A few users mention that the sound experience isn’t great below 40-45% volume, describing it as drowned.

General Consensus:

• For Everyday Use and Portability: The Boombox 3 is the preferred choice due to its portability, durability, and balanced sound.
• For Parties and Louder Sound: The Partybox 310 is the go-to option for those who prioritize louder sound, deeper bass, and additional features like mic and guitar inputs.
• Sound Quality: While the Partybox 310 is louder and has deeper bass, the Boombox 3 is perceived to have cleaner and more balanced sound quality, especially at lower volumes.
• Price to Performance Ratio: Some users feel the Partybox 310 offers a better price to performance ratio due to its powerful sound and features.

The choice between JBL Boombox 3 and Partybox 310 largely depends on individual needs and preferences. Those who prioritize portability, durability, and sound quality for everyday use may lean towards the Boombox 3, while those who prefer louder sound, deeper bass, and additional features for parties and larger gatherings may find the Partybox 310 more appealing.

Which One Should You Purchase?

Now comes the time to decide which one’s better, in JBL Boombox 3 or Partybox 310. Well, before I go ahead and declare the better option, please understand that your decision to choose a speaker depends on personal preferences. What may be a better option for others might not suit you. Therefore, you can choose one according to your sound preferences, budget, requirement of size and portability, usability, and features.

With these considerations in mind, it’s time to determine the more favorable option.

So, the JBL Boombox 3 is a better speaker in terms of audio quality, battery life, features, and portability. Although it’s not as loud as the Partybox 310, it delivers decent audio with deep, punchy bass, clear mids, and trebles. In addition, it has an amazing battery life of 24 hours with Party Boost features, which allows you to connect it with multiple Partyboost-compatible speakers. It also has an IP67 rating, so you can stop worrying about dust and water damaging your speaker. 

So, if you’re not tight on budget and looking for a portable speaker with long battery life, amazing audio quality, dust and water protection, and better connectivity options, you can never go wrong about the JBL Boombox 3.

However, if you want a speaker that can be suitable for larger spaces, has a decent bass response and clear mids and trebles, with long battery life, something you can drag outside easily, JBL Partybox 310 is your way to go. With its powerful audio output, it can fill in larger spaces, has an 18-hour long battery life, has an RGB light show for making the party more fun, and even has guitar and mic input, just in case you want to have a karaoke party all of a sudden.