JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi: Unleashing powerful sound and connectivity
The JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi. Picture: Noel Campion.
The JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi speaker offers an impressive audio experience, not just with its signature JBL sound but also through high-quality audio streaming and newfound Wi-Fi capabilities.
The Boombox 3 Wi-Fi has a solid and sturdy handle on the top, making the 6.7kg speaker transportable. Yes, you can argue it’s portable, but it’s too big to fit in a rucksack, and I wouldn’t want to carry it for too long. However, what you lose in portability, you gain in powerful speakers, internal components and overall build quality. The large metal handle feels cold to the touch but is comfortable to hold. It sports a Boombox 3 Wi-Fi engraving on its longitudinal axis.
Because of its substantial weight, you can tell when you pick up the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi that it is well-built. A fabric mesh wraps around the speaker, while soft rubber seals on either end allow the passive radiator to move. A large and stylish black JBL logo with gold sides is embossed on the front with a series of buttons above and a vertical LED strip used as a battery indicator below.
The Boombox Wi-Fi features a flat base with 12 diagonal rubber feet in an oval shape, ensuring stability and preventing unwanted slips or slides.
Around the back, you'll find a figure of 8 socket for charging and a USB-A port protected by a large rubber flap that locks and shields them from the outdoors. The USB-A port can charge other devices like a power bank. The large speaker is IP67 water resistant, ensuring you can use it outdoors without worrying about damage, regardless of the weather.
The speaker casings are made from 90% post-consumer recycled plastic, while the speaker grille is crafted from 100% recycled fabric. The packaging also follows this eco-conscious trend, made from FSC-certified paper and printed with soy ink.
The Boombox 3 Wi-Fi features Bluetooth 5.3 technology, ensuring efficient power consumption and robust connectivity. Say goodbye to frustrating pairing issues – the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi offers instant pairing and a seamless connection experience.
You can pair two Boombox 3 Wi-Fi speakers for a stereo pair, but note that a combination of a Boombox 3 and a Boombox 3 Wi-Fi is not supported.
What sets the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi apart from its standard version is its ability to connect to your Wi-Fi network. This opens up new features over the standard Bluetooth-only Boombox 3, making it even more versatile.
Stream audio with ease through Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, so you don’t have to be tethered to your phone like you do when streaming via Bluetooth.
The Boombox 3 Wi-Fi supports both Alexa and Google Home, which can be activated through the user-friendly JBL One app. By enabling Alexa or Google Home in the JBL One app, you can seamlessly incorporate the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi into a multi-room speaker group, transforming your home into a harmonious audio space.
This versatile speaker also supports various music services, including Amazon Music HD, Calm Radio, iHeartRadio, Napster, Qobuz, Tidal, and TuneIn. While Apple Music and Spotify are absent, don't fret; you can still enjoy your favourite tracks via Bluetooth, Chromecast, and AirPlay.
The only limitation is the absence of the 'Moment' feature, an app-based function allowing you to create presets with specific settings like volume levels, playlists, or radio stations. Press the 'Moment' button on the speaker, and it will start playing your predefined settings. Although this feature doesn't work with Apple Music or Spotify, it remains a helpful addition.
The self-tuning feature of these speakers is a game-changer. It automatically detects environmental changes, ensuring the sound is always optimised. Whether you're listening indoors or outdoors, you can sit back and relax, knowing that the JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi will deliver impeccable audio quality.
With up to 24 hours of playtime, the JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi is ready to keep the party going all night. Its impressive battery life ensures you won't run out of music when needed. This extended playtime makes it a reliable companion for social gatherings and outdoor adventures. Of course, you can also use the speaker while plugged in — a full charge takes up to 4.5 hours. It’s also worth noting that you will only achieve the maximum power output from the speakers while plugged in — 1x 80W RMS-subwoofer + 2x 40W RMS-midrange +2x 20W RMS-tweeter (AC mode) 1x 60W RMS-subwoofer + 2x 30W RMS-midrange +2x 10W RMS-tweeter (Battery mode).
The JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi is the first portable JBL speaker to feature Dolby Atmos technology. This innovation provides a more spatial and immersive sound experience, taking your audio enjoyment to the next level. The addition of 3D Dolby Atmos is a notable enhancement for those who seek a premium audio experience. However, you only get Atmos support via Tidal despite Apple Music supporting the audio format.
With 24bit/96kHz playback over Wi-Fi, you can get the best from Hires audio streaming services such as Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz or Amazon Music HD.
The passive radiators reproduce a powerful sub-bass and bass response, which the specifications say can reach as low as 40Hz. Powerful bass is almost a given based on the name, but the Boombox 3 Wi-Fi produces a well-balanced sound that works great with all musical genres, not just those with heavy bass.
The speaker worked great for watching movies on Apple TV via AirPlay and FireTV using Chromecast.
The JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi speaker undoubtedly raises the bar in portable speakers. Its seamless Wi-Fi connectivity, adaptive sound optimisation, impressive battery life, and sustainable design cater to a wide range of user preferences. The JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi is worth a look for a big sound with powerful bass.
JBL Boombox 3 Wi-Fi €550
