Short answer: the Partybox Encore 2, and it’s the cheaper JBL of the two. It ranks #4 of 113 boombox speakers at $330; the Boombox 3 Wifi ranks #26 at $389.95, $59.95 more for a much weaker placement.
The Boombox 3 Wifi’s real claim is raw loudness. Our notes call it the loudest speaker in its category with slightly better frequency response than the non-Wifi Boombox 3, but it still carries boosted bass and a dip at 160Hz.
The Encore 2 improved on its own predecessor in ways that show up in the ranking. Better off-axis performance from a move to dome tweeters, less rolled-off highs, deeper bass, and better battery life than the original Encore, plus two included wireless microphones.
Buy the Partybox Encore 2 for the better sound, the lower price, and the bundled mics. Buy the Boombox 3 Wifi only if outright loudness is specifically what you’re chasing.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi is rated for 24 hours, the JBL Partybox Encore 2 only 15 hours.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at IPX4 (splashing).
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 3 Wifi | JBL Partybox Encore 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $389.95 | $330 |
| Ranked | #26 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #4 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 200W AC / 140W battery | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 19.1” x 10.1” x 7.9” (484 x 256 x 200 mm) | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Strap | No | No |
| Removable Battery | - | Yes |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- Dominik Reviews: JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Boombox 3 WiFi - Sound Test - Wide vs Narrow Soundstage!
- Mateusz Cholewa: JBL Encore 2 Partybox Deep Bass 🆚 Jbl Boombox 3 WiFi 🎶
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