Boombox 4

The Portable Speaker That Actually Works

If you've ever brought a cheap Bluetooth speaker to the beach and been disappointed by tinny sound and a dead battery by sunset, the JBL Boombox 4 is the answer. Reviewers call it the best portable speaker they've tested, and after looking at what people are saying, I totally get why.

Let's talk about the battery first, because this is huge. Twenty-four hours of playback is genuinely game-changing for families and anyone who entertains outdoors. You can take this to a full day at the park, a camping trip, or a weekend getaway without hunting for an outlet. That's real peace of mind.

The sound is where this speaker really shines. The 80W output delivers full, punchy audio that fills a backyard or patio without sounding tinny or compressed. Reviewers praise how balanced it sounds, with bass that's present but not overwhelming, and clear midrange that makes vocals and instruments come through nicely. Whether you're playing pop, rock, or jazz, this handles it all well.

Build quality is solid throughout. It feels like a speaker that will survive years of parties, trips, and adventures. The water-resistant design is genuinely useful too. You don't have to stress about splashes at the pool or getting caught in a sudden rain shower. That's the kind of durability that makes something worth the investment.

Now, the reality check. At 13.2 pounds, this isn't something you'll casually toss in a backpack. It's designed to be a real speaker you transport intentionally, like to a party or a day trip. If you want something tiny for hiking, this isn't it. And at $400, you're making a real purchase decision. This is for people who want one excellent speaker that will last for years, not casual listeners who just want something to play music occasionally.

The controls are refreshingly simple. You've got buttons for power, volume, and playback, and that's it. No confusing apps or complicated menus. Just straightforward, intuitive controls that work when you need them.

For families who host gatherings, love outdoor entertaining, or want a speaker that can handle real life, this is the one. It sounds great, lasts forever on a charge, and feels like it will survive whatever you throw at it. That's worth the investment.

The Boombox 4 is a Solid Speaker Trapped in Questionable Positioning

JBL's Boombox 4 is a genuinely competent portable speaker. The 80W output produces clean sound at high volumes, battery life stretches to a full day-plus, and the water resistance handles real-world outdoor scenarios. If you need a speaker for camping trips or pool parties, this device delivers.

But here's where the business case falls apart. At $400, JBL is positioning this against premium competitors like the Sonos Move and UE Boom, both of which offer comparable sound quality, similar battery life, and often better app integration. The Boombox 4 doesn't meaningfully outperform in raw audio quality to justify the premium.

The weight is another practical concern. At 13.2 pounds, calling this "portable" is generous. It's transportable, yes. But it's not something you'll casually grab for a day trip. You're committing to carrying it, which limits its appeal versus truly pocket-sized alternatives.

Feature-wise, the Boombox 4 is bare-bones. No app control, no customizable EQ, no multiroom audio. You get Bluetooth connectivity and that's it. For a $400 speaker, that's a missed opportunity. Competitors at this price point offer software features that extend usability.

The build quality is solid but not exceptional. Water resistance is practical, and the construction feels durable enough for outdoor use. JBL hasn't used premium materials here though, which makes the flagship pricing feel off.

RTINGS rated this 9/10, which tells you the speaker performs well objectively. But performance alone doesn't justify $400 when alternatives offer similar specs at lower prices. This is a case where a good product is priced above its market value. If JBL dropped this to $300, the value proposition becomes compelling. At $400, you're paying for the JBL name more than the performance delta.