Short answer: the JBL Boombox 2 for battery life, the JBL Partybox On the Go for the included microphone. The Boombox 2 runs 24 hours at default volume and 20+ hours at 60%, but is somewhat bass heavy and boomy. The Partybox On the Go ships with a wireless microphone, though it has a poor water rating.
Buy the JBL Partybox On the Go, since the JBL Boombox 2 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
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).
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 2 | JBL Partybox On the Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 Discontinued | $300 |
| Ranked | #40 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 90 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 | - |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | - |
| Amplifier 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 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.2 |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
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- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Boombox 2
- JBL Partybox Encore vs JBL Boombox 2
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Boombox 2: $449.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Boombox 4, ranked higher, rated 4/5.
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. Measured bass extension of 46Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 160W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 140ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.1” x 7.9” x 10.1” (485 x 201 x 257 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 3 review vs JBL Boombox 2 a subwoofer and a 3 way equals heaven? 💋 More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 2 vs Onyx Studio 7 big bass battle 💋
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Stormbox Blast vs JBL Boombox 2 big bass boombox speakers 💕
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 2 bass monster or the mature Harman Kardon Go+ Play 2 mini for bass?? 💥
- Mateusz Cholewa: 2 x 🔊Teufel Boomster 2021🎵 vs JBL Boombox 2 AC🔌 Power Test Audio🎧. More from Mateusz Cholewa →
- GYMCADDY: Soundboks Go Vs JBL Boombox 2 Vs UE Hyperboom Vs Sony XG500 More from GYMCADDY →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Partybox On the Go: $300 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5.
Pros: JBL Partybox On the Go uses 5.1” woofer + tweeters. Its 7.5 kg, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input, up to 94dB and limited-stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A wireless microphone is included. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 49Hz specification. No EQ adjustment. Battery life is short, and its sound trails the rest of the Partybox line.
Full JBL Partybox On the Go review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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