We compare the best Bluetooth speakers by one of the biggest names in audio — JBL. They all feature Bluetooth-functionality, but each one will perform better in a variety of ergonomic habitats, such as at the pool or on a camping trip. If you are shopping for a dependable, rugged Bluetooth speaker that can withstand the elements and present great sound, you came to the right place.
JBL is a brand audio professionals rely on. Used by famous DJs in the biggest clubs around the world, JBL speakers are built to last, to be tough, and dependable. The JBL name has also become synonymous with portable Bluetooth speakers. The best ones are portable, dependable, have a longer-lasting battery, and can withstand heat and colder weather — all without sacrificing great sound.
To help you check these boxes, we’ve rounded up our favorite JBL Bluetooth speakers for any outdoor occasion you attend or host. We give the high notes for each one, and award bonus points for cool features that thrive best in a variety of outdoor experiences.
Next, we assorted them into ergonomic categories. The outdoor experiences below are where each JBL Bluetooth speaker performed the best. Click on any of the outdoor experiences below to be taken to the one that performs best in that outdoor scenario.
Whether it's a backyard barbecue, a family reunion, a neighborhood pig pickin’, or even a weekend joyride with the windows down and the breeze in your hair, JBL Boombox 2 wins as the ultimate JBL portable speaker for these outdoor activities. For less than $500, we think JBL Boombox 2 is the best performer for your next neighborhood-gathering or even a road-trip for the following reasons:
1.) 24-Hour Battery-life
Enjoy the social gathering all day and all night! If you and your friends are enjoying time together in the backyard or neighborhood cul de sac, the fun doesn’t have to end just because your wireless speaker ran out of juice. Keep the party going with 24 hours of playtime.
Plus, for those long drives to your well-deserved weekend getaway, 24 hours of playtime will let you and your passengers enjoy the JBL Signature Club sound in the car. Even after you arrive, the fun and the music will last for hours on end before it needs to recharge.
2.) Massive JBL Signature Pro Sound
For a portable speaker that you can carry around like a boombox by its built-in handle, JBL Boombox 2 presents the loudest JBL Signature Pro Sound. For its size, this portable Bluetooth speaker pumps out massive sound. It’s the loudest JBL Boombox ever, and the powerful volume and deep bass will get everyone’s feet moving in your backyard.
Plus, playing music in the car can be cumbersome. Some cars don’t have Bluetooth-connectivity or stereo miniplug inputs, which makes it difficult or expensive to listen to music in the car with a smartphone. If listening to music with your phone through the car’s stereo isn’t easy or doesn’t sound as good, then pack up this Bluetooth speaker for the ride. It will make it convenient for everyone to play music from their phones with great sound and massive volume. So turn it up. Waaayyyyyy up.
3.) IPX7 Waterproof Rating
The Boombox 2 has the same IPX7 Waterproof liquid resistance protection as the JBL Xtreme 2. So, if someone at the cookout accidentally spills an overfilled beverage onto your portable speaker, don’t worry. IPX7 means JBL Boombox 2 is tough enough to withstand being submerged up to 1 meter in water for 30 minutes. Whether you are throwing a party in the backyard or doing some yard work in the garden, your JBL Boombox 2 will be protected against liquid accidents wherever or however they might occur.
24-Hour Battery-life
Massive JBL Signature Pro Sound
IPX7 Waterproof Rating
For less than $500, PartyBox 310 wins as the best JBL Bluetooth speaker to serenade and light up your backyard or even a camping experience. The decision for this one came down to these 3 important features:
1.) 18-Hour Battery-life & Uninterruptible Power-Supply
Being off the grid doesn’t have to be boring. Keep all your vital electronic gadgets charged with the built-in USB port to keep your phones charged. No need to pack an extra charger!
Plus, never run out of juice. The PartyBox 310 plugs in wherever you have an outlet. Taking your party on the road? Hook it up to your car, RV, or party bus to keep the vibe going as long as your crowd can keep dancing. On a full charge, PartyBox 310 will give you 18-hours of playtime. With this Bluetooth speaker, you will always have a backup plan with a power supply that’s uninterruptible when it’s charging.
2.) Cool Light Shows
No need for a campfire with warmer weather. When the sun sets, the JBL PartyBox 310 will light up your campground with a variety of cool light shows. With subtle pulsing and powerful strobing effects, there's a setting for every mood. We see this being useful in warmer weather too when it’s too hot outside for a campfire.
3.) USB Playback For Listening Off-The-Grid
For remote campgrounds where you might not have good cellular service available (if any at all), having the ability to play music offline from a USB thumb drive is the best way to enjoy your music. With USB Playback, you can plan ahead and pre-program your camping-experience with a playlist stored on a USB stick.
18-Hour Battery-life Plus Power-Supply From The Car
Light Shows
USB Playback For Listening Off-The-Grid
Last but not least, we have the JBL PartyBox 1000. For less than $1,200, it’s not cheap, but this is the ultimate Bluetooth speaker to own if you want to throw a house party like a boss. PartyBox 1000 wins as the best JBL Bluetooth speaker to throw a house party for the following reasons:
1.) Karaoke & DJ Performance Machine
Similar to the PartyBox 300, you can plug in a guitar or a microphone and add karaoke to your next outdoor party as well. Just like the PartyBox 300, you can stream music from a phone or a tablet directly to the speaker over Bluetooth or play music offline from a USB stick.
But, what sets this one apart is the included DJ launchpad and karaoke machine built inside. Your friends will be impressed when you use the DJ launchpad to play the drums, guitar, or piano to record and loop your performance on the fly! This feature adds a whole new dimension to your typical Bluetooth speaker and it will bring a ton of fun and excitement to any outdoor space you set this speaker up.
2.) Exciting Full-Panel LED Light Show
The full front-panel will light up and change colors to provide you and your guests a dynamic light show that will recreate the dance club experience right in your living room! Plus, you can connect two PartyBox speakers together wirelessly with the TWS feature or wired from one RCA output to another RCA input for a bigger sound with exciting lighting effects that will rock the house and make your party the one people will remember.
3.) Concealed Wheels for Easy Transport
The built-in handle and concealed wheels make it easy to transport the PartyBox 1000, regardless of where the party is. We see this being used in a more permanent location because of its size but if you do want to wheel it out onto the patio and plug it in outside, it has a built-in handle and concealed wheels for easy transport.
Karaoke & DJ Performance Machine
Exciting Full-Panel LED Light Shows
Concealed Wheels For Easy Transport
JBL is a name that has become synonymous with portable Bluetooth speakers, and for good reason. They make a Bluetooth speaker for almost any scenario and deciding which one is right for you comes down to how you plan to use it. All of these speakers sound great, so if you have questions about which one might be the best fit for how you plan to use it, feel free to give us a call, chat with one of our experts at audioadvice.com, or stop into one of our Raleigh or Charlotte North Carolina showrooms.
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