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JBL Boombox 4 vs Bose SoundLink Max

Buy the JBL Boombox 4 if you want maximum loudness, deep bass and all-day battery for a party. Buy the Bose SoundLink Max if you want a smaller, lighter speaker that still sounds good and costs less. The Boombox 4 is $429.95 at Best Buy as of November 6, 2026. The SoundLink Max is $249.00 at Bose as of November 6, 2026, and it has ranged from $249.00 to $399.00 since October 29, 2026.

Today the Bose SoundLink Max costs $180.95 less at its best price.

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JBL
JBL Boombox 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Boombox 4

JBL Boombox 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

5(2 ratings)
$429.95at Best BuyObserved Nov 6, 2026, 9:32 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy

Choose the JBL Boombox 4 if you need the loudest, bassiest sound for a backyard or beach crowd and can carry a 5.89 kg speaker.

Pros
  • Very loud with 210 W RMS in AC mode and deep bass down to 37 Hz
  • Up to 34 hours of playtime with Playtime Boost
  • IP68 rating handles dust and full water immersion
  • Auracast lets you link multiple speakers
  • Replaceable battery and lossless playback over USB-C
Cons
  • Costs $429.95, $180.95 more than the Bose at current prices
  • Weighs 5.89 kg, so it is a two-hand carry
  • Large at 51 cm wide
  • No microphone for voice assistants
Bose
Bose SoundLink Max

Bose SoundLink Max

4.8(3,500 ratings)
$249.00at BoseObserved Nov 6, 2026, 1:16 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Bose

Choose the Bose SoundLink Max if you want a compact, light speaker with a removable handle and a lower price.

Pros
  • $249.00 at Bose as of November 6, 2026, and it has sold as low as $249.00
  • Only 4.9 lb with a removable handle for grab-and-go carrying
  • IP67 waterproof and dustproof
  • Up to 20 hours of playtime and a USB-C port to charge your phone
  • 4.8 out of 5 from 3,500 ratings
Cons
  • 15 W RMS nominal, far less powerful than the Boombox 4
  • Bass rolls off at 52.6 Hz, so less deep low end
  • No Wi-Fi, Auracast or lossless USB-C audio
  • Only one store prices it new right now

What separates them

JBL Boombox 4Bose SoundLink Max
Price$429.95 at Best Buy as of November 6, 2026$249.00 at Bose as of November 6, 2026
Power output210 W RMS in AC mode, about 200 W on battery15 W RMS nominal
Low-frequency response37 Hz52.6 Hz
Weight5.89 kg (about 13 lb)4.9 lb
Battery lifeUp to 34 hours with Playtime BoostUp to 20 hours
Durability ratingIP68 waterproof and dustproofIP67 waterproof and dustproof
Multi-speaker featuresAuracast multi-speaker connection, lossless audio over USB-CSimpleSync compatibility with Bose soundbars
PortabilityBoombox shape with no handle mentioned, 51 cm wideRemovable handle, 4.13 in deep

Price history

$429.95$249.00
Oct 29Nov 6
  • JBL Boombox 4: lowest $429.95 on Oct 31 at BrandsMart USA; $429.95 on Nov 6.
  • Bose SoundLink Max: lowest $249.00 on Oct 31 at Bose; $249.00 on Nov 6.

Prices at every store

JBL Boombox 4

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $429.95Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 9:32 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $429.95Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 9:32 AM
    Visit Best Buy
  • Home DepotNew

    In stock

    $429.95Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 9:32 AM
    Visit Home Depot
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $429.95Free shippingObserved Nov 6, 2026, 9:32 AM
    Visit Target

Also available at

  • CrutchfieldCheck price at Crutchfield
  • JBLCheck price at JBL
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
All 10 stores and price history →

Bose SoundLink Max

  • BoseNew

    In stock

    $249.00Observed Nov 6, 2026, 1:16 PM
    Visit Bose

Also available at

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • Best BuyCheck price at Best Buy
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecJBL Boombox 4Bose SoundLink Max
OutdoorYesYes
Frequency Response37Hz - 20 kHzLow-Frequency Extension: 52.6 Hz, High-Frequenc…
BluetoothYesYes
Connectivity TechnologyBluetooth, WirelessBluetooth
Ports And InterfacesUSB-CUSB-C
Wi-FiYes (for Boombox 4C), No (for Boombox 4T)No
Assistant SupportNo mic for voice assistantGoogle Fast Pair
Smart FunctionsMulti-speaker connection by Auracast™, Supports…SimpleSync compatibility
Speaker PlacementPortablePortable
Nominal Output Power210 Watt (RMS)15 W (RMS Power)
Output Level (SPL)Can't get as loud (compared to JBL Boombox 4)Higher output (suitable for larger spaces), Hig…
Design HighlightsPortablePortable
Show all 38 specsShow fewer specs
SpecJBL Boombox 4Bose SoundLink Max
MaterialRecycled plastic, Recycled fabricSilicone, Nylon, Plastic
StyleBoombox-style designBoombox
Driver Size2 x 5 inch (woofer)89 mm (transducers)
Driver ConfigurationDown-firing (subwoofer)Arranged across the front of the speaker
Driver TypeWoofer, Passive radiator, TweeterPassive radiators, Full Range Speakers, Transdu…
Number Of DriversTwo (woofers), Three (passive radiators), Two (…Three transducers
Weight5.89 kg4.900 lb
Depth21 cm4.13 in
Height26 cm

What reviewers say

JBL Boombox 4

Buyers describe the Boombox 4 as crisp and very loud, with powerful sound and excellent clarity. They also like pairing it with other JBL speakers.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedBuyers call the sound crisp, loud and clear with powerful bass.
  • VolumePraisedOwners say it gets very loud and stays clean at high levels.
  • Multi-speakerPraisedBuyers like connecting it to other JBL speakers for bigger sound.

Bose SoundLink Max

  • 4.8 / 53,500 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from about 3,500 ratings, owners mostly praise the sound and bass for a speaker this size and the rugged build. The main complaints are weight and price at full retail.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedOwners say the stereo sound is full and detailed with bass that carries outdoors.
  • BassPraisedListeners repeatedly call out the deep low end for a speaker this size.
  • BuildPraisedBuyers describe it as solid and able to take knocks, with the IP67 rating backing that up.
  • BatteryPraisedUsers report getting close to the claimed 20 hours at moderate volume.
Reviews
  • Best Bluetooth Speakers 2026: Options for every budget and event
  • Best Portable Bluetooth Boomboxes That Play Loud - Weighing in at a hefty 13.9 pounds (6.3 kilograms), the speaker does pack a punch, especi
  • Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2026

Questions and answers

Which is better for a backyard party?
The JBL Boombox 4. Its 210 W RMS in AC mode and 37 Hz low end fill a large space with far more volume and bass than the 15 W Bose.
Which is easier to carry?
The Bose SoundLink Max. It weighs 4.9 lb and has a removable handle, while the Boombox 4 weighs 5.89 kg and is 51 cm wide.
Is the JBL Boombox 4 worth the extra money?
If you need loud outdoor volume, deep bass and up to 34 hours of battery, yes. At $429.95 versus $249.00 as of November 6, 2026, the Bose saves you $180.95 if those extras do not matter.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The JBL Boombox 4, rated up to 34 hours with Playtime Boost. The Bose SoundLink Max is rated up to 20 hours.
Can either survive rain or a dunk?
Both are waterproof and dustproof. The Boombox 4 is IP68, which covers dust and water immersion. The SoundLink Max is IP67, which covers dust and short water immersion.
Can I link either to other speakers?
The Boombox 4 supports Auracast multi-speaker connection. The SoundLink Max pairs with Bose soundbars through SimpleSync but has no Auracast.

More comparisons

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  • Bose SoundLink Max vs JBL PartyBox Club 120
  • JBL Boombox 4 Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker vs JBL Xtreme 5
  • Bose SoundLink Max vs JBL PartyBox 320
  • Bose SoundLink Max vs Sony ULT Field 1

Buying guides that pick them

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4.73 in
colorOther—
actual_colorSquad—
sizeOne Size—
Amplifier Power2 x 65W RMS (Woofer, AC mode)—
Width51 cm—
audio component form factorPortable/Field—
audio output channel2—
audio purposeOutdoor use, Portable audio—
color patternBlue, Camouflage, Black, Black—
device interfaceUSB, Bluetooth—
mounting typeFree-standing, Portable—
power sourceBattery-powered, AC-powered, Rechargeable—
speaker designPortable—
speaker featuresVolume control, Weather resistant, AI-powered—
speaker technologyDynamic—
Max Output Power—6 Watts
Max Wattage—20W (accepted power)