Short answer: the JBL Boombox 2 for better sound quality, the JBL Partybox On the Go for the lower price. The JBL Boombox 2 ranks #29 of 73 boombox speakers at $350. The JBL Partybox On the Go ranks #44 at $300, $50 cheaper.
On the JBL Boombox 2 side: 24 hour battery life (default volume); 20+ hours even at 60% volume. Set against that: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy.
The case for the JBL Partybox On the Go: Included wireless microphone. The tradeoff: Poor water rating.
Buy the JBL Boombox 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Partybox On the Go if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Boombox 2 is rated for 24 hours versus 6 hours for the JBL Partybox On the Go.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Boombox 2 at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Partybox On the Go at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 2 | JBL Partybox On the Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 Discontinued | $300 |
| Ranked | #29 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #44 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 140ms | - |
| Max Volume | 108dB | 94dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg | 16.5 lbs / 7.5 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Output Power | 160W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 19.1" x 7.9" x 10.1" (485 x 201 x 257 mm) | 19.3" x 8.8" x 9.6" (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 5.1" woofer + tweeters |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Boombox 2: $350 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: 24 hour battery life (default volume); 20+ hours even at 60% volume. IPX7 rated. Doubles as a power bank. Bluetooth 5.1 with PartyBoost (up to 100 speakers). Reaches 101dB.
Cons: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 140ms |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.1" x 7.9" x 10.1" (485 x 201 x 257 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 108dB |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 160W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
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JBL Partybox On the Go: $300 Amazon
Pros: Included wireless microphone.
Cons: Poor water rating. Horrible battery life. Probably the worst sounding of the Partybox line. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.
Full JBL Partybox On the Go review and specifications →
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.3" x 8.8" x 9.6" (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1" woofer + tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 94dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs / 7.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Sony ULT Field 7
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Skullcandy Barrel
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs B&O Beolit 20
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