Soundboks 3 vs 4: all model differences

Anyone looking for a Soundboks for a party usually ends up considering these two models. The Soundboks 3 is the older generation, while the Soundboks 4 is the current flagship of the series. It sounds like a clear step forward in the next generation, yet the data sheets show identical values in many areas.

This comparison places both speakers side-by-side, line by line. All technical specifications are taken from the Soundboks help center and product pages as of September 2026.

What distinguishes the Soundboks 3 from the Soundboks 4?

Four things truly set the two models apart: battery life at full volume, charging time, sound tuning, and the USB-C output on the Soundboks 4. The underlying hardware is identical, from the amplifier and driver configuration to the housing.

Nine of the fourteen rows are identical in both columns. If you are expecting the Soundboks 4 to be a completely redesigned device, you will be disappointed. The manufacturer has made minor refinements, and those are explained individually below.

How loud are the Soundboks 3 and Soundboks 4?

Both models reach a maximum volume of 126 dB. This figure is provided by the manufacturer and applies unchanged to both generations.

The reason for this lies in the speaker configuration. Each unit operates with two 10-inch woofers and one 1-inch tweeter mounted on its own horn. Power is provided by a Class D amplifier with 3 x 72 watts RMS. Soundboks uses this exact value for both models.

The manufacturer does not specify whether the drivers used are identical down to the last detail. In any case, the configuration, amplifier power, and maximum volume are the same.

The frequency range is also identical, spanning from 40 Hz to 20 kHz on both models. In practical terms, this means you don't need an additional subwoofer for music at this scale.

Nevertheless, the sound profiles of the two generations differ. The manufacturer notes that for the Soundboks 4, its technical team revised not only the bass but also the mids and highs. In reviews, specialist magazines describe the bass of the Soundboks 4 as more controlled and the sound at high volumes as clearer. Same configuration, finer tuning—that summarizes the difference.

Outdoors, the difference in sound quality is less noticeable than indoors. When listening to a speech in a room, you will clearly hear the cleaner mids of the Soundboks 4.

How long does the battery last?

At medium volume, the manufacturer states around 40 hours for both models. At full volume, their paths diverge: the Soundboks 3 lasts for about 5 hours, while the Soundboks 4 lasts for about 6. The manufacturer cites this 20 percent increase in battery life as one of the most important improvements of the fourth generation.

An hour might not sound like much at first, but it can be the difference between a party lasting until the end or someone having to swap the battery in the middle of the event.

When it comes to charging, the gap between the models is more significant. The Soundboks 4 is fully charged in about 2 hours, while the Soundboks 3 takes about 3.5 hours. If you have two events in one weekend, you will notice this difference immediately.

Both generations use the same swappable battery, which the manufacturer calls the Batteryboks. This means the battery from a Soundboks 3 also fits a Soundboks 4, a fact the manufacturer explicitly confirms. If you use both models, you only need one set of spare batteries. A second battery doubles the runtime and makes the question of which generation you have irrelevant for most parties. You can plug the charger into either the speaker or the removed battery.

You can adjust the volume and sound profiles on the device or in the Soundboks app. If a speaker doesn't respond after being stored for a long time, a reset usually helps. What the display on the device means and how to operate it in detail can be found in the <aux translate="no">Soundboks manual</aux>.

How heavy are the speakers and how do you transport them?

The Soundboks 3 weighs 15.4 kg, and the Soundboks 4 weighs 16.1 kg. You won't notice this 700-gram difference when carrying them.

The design has not changed between the generations. The dimensions are identical at 66 cm high, 43 cm wide, and 32 cm deep. This has a practical advantage for planning: the same transport bag, the same backpack, and the same speaker stand fit both generations.

Nothing changes in the trunk of your car either; a Soundboks fits sideways on the back seat or upright in a station wagon. The only change the manufacturer made is the front grille: on the Soundboks 4, it uses a click mechanism and can be removed without tools.

Can both models withstand rain and outdoor use?

Both housings are made of poplar plywood with a thin plastic coating and powder-coated aluminum edges. The internal electronics are coated to IP65 standards, in both the Soundboks 3 and the Soundboks 4. For outdoor events, this is the decisive factor.

Nevertheless, neither model carries an official IP rating. The reason is the bass reflex port, which remains open by design. The manufacturer provides the same statement for both generations: the speakers can handle rain, snow, sand, and spilled beer. You must not submerge them.

For the Soundboks 4, Soundboks also specifies a temperature range of -10 to +40 degrees Celsius. This is sufficient for outdoor use in both summer and winter. For more on what matters when using a sound system both indoors and outdoors, check out our guide to outdoor sound systems.

Which Soundboks is best for your party?

The Soundboks 4 is the better speaker if you have a choice and plan on playing at full volume for long periods. Otherwise, just go with whichever model is available—you won't be missing out.

The PA system calculator calculates exactly how much sound reinforcement your number of guests requires in a single step. It takes into account whether the party is being held indoors or outdoors.

You can wirelessly pair up to five speakers using TeamUp mode. For the Soundboks Go, the manufacturer explicitly mentions this feature in conjunction with the Soundboks 3 and Soundboks 4, so mixed operation is supported. If you want to play it safe, you can connect two speakers using a 3.5 mm cable instead. This connectivity is available on both generations and provides clean stereo playback.

Is the Soundboks 3 even still available?

Not new. The manufacturer's shop now lists the Soundboks 4, the Soundboks Mix, and the Lightboks accessory. The Soundboks 3 is only available there as a refurbished unit.

As of September 2026, Soundboks lists a price of 999 euros for the Soundboks 4. There is no longer an official new price for the Soundboks 3. If you want to buy the older model, you will have to look at the second-hand market or for a refurbished unit.

That makes little difference to you as long as you are renting. A speaker with an identical amplifier and identical volume doesn't get worse just because a successor is on the shelf. That is precisely why both generations continue to be used side-by-side in rental fleets.

What about the Soundboks 2, Go, Mix, and Rider?

The series is larger than just these two models. For a party with many guests, however, the Soundboks 3 and Soundboks 4 remain the two party speakers that are hard to beat.

• Soundboks 2: the generation before the Soundboks 3, no longer available new in stores. It can be connected via cable using the Pro Panel of the Soundboks 3.
• Soundboks Go: the small model in the series, intended for balconies, the beach, and small gatherings. It also plays for about 40 hours at medium volume, but does not reach the volume levels of its larger siblings.
• Soundboks Mix: the newer compact model with a maximum volume of 121 dB.
• Soundboks Rider: the latest model, designed to be even more compact.

The smaller sound systems in the series are built for a different purpose than these two Bluetooth speakers.

What should you look out for before booking?

Six points determine whether the equipment will run smoothly throughout the evening. They apply equally to both models.

• Will you be playing at full volume for more than five hours? Then you need the Soundboks 4 or a second battery.
• Is there a speaker stand available that can support 16 kg?
• Do you want stereo sound? Then plan for two speakers, not one.
• Are you adding a microphone? Both models accept XLR and 6.35 mm jack inputs directly, without the need for a mixing console.
• Is a charger included? Without one, the speaker will be dead after the party.
• Is your party taking place outdoors? Then make sure to include a cover for the night in your plans.

Both generations are available for rent at Renty, with no deposit required and all-risk insurance included. You can see which speaker is available at your location in our overview of available speakers.