Best Boomboxes in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 30, 2024
Everybody knows that there's no party without music and there is still no better way to bring that music to a party than with a boombox. ...Read more
PROS

You can control the device via the mobile JBL Connect app. Additionally, it allows you to skip and pause songs with voice commands (Google Now and Siri), pair several JBL boomboxes together, and utilize a number of other features.

CONS

At a lower battery charge, the audio output is lower. 

OUR VERDICT

With the JBL boombox at your disposal, it will be a real blast to arrange beach and pool parties since you won't have to worry about accidentally dropping the device into the water. Enjoy the music all day and night with an enormous battery capacity.

detailed parameters
Playback

Bluetooth, AUX in

RMS Power

60 W

Speakers

2 x Woofers, 2 x Tweeters

Power Source

Rechargeable battery (20000 mAh - up to 24 hours of listening)

Extras

Indoor/outdoor sound modes, Built-in microphone, 2 x USB ports for charging devices, Compatible with JBL connect app, Carrying handle, Waterproof housing (IPx7 rating)

Dimensions

45.9 x 19.6 x 25.5 cm

5.25 kg


Warranty

1 year

PROS

Bluetooth with LDAC support allows for continuous music streaming from your tablet or smartphone without impacting the sound quality. You can also connect this device to your LED TV via dual RCA inputs to use it as a soundbar. 

CONS

It needs a direct AC connection. 

OUR VERDICT

The Sony GTK-XB5 is a complete acoustic system in a single box thought out to the last detail. The design is meant to produce voluminous sound while NFC and Bluetooth modules allow for direct music streaming from any compatible device. And it packs a powerful sound punch. 

detailed parameters
Playback

Bluetooth, 2 x RCA in

RMS Power

200 W

Speakers

2 x Woofers, 2 x Tweeters

Power Source

AC

Extras

Control buttons, Music equalizer, NFC one-touch module, Party chain feature, ClearAudio+ technology, DSEE technology, Compatible with SongPal app, Carrying handle

Dimensions

52.4 x 27.3 x 26.2 cm

~7 kg

Warranty

1 year

PROS

A built-in 8000 mAh rechargeable battery delivers amazingly long runtime of up to 24 hours while a USB port can serve for charging any mobile devices converting the speaker into a power bank. 

CONS

The light insert on the body is prone to stains. 

OUR VERDICT

Distinguished by professional-grade audio output, strongly built, and fairly portable, the W-KING D8 boombox is a real find for all sorts of parties both indoors and outdoors. It will deliver crystal clear stereo sound and keep you partying all day long.   

detailed parameters
Playback

Bluetooth, AUX in, USB-port

RMS Power

50 W

Speakers

2 x Woofers, 2 x Tweeters

Power Source

Rechargeable battery (8000 mAh - up to 24 hours of listening)

Extras

Control buttons, Built-in microphone, USB port for charging devices, cCarrying handle, Water-resistant housing (IPx5 rating)

Dimensions

32 x 12 x 11.8 cm

2.4 kg

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Made of rugged rubber and durable fabric material, this model is definitely built to last. And the device body features IPx7 protection for safe outdoor use under any conditions. 

CONS

Relatively low Bluetooth coverage. 

OUR VERDICT

The JBL Xtreme 2 is a great choice for true music lovers who want to listen to their favorite tracks in superb sound quality. Thanks to a smart balance of bass, mids, and treble, it produces a clear natural sound. It is also powerful enough to sound really loud.

detailed parameters
Playback

Bluetooth, AUX in

RMS Power

40 W

Speakers

2 x Tweeters

Power Source

Rechargeable battery (10000 mAh - up to 15 hours of listening)

Extras

Control buttons, Built-in microphone, USB port for charging devices, Compatible with JBL connect app, Carrying strap, Water-proof housing (IPx7 rating)

Dimensions

28.8 x 13.6 x 13.2 cm

2.4 kg

Warranty

1 year

PROS

An emergency LED light can function as a bright lantern that will be of great use on picnics and during hiking tours. An AUX input allows connecting any audio devices without Bluetooth protocol. 

CONS

Pretty short run-time per charge. 

OUR VERDICT

The Wharfedale B2201 boombox stands out for the ultimate portability. At 1.2 kg, you can take it with you just about anywhere you go and add a music splash to all your leisure outings. Meanwhile, the Maxx Bass DSP technology will let you literally feel the music. 

detailed parameters
Playback

Bluetooth, AUX in

RMS Power

25 W

Speakers

2 x Tweeters

Power Source

Rechargeable battery (5000 mAh - up to 8 hours of listening)

Extras

Control buttons, Built-in microphone, USB port for charging devices, Carrying handle, Emergency LED-light, Water-proof housing (IPx7 rating)

Dimensions

25.5 x 11 x 10.5 cm

1.2 kg

Warranty

1 year

An Essential Music Device

The JBL boombox is a perfect choice for any person who loves listening to music at maximum volumes and in the most extreme weather conditions.

Durable and long-lasting, this model features a battery with an enormous capacity of 20000 mAh. With this kind of battery, you will be able to listen to your favorite tracks for about 24 hours on full volume from a single charge. Additionally, you can use the boombox as a portable charger for your mobile devices such as tablets and phones without pausing the music playback. As for dimensions, the device is actually quite compact despite its rather heavy weight of 5.25 kg. Fortunately enough, it features a convenient handle on top so it is easy to carry the whole thing even with one hand. The boombox supports a 4.1 Bluetooth protocol and is backward-compatible with devices that use older versions of this wireless feature.

The housing of the device has an IPx7 protection index, which means that it is almost completely waterproof. It will continue working even if you manage to accidentally drop the speakers into the water up to 3 feet deep. To wrap things up, this model from JBL is a well-balanced device that can deliver a stunning level of sound regardless of weather conditions, making it a perfect pick for outdoor parties.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B075XR7W41

Multifunctional One-box Acoustic System

What makes this boombox from Sony stand out straight away is that it can easily replace a whole acoustic system, thanks to its thought-out design combined with high RMS power.

First and foremost, the brand-specific ClearAdudio+ technology automatically adjusts the audio for maximum clear and high-quality sound and enriching listening experience. In the meantime, an integrated sensor automatically activates the tweeters to optimise the sound processing for a flexible setup. Thus, whether you place the speaker horizontally or upright, it will sound the same. Add to these 200 watts of RSM power and you’ll get a stunning sound punch worth a bigger party. Other than that, a Party chain function allows connecting this Sony speaker to multiple stereos for even higher sound output.

The ultimate connectivity is yet another aspect where the Sony GTK-XB5 shines. While Bluetooth and NFC modules allow for continuous music streaming from your smartphone, tablet, or any other compatible device without impacting the sound quality, two RCA inputs enable connecting the speaker to your TV to use it as a soundbar.

As far as the device construction goes, at 52.4 x 27.3 x 26.2 cm and about 7 kg of weight, this speaker is pretty bulky as compared to other similar models. As such, it is not the best option for the use on the go, especially given the fact it is powered from the mains. However, when it comes to home parties, domestic movie theatres, and household entertainment areas with open layouts, the Sony GTK-XB5 speaker has only a few peers.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £699.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01KNS716O

Professionally Sounding Party Maker

If you want your party really rock, the top-quality audio sound is a must. Be it a pool party, a dance night on the beach, or just having a good time with friends when camping or hiking, the W-KING D8 boombox will bring that proverbial stereo sound outdoors and make you feel as if you are at a live concert.

Fitted with two 25-watt acoustic drivers and dual passive bass radiators located on both sides of the device, the speaker produces deep, rich, and voluminous studio-level audio. It will sound loud, clear, and very professional. Meanwhile, top-notch Bluetooth technology will let you connect the speaker to any Bluetooth-enabled device within the range of up to 100 feet. It smoothly pairs with all the latest Android and iOS driven gadgets and a 3.5mm audio cord will even give you an opportunity to hook the speaker to a non-Bluetooth device.

Powerful and delivering superior audio quality, the W-KING D8 boombox is also solidly built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Certified to IPX5 protection class, it proves to be shock-, dust, and waterproof to stand strong against accidental splashes or drops. To add more, powered by a rechargeable 8000 mAh battery, this acoustic system will never run out of juice. It will keep you partying all day long and get fully charged in just about 3 hours.

In a word, distinguished by rugged construction, powerful audio output, and professional-grade sound, the W-KING D8 boombox is a real find for all sorts of indoor and outdoor parties.

Last updated price £79.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07KC3ML1Z

For True Music Fans

When it comes to boomboxes and portable acoustic systems, JBL speakers are on the higher end in terms of price. At the same time, they confidently stand out for top-quality sound and solid designs that fully compensate for a more expensive price tag. The JBL Xtreme2 is not an exception. If you are a music addict on the lookout for studio-quality sound, you can’t go wrong with the JBL Xtreme2.

At a glance, this model is a pretty big boombox. A combo of rugged fibre grill with chunky rubber port covers gives it a kind of bold and aggressive look. In the meantime, it also ensures perfect durability and lends IPX7 water resistance. The unit can survive a dip up to 1.5 m and will decently withstand the weather impact, which is why it is a perfect match for outdoor use. The shoulder strap is also durable and fully functional. It makes carrying the speaker an easy task and can be easily removed if you want the device to seamlessly blend with your home interior.

A somewhat rough speaker appearance suggests pumping out an impressive bass response, which the JBL Xeme2 really does. On the other hand, though, the model delivers refined and ideally balanced sound you’d never guess by its look. Deep and powerful bass is offset by accurate mids and clear treble resulting in pure and clean audio you can’t but enjoy.

The JBL Xtreme2 has no Wi-Fi connectivity, yet, it offers solid Bluetooth streaming from two compatible devices and pairs with the branded JBL Connect+ app to wirelessly connect more than 100 JBL speakers into a powerful acoustic system. A 10000 mAh battery will provide up to 15 hours of playback and a built-in USB make the unit double as a power bank if needed.

To resume, despite a sort of “extreme” price tag, the JBL XTreme2 boombox is a worthy investment if you need a Bluetooth speaker that will last and consistently deliver premium-quality sound.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £305.69
Stock In stock
ASIN B07CGB15VM

Little Goes a Long Way

Right off the bat, the main distinctive feature of the Wharfedale B2201 boombox is the ultimate portability. At 1.2kg of weight, you can take this unit just about anywhere, making it one of the best boomboxes for the use on the go. Add to this the IPX7 waterproof rating and you’ll get a perfect music pal for a whole variety of outing and outdoor events, be it a BBQ in your backyard, a party on the beach, or a camping tour with friends. Though lightweight, it is not tiny and is strongly built to survive the knocks and bumps as well as quick-changing weather conditions.

At 25 watts of RMS power, the model is considered a mid-power unit. In the meantime, it is capable of producing a surprisingly loud sound with superior full bass. The mids and highs are well-balanced as well to produce full voluminous audio. Besides, thanks to a TWS function, you can pair two Wharfdale speakers into a mighty stereo system, which won’t cost you a fortune, given the unit’s affordable price. The Bluetooth 4.2 technology ensures flawless wireless speaker connection to any Bluetooth-enabled device for direct music streaming while a 3.5 mm audio cable is great for wired connection with non-Bluetooth devices for better functional versatility.

The only gripe you might have about this boombox is a relatively short runtime per battery charge. A 5000 mAh battery delivers only up to 8 hours of playback per charge, which is noticeably shorter as compared to other models. However, it is pretty much enough for most uses the speaker is meant for.

Summing up, lightweight, solidly built, and producing stereo sound, the Wharfedale boombox is a budget-friendly and functional choice for any occasion where portability matters.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £54.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B07FSHW44T

What Is a Boombox?

If you love to listen and share your favourite music tracks with your friends, there is no better device than a boombox. This type of device usually features a powerful set of low and high-frequency speakers to create a stereo sound that can be extremely loud.

When you have a party outdoors, in the forest, on the beach, or simply in your backyard, you don’t often have means to set up a stereo system at your immediate disposal. That is why boomboxes are still so popular. The parties revolve around them as they set the course and the mood of the holiday.

Modern models are capable of playing the music via wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which is the most important solution that allowed these devices to survive the test of time. All you have to do is just connect to the speakers via your phone, pick a track you want to hear, and press play - everything else is just an extra. Other optional features include AUX input, USB playback, or a CD player. As you'd imagine, more connectivity options mean that you can connect more devices to your speakers.

That said, if you are looking for more sophisticated ways to listen to your favourite music, you may also consider purchasing shower speakers or floor speakers to spice up your home audio system.

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