Short answer: it depends on whether you need a battery. The JBL Partybox 1000 runs only on mains power, while the JBL Partybox 520 has a battery rated for 15 hours. The JBL Partybox 1000 ranks higher on sound quality (#4 vs #8 of 13 large party speakers, 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5). Get the JBL Partybox 1000 if it will always be plugged in, or the JBL Partybox 520 if you want to play away from an outlet.
Beyond the battery: the 1000 is right up there with the Partybox Ultimate, as the previous flagship at that size. The 520 adds a lightshow, but it is still very large and heavy.
Buy the JBL Partybox 520 if you need to play away from an outlet. Buy the JBL Partybox 1000 if it will always be plugged in.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the JBL Partybox 520 at IPX4 (splashing) against the JBL Partybox 1000, which has no water resistance.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 1000 | JBL Partybox 520 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,099.95 | $879.95 |
| Ranked | #4 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #8 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 75 lbs (34 kg) | 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (5 band) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Auracast) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 15.6” x 41.3” x 15.4” (397 x 1050 x 390 mm) | 16.3” x 30.3” x 14.5” (415 x 769 x 369 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 12” down-firing woofer, 2x 7” midrange, 1x compression horn tweeter | 2x 7.5” woofer, 2x 1” dome tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 1100W | 400W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Removable Battery | - | Yes |
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