So we’re currently busy working on our JBL partybox 520 and Sony ULT Tower 10 videos… but we just had some massive leaks come out regarding the JBL Boombox 4. And basically, the JBL Boombox 4 is running lose in Brazil, and im actually a little tempted to go down there and get one. But none the less heres a quick run down of the leaks and when do we think we’ll see the JBL Boombox 4 available here in the states. But for right now we’re just going to run off of what on reddit.
So first off theres the release, it is very likely that JBL is going to formally announce the JBL Boombox 4 at IFA 2025 which takes place in Berlin in September. And since we’re already seeing the Boombox 4 at some retailers, they’ll might be available shortly after. But heres the really interesting thing, there’s are reports of two versions, the JBL Boombox 4T and the JBL Boombox 4C.
Now the main difference between the JBL Boombox 4T and the JBL Boombox 4C is that they JBL Boombox 4C is going to have loosless audio playback, and a slightly larger battery. Basically, this is going to be the Wifi version of the JBL Boombox 4, and JBL has done this with both the JBL boombox 3 and the JBL charge 5. But a wifi version is also going to mean a higher price tag, and I think that its going to go on sale less often than the base JBL boombox 4.
And personally I think that having a wifi version of a portable bluetooth speaker is pointless, its just increasing the cost for minor upgrades. So personally I do prefer JBL’s none wifi versions of their speakers. Cause for the most part both versions should sound and perform the same, but for the review video we’ll test both versions and confirm that they sound the same.
But then theres the upgrades, what’s new and is it worth waiting. Design wise the JBL Boombox 4 looks a little chubbier than the JBL boombox 3. Im indifferent, but I do like that it has a sturdy base like whats found on either the Xtreme 4 or JBL Charge 6. I still hate there there are no hooks so that you can attach a shoulder strap on this speaker.
It also looks like the JBL Boombox 4 has a built in light feature. But this light feature is having the same problem as the light feature on the Sony ULT Field 7. Its tucked away in the passive radiator and its hard to see, and it doesn’t seem like it has a splash affect like the light feature you’ll find on Soundcore’s speakers. So I feel that this light feature isn’t worth using and instead ill just enjoy the improved battery life.
And battery life is a pretty important upgrade here on the JBL Boombox 4. Now I think these are the tech specs for the base JBL Boombox 4 cause there is no mention of wifi connectivity, just bluetooth. But this speaker has an advertised battery life of 28 hours, plus 6 more if you use it with playtime boost which is just going to lower the bass and make it sound brighter. But more importantly, it looks like you be able to swap out the battery life on the JBL Xtreme 4.
Now you’ll be able to take out the battery, but you’re going to need an Alan key todo so, so its not meant to be swap out fast like with the Partyboxes. And they do it like this cause they want the Xtreme 4 and Boombox 4 to have their IP67 ratings. So that they’re more water proof. Where as the Partyboxs are just IPX4 water resistant. But it seems like the JBL Boombox 4 is going to have the same huge battery as the JBL Partybox 520.
And to charge this speaker, its still going to have the same double barrel AC port which is good, cause this way you’re going to get a performance boost when its plugged in. When its plugged in JBL is calming the Boombox 4 is going to be good for 210 watts and when its running off of its battery its going to be good for 200 watts. Where as the Boombox 3 is good for 180 watts when its plugged in. So the boombox 4 is going to be louder than the boombox 3, all around, even when its running off of its battery. And its also going to have a little more bass cause its going to go down to 37 hertz verses the boombox 3’s 40 hertz.
And when it comes to speaker set ups, it looks like the JBL Boombox 4’s has swapped out its mid range drivers for woofers. So the question is, is the JBL Boombox 4 going to sound less open than the JBL boombox 3. Which I think would be a shame.
But if we look at the ports again, you’ll notice a few things, first off theres no audio jack, which I feel is sad… but it does have a USB C port. So its safe to assume that you’ll be able to charge your own devices, and you’ll be able to use it as a wired connection as well… which is good… but I still wish a speaker this large and expensive has an audio jack. And you’ll also notice that this speaker does not have an input for a wired mic… which I do feel is a shame as well cause a lot of people love the ULT field 7 cause of the mic input.
And finally theres aura cast, which is to be expected, so you’ll be able to pair your boombox 4 with other aura cast speakers like the Charge 6, Xtreme 4, Flip 7, Clip 5 or go 4, or to any of JBL’s partyboxes that are also using aura cast like a Partybox encore 2, partybox 120, 320, 520, or ultimate.
However its hard to confirm if the JBL Boombox 4 will be able to pair to JBL’s older speakers that are using party boost… cause the JBL Xtreme 4 is the only speaker right now that can connect to both Partyboost speakers and aura cast speakers. So we’ll have to wait and see.
But with all of that being said, the JBL Boombox 4 is on the way and it’ll probably be here for the fall at a retail price of $500 if not higher cause of the tariffs. And this is the bass model. Personally I wouldn’t get the wifi model, I think its pointless. Im a little worried that JBL is sacrificing instrument separation for more bass. And yes, even though the Boombox 4 is set to get louder than the Boombox 3… the JBL charge 6 and flip 7 both get louder than their predesscors, and sometimes they get a little distorted. And with the Boombox 4, if thats also the case, then you’ll notice the distortion a little easier.
I would have also really like to have seen a mic input for this speaker and hooks so that you can attach a shoulder strap. I do like that you can swap out the battery though. But if you’re looking for a speaker right now… I dont think that you need to wait for the Boombox 4.