Short answer: the JBL Partybox 100 for loudness and bass depth, the Sony SRS-XP500 for balance. The XP500 is a 20W three-way system with dual passive radiators and well-balanced sound, but it is not as loud and its bass is not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110. The Partybox 100 brings pretty deep bass and a quite neutral sound, with a slight peak in the upper mids.
Buy the JBL Partybox 100 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Partybox Club 120, which replaces the JBL Partybox 100.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XP500 is rated for 20 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Partybox 100.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 100 | Sony SRS-XP500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 Discontinued | $549.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #8 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #15 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 6.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 21.7” x 11.4” (288 x 551 x 290 mm) | 10.8” x 22.5” x 11.6” (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 21.4 lbs (9.7 kg) | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 160W | - |
| Drivers | 2x 5.25” (133mm) woofers + 2x 2.25” (57mm) tweeters | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
Watch Them Compared
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