Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2, if you are buying new. The JBL Partybox Encore ranks higher than the EcoXGear Defender (#7 vs #84 of 112 boombox speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the JBL Partybox Encore 2, is rated 4.4/5 at $330 and is still sold new.
The EcoXGear Defender is the longer-running, lighter pick. A rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank. It is rated for 25 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore. At 10 lbs (4.54 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Partybox Encore at 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg). It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore. The catch: Its single front-facing driver layout has narrow dispersion: clarity and detail drop noticeably when you move off-axis, and the soundstage is limited.
The JBL Partybox Encore is the better-sounding pick. A great sounding stereo party speaker with two wireless mics included and plenty of volume; now discontinued but worth buying used. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the EcoXGear Defender cannot. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the EcoXGear Defender. Watch for: Only IPX4 splash resistance.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Partybox Encore; it is rated higher for sound quality than the EcoXGear Defender.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank.
A great sounding stereo party speaker with two wireless mics included and plenty of volume; now discontinued but worth buying used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| EcoXGear Defender | JBL Partybox Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $230 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #84 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.1A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cord |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX4 |
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 100W RMS |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 6.7” x 15.4” x 9.6” (170.2 x 391.2 x 243.8 mm) | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 52mm full-range driver | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 38Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 100ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
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