Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential for the higher ranking, the Aiwa Exos-9 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential ranks #7 of 70 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 discontinued, but it still ranks #8 of 70 boombox speakers, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the Aiwa Exos-9 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Aiwa Exos-9 | JBL Partybox Encore Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 Discontinued | $329.95 |
| Ranked | #8 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 70 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 | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 15.2 lbs / 6.9 kg | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
| Power Bank | Yes | Yes |
| 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" | 10.87" x 12.87" x 11.54" (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 | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 17ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 100ms |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Max Volume | - | 110dB |
The Two Speakers In Full
Aiwa Exos-9: $250 Discontinued
Pros: Still a great sounding speaker even against today’s models.
Cons: Features are lacking, generally not recommended anymore, not sold new anymore. No water rating. Discontinued.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Dimensions | 19.4" x 7.5" x 11.7" |
| 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) |
| Output Power | 200W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 15.2 lbs / 6.9 kg |
- Buy Used
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
JBL Partybox Encore Essential: $329.95 Amazon Ebay Refurbished
Pros: A great sounding somewhat boosted bass party speaker.
Cons: Only 6 hours of battery at medium volume. Poor Water rating.
| 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 |
| Dimensions | 10.87" x 12.87" x 11.54" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DLX Willington: Called It!🤣 JBL Partybox Encore VS Essential, with binaural sound sample.
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Triple Threat 💸 $200 Challenge 🔋 Soundcore Rave Party 2, W-King H10, JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Klipsch Gig XXL vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential (Pee-Wee) - Indoors, Plugged In🔌 Bluetooth Speakers
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.