Looking to go out on the lake for a day of fun? Want to jam to your tunes as you do it? Just don’t want to listen to the roar of the engine all day? We totally get it. You’re going to want a quality speaker that can match your style, and the JBL Boombox 2 is a solid contender for the job.
The JBL Boombox 2 is a high-rated speaker that claims to be waterproof. We at Waterproved put this monster of a machine through our three-part ringer of waterproof testing. We’re excited to share what we learned. So, JBL Boombox 2: is it waterproof? Read on to find out!
The Basics
We know we just said it, but it’s worth saying again - the JBL Boombox 2 is a beast! It's a revamping of the original JBL Boombox model for a more modern style and sound. This thing clocks in at a solid 13 pounds and is about 13-by-22 inches around.
It uses all that heft to create a serious amount of sound. It’s got intense base boosting for club-quality that is adjustable with a control panel on the front of the box. Its control panel, for that matter, is designed for easy use. The buttons for power, pairing, and volume stand out from the speaker's surface.
Despite its size, it’s still got a reasonably portable design. There's a solid plastic handle across the top for lugging with you to wherever the party is. It’s also got a 24-hour battery life so the party can keep going when you get there!
Other than that, there isn’t a lot of information about what this thing is made of. It’s got an IPX7 waterproof rating, which is a great start, but does it measure up? Let’s look at the results.
Waterproof Testing Results
Time to put this thing to the test! We put the JBL Boombox 2 through our standard three-phase waterproof testing process. These phases are The Mist, The Rain, and The Dunk (dun dun dun). Here’s how this massive machine made it in each phase.
The Mist
This was an easy win for the JBL Boombox 2! Misty conditions for an hour? No problem at all. It breezed right through. Water beads right off the surface of the speaker. The sound also stayed consistent throughout the entire test.
Safe to say your sound is going to survive lake spray or a beach day without any issues.
The Rain
It’s not often you find a speaker that’s going to pass The Rain test. We doused the JBL Boombox 2 for a whole hour, and at the end of it? Not a scratch. This thing was still bumping like it was club night hour one. Your party definitely doesn’t have to stop if the sky decides to open up.
The Dunk
This is the big test - The Dunk. We completely submerged the JBL Boombox 2 in water to see if it really was waterproof. Surprisingly, it held up just fine! The sound was still blaring from the bottom of the basin, and the speaker itself didn’t seem to take on any damage at all.
We did run into one problem with The Dunk, though. This thing sinks like a rock! We had to add fishing to the gauntlet to get it back out. It still sounds great, though.
Other Features We Like
This speaker has some amazing sound quality (well, underwater it’s muffled, but that’s not the speaker’s fault). It’s crisp, clear, bassy, and loud - you’re going to hear this thing if you want to, without a doubt. The grip on the handle is a comfortable elastic that makes carrying it as easy as possible.
Its long battery life means that you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet mid-boating trip. On top of that, it’s got a built-in power bank for charging your phone and other electronics. So, the party keeps going for them as well.
As a last little bonus, the JBL Boombox 2 is Bluetooth-enabled. It can pair with other machines to make some high-quality surround sound!
Complaints
The biggest complaint we have about this device is its price - you’re going to be dropping $500. That’s a large price tag, but honestly, with the quality you’re getting, we can’t say it’s unfair.
The weight might be an issue for some people. 13 pounds is quite the heft, so it doesn’t make for a great walk-around speaker. If you’re plopping it down on a boat or in the sand, though, that shouldn’t be much of an issue. We just wouldn’t take it hiking.
Other than that, there’s not a lot to complain about. It’s a high-quality piece that works exactly as advertised.
Who Should Get The JBL Boombox 2
The JBL Boombox 2 is pretty much perfect for people who like big sound in a (comparatively) small package, meaning it’s great for bigger parties and spaces. It’s also fantastic for spaces where it’s likely to get splashed. Although if there’s a chance of it going overboard, you might bring a good, long rope and hook to fish it out.
This speaker is a must-have if you’re going boating and want your beats heard over the engine. It's also perfect if you're setting up a beachside party for the books.
Final Verdict: Is The JBL Boombox 2 Waterproof?
We have to say, without a doubt, yes, the JBL Boombox 2 is waterproof. It’s going to take more than a few measly waves or a quick downpour to take this thing out. They’re solidly constructed and work well even if they fall in the water once in a while.
With very few downsides and quite a few unexpected perks, it’s a speaker that pretty much speaks for itself. Its powerful sound is perfect for big parties or chill days on the waves. We think it’s well-deserving of its five-star ratings and it even made our list of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers.
Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re going to go for a bass-boosted boating trip. Stay dry!
