Boomboxes may sound like a decade-old fad, but they are not as bad as we think. Modern boombox products combine the power of portability with a powerful bass-delivering speaker system that becomes the life of every party or gathering. Unlike the old boomboxes, modern ones may retain the orthodox features such as cassette player, radio, and also bundle USB playback, Bluetooth, AUX connectivity, and much more. If you are in the mood to buy the best boombox to spruce up your parties and outings, we have a list of the top 10 boomboxes in 2022 that you can buy.
1. JBL Boombox 2 | Portable Bluetooth SpeakerÂ
The JBL Boombox tops our list of the best portable boombox in 2022. It doesn’t have any of the old boombox features like the cassette player, CD player, and radio, but can produce melancholic music output and thumpy bass. The JBL Boombox 2 sheds the traditional boombox attire and is more rugged yet aesthetically relevant in 2022. It does have the carrying handle and IPX7 waterproof rating which means you can take it out for pool parties and beach outings without any worry.
JBL Boombox 2 doesn’t have any other input port to connect and play music. All you are left with is the Bluetooth mode that allows music playback using your smartphone or tablet. You can connect two devices with this best boombox and can take turns in playing your favorite tracks. Moreover, you get a 20,000 mAh battery inside this monstrous boombox which can last up to 24 hours and needs 7 hours to fully recharge. If you need the best in business and are willing to pay top dollar for it, JBL Boombox 2 is the one you should buy.
2. Anker Soundcore Motion Boom
The Anker Soundcore Motion Boom comes at a fraction of the price of the JBL boombox but with the same rugged aesthetics. Anker includes titanium drivers that produce adequate bass output, all of which can be adjusted using the Soundcore app. Anker Soundcore Motion Boom doesn’t use RGB on its body which dulls the appearance a bit. But you get IPX7 waterproof protection along with a rubberized body that can sustain tumbles and splashes.
Anker Soundcore Motion Boom only offers Bluetooth connectivity and even skips the USB play option. Needless to say that you can’t play CDs on this and even the FM radio is unavailable. However, the Anker Soundcore Motion Boom lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge, which makes it a perfect companion for camping, hiking, and small gatherings.
Buy Anker Soundcore Motion Boom on Amazon
3. Toshiba Portable MP3 CD Cassette Boombox with AM/FM Stereo
The Toshiba Portable MP3 CD Cassette Boombox with AM/FM Stereo is one of the most economical boomboxes that you can buy. It doesn’t pack enough punch for a pool party but can deliver a balanced audio experience with its 3W speakers. Unlike the JBL Boombox, this one has an MP3 CD player and a cassette player along with an FM radio. So, you can pull out your old CD/Tape collection and give it a try with this budget boombox.
The Toshiba Portable MP3 CD Cassette Boombox with AM/FM Stereo runs via an AC adapter and isn’t battery-powered like the JBL boombox. It means you have to compromise with portability. Also, it lacks Bluetooth features, so playing music wirelessly isn’t possible. But for the 50 dollar price tag, it is a puny investment to let you reminisce about your old music collection.
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4. Sony Stereo CD/Cassette Boombox
The Sony Stereo CD/Cassette Boombox is much like the Toshiba boombox but in a more retro package. It is chunky like the Toshiba boombox but has the battery-powered option as well. You can play CDs, cassettes, FM radio and can play, pause, and skip tracks with the buttons. There is an option for the FM radio as well, with digital tuning to easily find music stations available in your country.
Sony Stereo CD/Cassette Boombox has a 3.4W output speaker array, so it won’t produce a heavy bass effect. This budget boombox is useful for playing somber music tracks in the comfort of your living room or patio. USB playback and Bluetooth aren’t available, so you are stuck with aux inputs and FM. Buy the Sony Stereo CD/Cassette Boombox, only if you wish to give your old music collection a new life.
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5. TENMIYA 30W Portable Bluetooth Boombox
The TENMIYA 30W Portable Bluetooth Boombox is another best bass-heavy boombox available at one-tenth of the price of the JBL boombox. We are not saying that the quality will be identical but it certainly packs powerful audio drivers. Moreover, you get FM radio, Bluetooth, and aux-in connective options, making it convenient to play music wirelessly. You don’t get the CD and cassette player combo, which is a mild letdown unless you need a boombox for your old CDs.
TENMIYA 30W Portable Bluetooth Boombox can play music via USB as well and can last up to 10 hours on a single playback. So, if you need a budget boombox with a bass-intensive design and RGB LEDs, Tenmiya boombox is a desirable choice for you.
Buy Tenmiya 30W Portable Bluetooth Boombox on Amazon
6. JBL Partybox 110 Portable Party SpeakerÂ
JBL Partybox 110 is another one of the best boomboxes of 2022, that is cheaper than the JBL Soundbox mentioned in our list. This boombox weighs over 23 pounds and stands 22 inches tall, which is suitable for fixed placement and not extremely portable. It has RGB lighting that syncs to music beats and can put on a captivating show for your party. JBL Partybox 110 comes with an inbuilt power adapter and can last up to 12 hours on conservative music playback.
The battery dips faster if you run it on full blast to experience the mind-blowing bass output of this best soundbox. It only supports Bluetooth connectivity and doesn’t share the same IPX rating as the JBL soundbox. It lacks a CD player, USB plug and play but supports stereo mode, which offers a surround sound experience if you pair two of them. Nevertheless, the JBL Partybox 110 sounds good but isn’t practical to carry everywhere.
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7. Sony SRS-XG500 Bluetooth Party Speaker
Sony SRS-XG500 boasts the maximum battery life on our list. Moreover, it is the only boombox with a washable exterior that can be cleaned with a wet cloth. So, you get an IP66 certified boombox with the best-in-class audio output that can be used on the beach, in the kitchen, or at the poolside, with ease. The Sony SRS-XG500 is lighter than most boomboxes and has a subtle lighting system that adds flavor to the ambiance.
Sony SRS-XG500 supports music playback via Bluetooth and also supports USB plug and play. Moreover, it supports 3.5 aux input and you can play music by connecting your smartphone with an aux cable. On top of this, you get up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge and this boombox also supports fast charging. It can deliver 3 hour playback time with a 10-minute quick charge.
8. Anker Soundcore Trance Go Outdoor Bluetooth SpeakerÂ
Anker Soundcore Trance Go is designed for outdoor use. Its design isn’t like the traditional boombox but the size and capacity of the drivers make it a well-deserved candidate for a modern boombox. It can unleash sound up to 98 decibels and is loud enough to be heard by every member in a small gathering. Anker claims that it won’t get affected by the slightest bit even if it is completely submerged underwater. All the ports are concealed within a flap and you can open them to access the USB port.
Anker Soundcore Trance Go is completely wireless and supports a double device connection. It also doubles up as a power bank and can charge your smartphone and wearables. Anker Soundcore Trance Go is convenient to carry and can produce enough bass to light up a small party. There’s even a link feature that allows the speaker to link with many speakers and synchronize the music playback. At 105 USD price, Anker Soundcore Trance Go is one of the best portable boombox available for you.
Buy Anker Soundcore Trance Go on Amazon
9. JBL Xtreme 3 – Portable Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Xtreme 3 is a smaller version of the JBL Boombox 2. It doesn’t lose the ruggedness and is IP67 rated, making it a versatile indoor-outdoor use boombox. This boombox boasts two 25 watt speakers capable of producing 50W audio output despite the tiny frame. JBL Xtreme 3 also has two rings that can be used to attach the strap and carry it while walking. It can only play music via Bluetooth and there are no ports to connect a USB drive or SD card.
JBL Xtreme 3 has a powerful battery that can last 15 hours on a single charge. It doesn’t have the fast charging capabilities like the Sony Boombox but still manages a decent playtime and charges in just 2.5 hours. You can also stream the music on other compatible JBL speakers by using the JBL party boost technology. Plus, it doubles up as a bottle opener! A really expensive one. The JBL Xtreme 3 retails upwards of 350 USD which is a bit less than the JBL Boombox 2 and the Sony SRS-XG500.
10. Panasonic RX-D55GC-K Boombox
Panasonic RX-D55GC-K Boombox is a retro-style boombox that combines modern connectivity with the CD player and cassette player. This best boombox can play music from a variety of inputs, including a 3.5 mm jack, music port, USB plug and play, and FM radio. You might not get the best radio reception inside your room but the rest of the features work just fine. Panasonic RX-D55GC-K Boombox doesn’t have the Bluetooth feature, so you cannot play music wirelessly.
Panasonic RX-D55GC-K Boombox can produce decent audio quality and is loud enough to hear across a small room. You won’t notice the bass effect as much as you would on a modern boombox. Moreover, it runs on AC power, so taking it for beach outings is not possible. The Panasonic RX-D55GC-K Boombox is recommended only if you want a music player that supports versatile inputs and doesn’t cost too much.
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Conclusion
These were the top 10 Boomboxes in 2022 that you can buy and reignite your love for music. JBL is the undisputed champion in the line of premium and modern boomboxes and you can choose any one of the JBL products from the list. If you seek a more budget-friendly option, then Anker has just the right product for you. Sony also offers versatile boomboxes with 30 hours battery life but that is priced on the higher side of the price spectrum. Lastly, if you want to give your CD and cassettes a try, then you can go for the old-school boomboxes from Toshiba and Panasonic.
FAQ
What are good boomboxes?
JBL Boombox 2, JBL Partybox, Anker Soundcore Motion Boom are all good boomboxes that you can buy.
What brand of boombox is the best?
JBL is the undisputed king of audio and durability in the boombox segment. However, competing brands like Anker also have enticing boombox options available now.
How many watts is a good boombox?
Any boombox with 50W or upwards power is good enough. Make note that the output depends on your use case( it could be a small gathering or a big and crowded party).
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