If you were a 90s kid like me, then the 90s boombox might trigger nostalgia. That big boxy-type cassette player with two speakers on each side, which the coolest kids in town would bring in a park where they put on some funky music and dance alongside with. And if you are asking if a boombox speaker still exists, then yes, it is! But it has now been modernized a bit to fit the times. It still remains to be a powerful and party-triggering music player but now has more features.
The technology behind the retro boombox we grew up with remains on its modern version – sound passes on to an amplifier and then on to two speakers on each side for that loud, heart-thumping music that we love during clubbing and partying.
With a modern boombox speaker, there is a significant increase in the quality of sound through bass. The bass steps up the game by adding depth into the sound. It greatly boosts the monstrous sound coming from the boombox so it would be easier on the ears even when it is at its loudest.
Another advancement here is the birth of the portable boombox. The original boombox speaker is bulky (though it’s one of the coolest things ever to carry back then) and quite heavy to bring with it. And it requires a direct power source to plug on.
Meanwhile, a portable speaker is compact and can fit a small bag. Some mid-sized models are lightweight for transport. It is also rechargeable and lasts for hours before it needs another juicing up sesh.
And of course, the modern version is now made of more durable and weather-resistant materials. Bringing your boombox speaker outside for a beach or pool party is now possible without worrying about the splashes and water playing around.
Boombox speakers of today might retain some of the features like a built-in CD player. But, most models instead have Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to stream music from your smartphone. Having access to subscription-based music streaming sites expands your music sources, therefore, providing you with more ways to enjoy your boombox Bluetooth speaker.
Wanting to own one? Here’s the list of our most recommended boombox speaker portables you can easily purchase online.
Best Modern Portable Boombox Speaker – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Features | |
| JBL Boombox 2 – (Editor’s Choice) | With JBL’s Original Pro Sound for powerful bass and overall sound quality | Check Price |
| Sony SRS-XB43 EXTRA BASS Wireless Portable Speaker | Extra Bass, Live Sound mode | Check Price |
| Pyle PBMSPG290 – Outdoor Wireless Boombox Stereo System | Multi-media ports/connectivity – USB/flash drive, AUX, microphone, and guitar ports, FM radio, Bluetooth | Check Price |
JBL Boombox 2 – Editor’s Choice
JBL continues to wow users with its technology and innovations that music lovers have been wanting to experience. And this boombox speaker isn’t short from features to love, even going beyond expectations considering its size.
The JBL Boombox 2 takes pride in its powerful bass, which is consistent across all sound levels. Great party music isn’t just about loudness – it should also be deep and thumping. Cracking, static, and broken tunes are huge no-no’s and can definitely kill the fun. But with bass, you get to appreciate the music and dance along with the feeling of rhythm and vibe.
This boombox speaker maximizes its powerful bass with the loudest volume capacity. Whether you use it in the great outdoors or inside a massive indoor space, it will not disappoint. Do not be fooled by its size as it is equipped with hardcore sound engineering inside.
This JBL portable Bluetooth speaker allows you to connect your music playing devices via Bluetooth. Anyone can play DJ by linking to your boombox speaker and then putting up their favorite tunes or playlists from music streaming sites. You can also use it as your projector screen speaker.
The JBL Boombox is also capable of linking with other JBL speakers that are equipped with PartyBoost. This feature allows you to expand your coverage area, which is great for bigger party venues. And if you are bringing your boombox speaker with you outdoors for a beach or pool party, rest assured that its IPX7 rating will protect itself.
This JBL Bluetooth speaker can run for up to 24 hours for that uninterruptible music. It already comes with a built-in power bank that emits the use of electrical cords. Simply recharge it, and in a few hours, it’s already up and running again.
Pros
- With JBL’s Original Pro Sound for powerful bass and overall sound quality
- A single charge can last up to 24 hours
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Partyboost allows you to connect multiple JBL-compatible speakers for a more powerful speaker system
- IPX7 rating
- With a built-in power bank for recharging
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion
The JBL Boombox 2 is a powerhouse boombox speaker that is compact but still provides outstanding performance. It allows you to experience party music quality in clubs in the comforts of your home or other areas.
Sony SRS-XB43 EXTRA BASS Wireless Portable Speaker
If you want to get the party mood amped a bit aside from upbeat music from your boombox speaker, then get one with lights! This one’s got some line lights and round speaker outlines that light up along the beat of the music. Lights’ colors also change to match your party vibe.
Meanwhile, you can also connect multiple Party Connect-compatible Sony speakers up to 100 times with each other through Bluetooth for wider sound coverage and speaker lights that sync and light up in rhythm, creating a party of lights.
This Sony Bluetooth speaker is equipped with Extra Bass sound to fully support louder volume levels. And this is complemented by the Live Sound mode, which allows you to experience richer and deeper bass sound just like how it is when you watch a movie or a concert live. The Live Sound mode also emits three-dimensional sound quality.
The Sony SRS-XB43 EXTRA BASS Wireless Portable Speaker uses x-balanced speakers that further improves the sound quality with the use of elements engineered to resonate sound with less distortion. This is enhanced by a woofer and a dedicated tweeter for clarity and improved vocals.
Meanwhile, this Sony boombox has Bluetooth streaming capability and streams your music through NFC connectivity so you can play music from your smartphone or other smart devices.
This Bluetooth speaker with lights has two compatible mobile apps to control a variety of functions through your phone. The Sony Music Center allows you to cue songs, create playlists, adjust sound and light patterns. Meanwhile, the Fiestable app provides you with the option to control the lights and their colors on your phone.
The Sony SRS-XB43 EXTRA BASS Wireless Portable Speaker also comes with other useful features like a hands-free calling. Yes, it is also equipped with a microphone. Therefore, you can also use this boombox speaker during conference calls and talk back to your workmates or meeting peers while it is connected to your laptop or phone. It also has buttons on the device itself for changing tracks and adjusting volume. You can also orient it horizontally or vertically.
Pros
- Extra Bass, Live Sound mode
- Equipped with X-balanced speakers, woofer with a tweeter
- With passive side radiators
- Bluetooth and NFC connectivity
- Accessible via the Sony Music Center app
- With speaker and line lights that move along the beat of the music; configurable through the Fiestable app and Sony app
- With a built-in mic so you can connect it to your laptop or smartphone for hands-free calling
- Party connect feature to sync multiple compatible speakers
- IP67 weather-resistant rating
Cons
- Some users are looking for an AUX port
Conclusion
The Sony SRS-XB43 EXTRA BASS Wireless Portable Speaker will not disappoint you as far as your expectation from a Sony speaker. This portable boombox speaker emits excellent sound quality, and the Live Sound feature is noticeable as you get a fuller, richer sound. The built-in mic also comes in handy.
Pyle PBMSPG290 – Outdoor Wireless Boombox Stereo System
Another one with flashing party-mood lights, this portable boombox speaker just signals the party is getting started. The built-in LED lights in the body and flashing lights on top also flash along with the rhythm of the music. It might not be a core feature, but it definitely helps set the mood.
This Bluetooth speaker is your multipurpose surround sound system, too. The Bluetooth connectivity allows you to play music from a phone and other capable devices. Other than that, this boombox speaker also has an AUX port, ports for the microphone and the guitar so you can use it for karaoke. It also has a USB port so you can play music from your flash drive or MP3 player. And lastly, it connects to FM radio with a digital display panel so you can play your favorite radio station’s playlist.
And of course, the Pyle PBMSPG290 – Outdoor Wireless Boombox Stereo System is a boombox speaker. This means you can play music loudly with its peak 800-watts power. It utilizes 10-inch subwoofers and 3-inch speakers and is powered by a built-in rechargeable lead-acid battery rated at 7,500 mAH.
As a bonus, this Bluetooth boombox comes with a wired microphone and is installed with rolling wheels for transportability.
Pros
- Multi-media ports/connectivity – USB/flash drive, AUX, microphone, and guitar ports, FM radio, Bluetooth
- With flashing LED lights that change colors, too
- 10-inch subwoofers and 3-inch speakers
- Powered by a built-in rechargeable lead-acid battery rated at 7,500 mAH
Cons
- This is more of a portable PA system rather than a boombox speaker
Conclusion
The Pyle PBMSPG290 – Outdoor Wireless Boombox Stereo System is your versatile boombox speaker system, capable of playing music from a variety of media devices like your phone, an MP3 player, flash drive, or an FM radio station. The karaoke function is also a nice feature.
Final Verdict
A boombox speaker differs from a portable Bluetooth speaker in the aspect of loudness capacity. And this should be supported by a strong sound quality technology – a full Bass that deepens the sound so you get into the party mood easily.
With that in mind, the best boombox on this list is the JBL Boombox 2.
The JBL Boombox 2 still provides the best over sound quality that is consistent throughout its loudness levels. It remains faithful to the promise of the original boombox speaker being a party setter but now comes with modern features.