The newly launched Altec Lansing Xpedition may be the best-looking portable Bluetooth speaker. With its 8-multi colored LED light, the speaker stands out in the crowd. Adding to that the highly compact rubberized body provides fall against any type of damage. BY looking at the specs, one can instantly conclude that it is probably the best speaker in its range. But how does that translate into the real-life experience? We will find out with a few minutes whether the Xpedition 8 is truly the speaker of generation or it’s all just numbers. More importantly, we would have a clash down with good old JBL Boombox to compare how it performs against the best of the last generation. The JBL Boombox has been without any doubt the most successful and sold speaker of the last generation, hence this comparison will clear out any of your remaining doubts regarding the Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 and JBL Boombox.
| Product Image | Product Name | Product Price | Prime Availability | Purchase Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | JBL Boombox - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Black | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Altec Lansing ALP-XP850 Expedition Xpedition 8 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth | Prime | Buy Now |
Table of Contents
Specs Comparison
| Features | JBL Boombox | Altec Xpedition 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Output Power | 2×30 watt | 2×50 watt |
| Dimensions | 495 x 254.5 x 195.5 mm | 708 x 388 x 322 mm |
| Weight | 5.25 kg | 11.38 kg |
| Lowest Frequency | 50 Hz | 80 Hz |
| Highest Frequency | 20,000 Hz | 16,000 Hz |
| Battery Power | 20,000 mAh | 10,000 mAh |
| Charging Time | 6.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Battery Life (advertised) | 24 hours | 12 hours |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
| USB Ports | 2 | 2 |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 | IPX7 |
JBL Boombox – Overview
- Wireless Bluetooth streaming
- 24 hours of playtime
- IPX7 waterproof
- JBL Connect+
- High-capacity battery
- Connector type: 3.5 millimeter stereo
- Power Source Type: Battery Powered
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Altec Lansing Expedition 8 – Overview
- Dual 8 woofer with 3 1 tweeters
- Portable, Waterproof, and Floating Bluetooth Speaker
- Now with Storage Compartment, Cup Holders and Bottle Opener
- Lightweight with integrated handles
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
1. Pricing
Starting off with comparing the prices of both the speakers. The JBL Boombox at priced at around $399.99 at online retailers which you may be able to get at nearly 349.99 dollars at local retailers. The Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 on the other hand is available at a fixed price of $299.99 in both online stores and at local retailers and malls. So, at first look, you may notice a price difference, but keep in mind that the JBL Boombox is a generation old speaker and hence is often available at a discounted price and you may be surprised to know that you might be able to grab the speaker at price lower than that of Altec Lansing during festivities and sales at which it would be a steal deal. So, although both speakers are competitively priced, you should definitely prior Boombox above Xpedition 8 at the same price tag.
2. Design
The Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 is built vastly different in both looks and compactibility than its competitors. The Rockbox XL has a three-dimensional rhombus designed which is not often seen in speakers of this range. The Boombox on the other hand is rounded rectangular having slight sharp edges. The JBL Boombox also has a carrying handle built on the top which makes your traveling more comfortable. The Xpedition 8 is very heavy, definitely not for carrying around. The speaker is not suitable to be handled by kids or young teenagers. So yeah, in terms of portability, compatibility, and easiness of traveling, JBL Boombox ticks all the boxes above the Xpedition 8.
If traveling is your main concern, also check our review of the best portable CD player Boombox in 2023, for other top portable speakers of this year.
Other than the shape and weight, pretty much everything else seems to be the same. The hardline covering on both the speakers is enough to provide protection against scratches, falls, and eventual bumps. The 8-LED multi lightning system on the Altec looks really really great and makes you stand apart in any family gathering.
Like every other top brand speaker, both JBL Boombox and Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 are IPX7 rated for safe to use near pools and beaches. To have a look at more such speakers, do have a look at our comprehensive analysis of the best water-proof Boombox of 2023.
3. Battery Life
First comparing the spec-sheet, the JBL Boombox is equipped with a massive 20,000 mAh battery where the Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 features a 10,000 mAh battery about half of its competitor. Although in real-life usage, the stats are wildly different. JBL Boombox having an advertised lifetime of 24 hours goes on for about 20 hours at 80% volume which further reduces to 12-15 at maximum volume and bass. A bit disappointing given the lucrative advertisement, it is still a great foot for a speaker of its size. The huge size of Altec Lansing has again a hit on its battery life which ranges from 6 hours to 12 hours depending upon usage and mode.
The multi-LED set-up on the Altec Xpedition 8 also takes a heavy toll on the battery life and the speaker does not last even more than 4 hours with all of them turned on. They are optional and can be turned off. The Xpedition 8 takes around 3 hours charge which is much lesser than 6.5 hours of JBL Boombox given the smaller battery life.
Hence, without any doubt Boombox wins this round with its awesome 20,00 mAh battery, USB-A port charging as well as battery saver mode to extend the already long enough battery life. Without JBL Boombox, forget all the worries about traveling ever.
4. Sound Quality
Now we have arrived at the most important section of our review, the quality of speakers in both devices. Keep in mind both the devices are top-range in the sheet specifications and one may argue one is better than the other. In practical usage, the Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 has an upgraded design that aids in its music output. The Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 features three one-inch tweeters and dual 8-inch woofers that are backed up by 420W of maximum energy. The sound output of Altec Xpedition is top-notch and can give any other costly speaker run for the money. Those who are music artists or budding singers will appreciate the fine-tuning of vocals, beats, and chords that are possible through the smartphone app. The loudness can be a bit low sometimes which is understandable as it compensates for the sharpness in sound output.
For all the best-ranking speakers of 2023 on the basis of sound quality, visit once our review of the best-sounding speakers of 2023 for more detailed insights.
Talking about JBL Boombox, it has been already certified by the industry as the best all-around speaker in terms of sound quality. The JBL Boombox has dual radiators blasting from the back whereas 4×20 watt speakers and the radiators are on the sides emitting from the front. The sound quality is great for both music production, parties, debates, and singing purposes.
So, yeah unless you are going into tiny detail, Boombox is an overall package for the money you spent. Whereas the Xpedition despite being less loud, is better for music composers and regular singers.
5. Connectivity
The JBL Boombox and the Lansing Xpedition 8 are almost the same in terms of connectivity options expect two minor differences. The Boombox has an additional USB-A port, so even when your speaker is busy with a USB drive or micro-SD card playing songs, you can charge the Boombox at your ease using the other remaining port. Talking about Altec Lansing like most other newer Bluetooth speakers has built-in smart TVs along with improving stability and karaoke playback support.
Both the speakers support multiple connections to the same playback device as well as multiple devices being connected to the same speaker. The above is easily achievable by using the smartphone apps for both the speaker which can be found easily in their respective app stores using the links below:
Connect+
IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jbl-portable/id994041762
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.harman.ble.jbllink
Just Listen
IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/altec-lansing-just-listen/id1463359619
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sakar.am
Other than that, Xpedition 8 supports connection via the newer and more stable Bluetooth 5.2 as compared to the somewhat older 4.1 version present in the Boombox. Although the difference would never be noticeable in daily usage.
If you are particularly interested in Bluetooth speakers, our review of the best Bluetooth Boombox to buy in 2023 to be updated with all the latest information you need to know.
Conclusion
Hence we conclude our review of the best speaker out of JBL Boombox and Altec Lansing Xpedition 8. The JBL Boombox is surely the better all-around speaker. With massive battery life, enormously loudspeaker, dual USB-A port and an IPX7 rating, JBL Boombox even after years of being released are still in the race of top speakers. make sure to garb during Christmas sales when the prices can be really a deal. The Rockbox Lansing Xpedition 8 is also not a bad speaker and you find it better as a singer or composer or simply because you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker for your smart TV.
So, this was it for today. For more such comparison, have a look at Altec Rockbox XL vs Boombox and Sony XB43 vs JBL Boombox. Bookmark us now and never miss an article in the future.