Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ahead off-axis, the EarFun Uboom X ahead on tuning. The Essential 2 appears to have better off-axis performance from its move to dome tweeters over cones, but it is missing a little upper bass. The Oluv-tuned Uboom X at $159.99 against $249.95 needs its horrible out-of-the-box 0.33 firmware and EQ replaced.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 new; the EarFun Uboom X is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
If battery life is a priority, the EarFun Uboom X is rated for 30 hours versus 15 hours for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2.
Water resistance is not close: the EarFun Uboom X is rated at IP67 (brief submersion), well ahead of the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at IPX4 (splashing).
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| EarFun Uboom X | JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.99 Discontinued | $249.95 |
| Ranked | #1 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Earfun Audio app) | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 16ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~38Hz | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | SBC Video mode 48ms, AAC Video mode 128ms, SBC 112ms, AAC 176ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect mode, up to 50 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cord |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Amplifier Power | 80W | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 15.7” x 5.9” x 8.5” (400 x 150 x 215 mm) | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 102mm (4”) woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | No |
| Guitar Input | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Wireless Microphones | - | No |
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