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.
On the JBL Partybox 100 side: Quite neutral sound, pretty deep bass. The catch: A slight peak in the upper mids.
The case for the Sony SRS-XP500: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). Set against that: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110.
Worth knowing: the JBL Partybox 100 is discontinued, though it still ranks #8 of 39 party speakers by sound quality, so a used unit beats most of what is still sold new.
Buy the JBL Partybox 100 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony SRS-XP500 if the price matters more than sound quality.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 100 | Sony SRS-XP500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 Discontinued | $399.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #8 of 39 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #14 of 39 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 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 |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Partybox 100 compares with other leading options:
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox 330
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox 310
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox Club 120
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox 130
Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 AM 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 Partybox 100: $499.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: Quite neutral sound, pretty deep bass. Measured bass extension of 41Hz (-10dB).
Cons: A slight peak in the upper mids. Slight TWS issue where the 2nd is slightly delayed. Just as loud and slightly deeper bass than a Stormbox Blast which is way smaller with better sound quality. Discontinued.
Full JBL Partybox 100 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 160W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Charging Time | 6.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 21.7" x 11.4" (288 x 551 x 290 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 5.25" (133mm) woofers + 2x 2.25" (57mm) tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 21.4 lbs (9.7 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- KULAS TECH SHOW: JBL Partybox 310, 100, on the Go Sound comparison More from KULASTECHSHOW20 →
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- HQ AUDIO Exchange: Bose S1 Pro vs. JBL PartyBox 100 Bass Sound Test 😱💥🔥
- DLX Willington: JBL Partybox 100 vs UE Hyperboom SoundBattle Does Size Matter🤔
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- DLX Willington: 🤣JBL Partybox 100 vs Sony GTK XB60 Sound Battle You Asked For It
- Oluv Patreon: Earfun UBoom X vs JBL Partybox 100 More from Oluv’Sone →
- Vua2hand: Solo Braven XXL/2 vs JBL Partybox 100 Sound test l Braven hay Jbl ?!!
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox 130
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox 110
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox Club 120
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox 300
- JBL Partybox 100 vs Onn XL Wireless Party Speaker
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox 310
- JBL Partybox 100 vs Zealot PT21
- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- See all 29 comparisons
Sony SRS-XP500: $399.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). 20-hour battery life, immersive room-filling sound. Party Connect feature links multiple compatible Sony speakers. USB charging port for device charging on-the-go. Built-in handle and IPX4 water resistance. Microphone input and karaoke support. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a JBL Partybox 100 or JBL Partybox 110. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XP500 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons