In the world of powerful and portable speakers, JBL stands out as a titan, consistently delivering top-notch audio experiences. But with so many models on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Enter the JBL PartyBox 310 and the Boombox 2 – two heavyweights in the realm of sound. Both promise to elevate your auditory experience, but which one truly hits the right notes? Dive into our comprehensive review as we dissect design, sound quality, battery life, user opinions, and more, helping you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a casual listener or an audiophile, we’ve got the insights you need.
JBL Partybox 310 Vs Boombox 2
JBL Partybox 310 and Boombox 2 are amazing speakers in terms of their design, looks, sound quality, and sturdiness. However, ultimately, one should stand tall as the winner to help you decide which one to bring into your home theater to make the parties and movie-watching time more immersive. If you’re curious about how the Partybox 310 compares with other models, check out our comparisons with the Boombox 3, Partybox 110, Sony XP700, and Partybox 710.
To make the decision easier, it’s essential to compare aspects such as design, features, portability, and much more to see which is best.
However, it’s important to note that personal preferences greatly influence your choice. So, what works for you might not work for others.
Now, let’s discuss each feature of these two speakers to declare the winner.
Design:
No matter how we see it, looks make a lasting first impression!
JBL Partybox 310 has a rugged, sturdy, and robust design, which can stand small drops and jolts during transportation and outdoor use. It has a metal Mesh front grille, protecting the speaker’s drivers from damage. The speaker weighs about 16kg. In addition to its tough and rugged design, it has a stylish look to fit in the home theater or party arrangement.
JBL Boombox 2 is quite smaller than the former one and weighs about 5.9kg with dimensions of about 19.1 x 7.9 x 10.1 inches. It has a durable build quality and can sustain minor drops or damages. Both competitors stand shoulder to shoulder, differing in mass and dimensions.
Features:
In this round, the two audio warriors will compete for their features, showcasing all their skills to win!
JBL Partybox 310 and Boombox 2 have a few common features: the Partyboost mode and stereo pairing. Through the Partyboost feature, both speakers can extend their range of audio by connecting to a similar speaker or a chain of speakers to double the fun of the party, whereas the Stereo pairing mode allows you to connect two speakers as a left and right speaker channel just like an ordinary speaker pair.
However, JBL Partybox 310 has several features that the other doesn’t. First, the JBL Partybox has an LED light pattern on the front grill, not only for decoration. These lights sync with the music you’re playing and beat with the song’s flow. In addition to this, it also has a guitar input port, which allows the user to connect their guitars with the speaker for a concert on-wheel feeling. It also comes with a built-in microphone option, which can be used for controlling voice commands. Finally, the JBL Partybox 310 has an IPX4 rating, which means it’s immune to small water splashes, making it suitable for outdoor fun.
In comparison, JBL Boombox 2, except for stereo pairing and Partyboost mode, has an IPX7 rating. It is highly water-resistant, can survive even if submerged, and is excellent for outdoor use. However, JBL Partybox 310 has more features than this one and subdues the Boombox 2 in this round.
Portability:
For those who love to travel or spend time outdoors, a highly portable speaker is essential.
JBL Partybox 310 has a weight of around 16 kg and is bigger; it comes with a built-in handle and wheel, allowing the user to take the speaker anywhere easily. However, carrying this speaker on hiking or camping trips might be a little difficult because of the bigger size.
On the other hand, the Boombox 2 has a highly portable size and design, which can easily fit in a hand-carry bag. Its lightweight, small size, and sturdy design make it highly portable and suitable for camping, hiking, or a day at the beach.
Sound Quality:
Everyone wants a speaker that delivers an unforgettable experience while watching a movie or during a party, so it’s important to consider the sound quality of the two speakers to decide which one is better.
JBL Partybox 310 has an impressive power output of 240 Watts, producing impactful audio to fit larger spaces. In addition, it has a 2-way speaker system, which includes both a high-frequency driver and a low-frequency subwoofer for balanced audio with an impactful bass. Its bigger size gives it the benefit of larger drivers, i.e., tweeter size 2.5 and woofer size 6.5, making the sound louder and clearer. If you’re wondering about the worth of the JBL Partybox 310, you can read more about it here.
On the other hand, JBL Boombox 2 has a power output of 80 Watts, a large passive radiator for an impressive bass response, and clear low-frequency audio. Although it has smaller drivers, i.e., tweeter 0.75 inches and woofer size 4 inches, it has impressive balanced audio and impactful bass.
Battery life:
For avid travelers, a speaker with long battery life is crucial. Nobody wants to go on a camping trip without music.
So, it’s important to compare both speakers’ battery life to see which one is more suitable for a person like you.
The battery life of JBL Partybox 310 is about 18 hours, with a charging time of 3.5 hours.
Quite impressive, isn’t it?
However, Boombox 2 beats the Partybox 310 in this race. With a battery life of 24 hours, Boombox 2 sets a groundbreaking record for portable speakers with long battery life, which can last as long as the trip. Its charging time is longer than the former, i.e., 6.5 hours. In addition, it has a built-in power bank which allows other devices to charge from it.
Now, that’s something!
Bluetooth:
A Bluetooth connection enables your speaker to pair with external audio sources. So, you might want to know which one has a better Bluetooth connection.
JBL Partybox 310 and Boombox 2 box offer Bluetooth 5.1 with a connection range of up to 335 feet. So, both of them remain undefeated in this round.
Connectivity:
For audio sources without Bluetooth support, other connection options are essential.
In that case, you would want to explore other connection options each speaker supports to connect the audio source.
JBL Partybox 310 supports an RCA, Aux 3.5mm cable input, and a guitar input making it a more flexible option for connecting different devices.
On the contrary, the JBL Boombox 2 only supports Bluetooth and Aux cable connection, which means Partybox 310 is a better option.
Warranty:
It’s important to consider the warranty of both types of JBL speakers, as it allows users to seek help from customer services in case something is damaged or broken. Both JBL Partybox 310 and Boombox 2 have a year warranty.
User Opinions on JBL Boombox 2 vs Partybox 310
The debate between the JBL Boombox 2 and Partybox 310 has been a hot topic among audio enthusiasts. Here’s a compilation of user opinions from various platforms:
- Portability vs. Power: The most common sentiment is that the Partybox 310 offers superior sound quality, especially in terms of loudness and bass. However, its size and weight make it less portable than the Boombox 2. The Boombox 2, on the other hand, is more portable and weather-resistant, making it a better choice for outdoor activities.
- Sound Quality: Many users felt that the Partybox 310 provided a more open sound with better loudness and bass compared to the Boombox 2, which some described as sounding muffled with bass that can muddy the overall sound.
- Practicality: Some users pointed out that while the Partybox 310 is powerful, it might be overkill for casual listening. The Boombox 2, being more portable, is more practical for everyday use.
- Additional Features: The Partybox 310 has features like a mic input, which can be useful for events. It also has LED lights, which many find visually appealing.
- Price Point: Some users questioned the price point of the Boombox 2, especially when compared to the Partybox 310, which offers more features and better sound quality for a similar price.
- Aesthetics and Design: The Partybox 310’s design, reminiscent of a luggage bag with its handle and wheels, was both praised for its practicality and criticized for its appearance. Some users felt they would “look goofy” carrying it around.
- Other Speaker Comparisons: Users also brought up other speaker models in their discussions, comparing them to the Boombox 2 and Partybox 310. The Aiwa Exos-9, JBL Extreme 2, and Partybox 110 were some of the models mentioned.
- Overall Verdict: The general consensus is that if you prioritize sound quality and don’t mind the size, the Partybox 310 is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for something more portable and are willing to compromise a bit on sound quality, the Boombox 2 is a solid choice.
Which one’s better?
It’s a tough call to decide one among the two Audio warriors, i.e., JBL Partybox 310 and Boombox 2. However, as we compare the overall features of both speakers, JBL Partybox 310 is a better option for its immersive sound quality, amazing features like LED light, water resistance, design, and connectivity options.
However, I must say that the choice still greatly depends on your preference, budget, and usage.
So, get your favorite speaker and enjoy the immersive audio experience on the go!
I’m Shaun Conroy, an audiophile & founder of HiFi Audios. Holding a Bachelor’s in Sound Engineering, I bring deep expertise in audio devices and offer insights & recommendations to fellow enthusiasts.