Short answer: the Partybox Encore 2, and it’s dramatically cheaper. It ranks #4 of 113 boombox speakers at $330; the Boombox 4 ranks #20 at $549.95, $219.95 more for a much weaker placement.
Our own cons entry for the Boombox 4 is unusually candid. Pretty overpriced for the category, and out of the box it sounds worse than the Boombox 3 it replaced, mostly saved by having 7 EQ bands instead of 3 for better tuning. It also drops the aux input entirely.
The Encore 2 improved on its own predecessor in ways that actually show up in the ranking. Better off-axis performance from dome tweeters, less rolled-off highs, deeper bass, and better battery life than the first Encore, plus two included wireless microphones.
Buy the Partybox Encore 2. It costs less, ranks higher, and doesn’t need EQ correction just to beat its own predecessor.
Battery life favors the JBL Boombox 4: rated for 28 hours against 15 hours for the JBL Partybox Encore 2.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the JBL Boombox 4 at IP68 (extended submersion) against the JBL Partybox Encore 2, which has IPX4 (splashing).
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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 4 | JBL Partybox Encore 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $330 |
| Ranked | #20 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #4 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | AAC 144ms, SBC 48ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg) | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3, AAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, up to 30W) | Yes (USB-C) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 210W AC / 200W battery | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 20.1” x 10.2” x 8.3” (510 x 260 x 210 mm) | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 123mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters |
| Strap | No | No |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Boombox 4 vs Partybox Encore 2 - outdoor loudness & basstest
- M1MTechChannel: Welche JBL Partybox ist die BESTE ? Alle Partyboxen im Vergleich | 2026
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