Short answer: the Sony SRS-XV500, if you are buying new. The JBL Partybox 100 ranks higher than it (#8 vs #16 of 44 party speakers, 4.4/5 vs 4.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Sony SRS-XV500 is still sold new at $315.
The JBL Partybox 100 is the better-sounding option. Quite neutral sound, pretty deep bass. Watch for: A slight peak in the upper mids.
The Sony SRS-XV500 is the longer-running, tougher pick. RTINGS measured a slightly warm sound with plenty of bass punch, and found it gets very loud for outdoor parties. It is rated for 25 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Partybox 100. It is rated IPX4, while the JBL Partybox 100 has no water resistance. The tradeoff: RTINGS measured poor directivity, so the sound changes noticeably as you move off to the sides.
Buy the Sony SRS-XV500 if you want one new; the JBL Partybox 100 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 100 | Sony SRS-XV500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 Discontinued | $315.00 |
| Ranked | #8 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #16 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
| Charging Time | 6.5 hours | - |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 21.7” x 11.4” (288 x 551 x 290 mm) | 22.2”H x 10.6”W x 11.6”D (564 x 269 x 294 mm) |
| EQ | No | - |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (two 6.3mm inputs) |
| Party Mode | No | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | - |
| Stereo | Partially | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| USB Playback | 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 60mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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 Partybox 100: $499.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Partybox Club 120, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5.
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 | Yes |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 21.4 lbs (9.7 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Sony SRS-XV500: $315.00 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Sony SRS-XP500 (ranked higher, rated 4/5).
Pros: RTINGS measured a slightly warm sound with plenty of bass punch, and found it gets very loud for outdoor parties. Two 140mm woofers and two 60mm tweeters in a bass reflex cabinet, with a claimed 25 hours of battery life and a 10 minute quick charge for about 2.5 hours of play. Two 6.3mm inputs switch between microphone and guitar, with karaoke controls for key, echo and per-input volume, plus a 3.5mm aux input. IPX4 splash resistance and built-in lighting.
Cons: RTINGS measured poor directivity, so the sound changes noticeably as you move off to the sides. Bass compresses and pumps as you approach maximum volume. At 11.2 kg it is heavy to carry, and IPX4 only covers splashes.
Full Sony SRS-XV500 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 22.2”H x 10.6”W x 11.6”D (564 x 269 x 294 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 60mm tweeters |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (two 6.3mm inputs) |
| Strap | No |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XV500 vs Onn Large Party gen 2
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