Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential for better sound quality, the Aiwa Exos-9 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential ranks #7 of 75 boombox speakers at $329.95. The Aiwa Exos-9 ranks #8 at $250, $79.95 cheaper.
The case for the Aiwa Exos-9: Still a great sounding speaker even against today’s models. Set against that: Features are lacking, generally not recommended anymore, not sold new anymore.
What the JBL Partybox Encore Essential gets right: A great sounding somewhat boosted bass party speaker. Set against that: Only 6 hours of battery at medium volume.
One note: the Aiwa Exos-9 is no longer sold new, but at #8 of 75 boombox speakers by sound quality it still outranks most current models, so used is worth considering.
Buy the Aiwa Exos-9 when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the JBL Partybox Encore Essential when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Water resistance is not close: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential is rated at IPX4 (splashing), well ahead of the Aiwa Exos-9 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Aiwa Exos-9 | JBL Partybox Encore Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 Discontinued | $329.95 |
| Ranked | #8 of 75 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 75 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (5-band graphic EQ + 4 presets) | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 15.2 lbs / 6.9 kg | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | Yes (with adapter) | - |
| Output Power | 200W | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 19.4" x 7.5" x 11.7" (492.8 x 190.5 x 297.2 mm) | 10.9" x 12.9" x 11.5" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" dual voice coil woofer + 2x 3" midwoofers + 2x 1" silk dome tweeters | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Latency | - | 17ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 100ms |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Max Volume | - | 110dB |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 9, 2026 at 6:54 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Aiwa Exos-9: $250 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Aiwa Exos-9 uses 6.5” dual voice coil woofer + 2x 3” midwoofers + 2x 1” silk dome tweeters. Its 6.9 kg, claimed 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: Bass is limited by its 44Hz specification. There is no companion app. Discontinued.
Full Aiwa Exos-9 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.4" x 7.5" x 11.7" (492.8 x 190.5 x 297.2 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" dual voice coil woofer + 2x 3" midwoofers + 2x 1" silk dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5-band graphic EQ + 4 presets) |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (with adapter) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 200W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 15.2 lbs / 6.9 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Partybox Encore Essential: $329.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: JBL Partybox Encore Essential uses 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters. Its 5.9 kg, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input, up to 110dB and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: Bass is limited by its 38Hz specification.
Full JBL Partybox Encore Essential review and specifications →
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9" x 12.9" x 11.5" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DLX Willington: Called It!🤣 JBL Partybox Encore VS Essential, with binaural sound sample. More from DLXWillington →
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- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Klipsch Gig XXL vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential (Pee-Wee) - Indoors, Plugged In🔌 Bluetooth Speakers
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