Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential for better sound quality, the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential ranks #7 of 70 boombox speakers at $329.95. The Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 ranks #13 at $186.99, $142.96 cheaper.
What the Onyx Studio 9 gets right: Auracast multi-speaker connection, USB-C charging, and an EQ-capable app, for less money. The catch: slightly recessed mids and rolled-off upper treble.
On the JBL Partybox Encore Essential side: A great-sounding, somewhat bass-boosted party speaker. The tradeoff: only 6 hours of battery at medium volume, and a poor water rating.
Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 | JBL Partybox Encore Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $186.99 | $329.95 |
| Ranked | #13 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 38Hz |
| Max Volume | 101dB | 110dB |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs / 4.2 kg | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 50W RMS | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.3" x 5.1" (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) | 10.9" x 12.9" x 11.5" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| Aux Latency | - | 17ms |
| Built in Microphone | - | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 100ms |
| Power Bank | - | Yes |
The Two Speakers In Full
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9: $186.99 Amazon
Pros: Auracast multi-speaker connection alongside classic stereo pairing. Harman Kardon One app with EQ. USB-C charging, up from the previous generation’s AC power brick.
Cons: Slight recessed mids, boost in the upper mids, rolled off upper treble. Not as deep bass as previous Onyx Studio speakers.
| App | Yes (Harman Kardon One app) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 11.3" x 5.1" (289.2 x 287.5 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 120mm woofer + 3x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 101dB |
| Output Power | 50W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 9.3 lbs / 4.2 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 vs Zealot ZE41
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 vs Zealot ZE21
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 vs Zealot S89
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 vs JBL Boombox 4
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 vs Vifa Copenhagen 2.0
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JBL Partybox Encore Essential: $329.95 Amazon
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 | 10.9" 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 |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
- Buy Used
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- 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
- Reddit Search for JBL Partybox Encore Essential Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Aiwa Exos-9
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL Partybox Encore
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Vifa Copenhagen 2.0
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Klipsch Gig XXL
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL Xtreme 5
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 10, 2026 at 7:14 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.