Short answer: the JBL Partybox 130 for better sound quality, the Altec Lansing AL500 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox 130 ranks #5 of 50 party speakers at $449.95. The Altec Lansing AL500 ranks #49 at $200, $249.95 cheaper.
On the JBL Partybox 130 side: Handle and wheels are convenient. Watch for: Boomier and less clear than the Partybox 120. High price.
What the Altec Lansing AL500 gets right: Dual 8-inch subwoofers with full-range 3” horn tweeter for wide dispersion. The tradeoff: Not very deep bass.
One note: the Altec Lansing AL500 is discontinued, but it still ranks #49 of 50 party speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used.
Buy the JBL Partybox 130 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Altec Lansing AL500 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Altec Lansing AL500. It ranks near the bottom of the 50 party speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Partybox 130 at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the Altec Lansing AL500 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 130 | Altec Lansing AL500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #49 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | - |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 2x 5.2" woofers, 2x 1" tweeters | 1x 5" woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | No |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg | 14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg |
| Output Power | 200W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~60Hz |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox 130: $449.95 Amazon
Pros: Handle and wheels are convenient. Customizable color lighting modes. Quite neutral sound. Removable battery.
Cons: Boomier and less clear than the Partybox 120. High price. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.
Full JBL Partybox 130 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | 2x 5.2" woofers, 2x 1" tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 200W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg |
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- Links
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Altec Lansing AL500: $200 Discontinued
Pros: Dual 8-inch subwoofers with full-range 3” horn tweeter for wide dispersion. 2500W power with 400W RMS output. Long-lasting lithium 12V/2400 mAh rechargeable battery. Wireless Bluetooth streaming and built-in microphone for singing. True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing capability. Portable party speaker system for outdoor entertaining.
Cons: Not very deep bass. Discontinued.
Full Altec Lansing AL500 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~60Hz |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 5" woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons