Short answer: the JBL Partybox 130 for convenience, the Altec Lansing AL500 for wide dispersion. The JBL moves on a handle and wheels but is boomier and less clear than the Partybox 120, and it carries a high price. The AL500 pairs dual 8-inch subwoofers with a full-range 3-inch horn tweeter for wide dispersion, though its bass is not very deep.
Buy the JBL Partybox 130. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Altec Lansing AL500 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the JBL Partybox 130 at IPX4 (splashing) against the Altec Lansing AL500, which has no water resistance.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 130 | Altec Lansing AL500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #43 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| 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) |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 22.6”H x 11.7”W x 11.9”D (575 x 298.4 x 303 mm) | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~60Hz |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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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 130: $449.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: A relatively manageable 11.3kg PartyBox with removable battery, foldable handle, light show, USB audio and modern JBL connectivity. Independent reviews describe it as unusually balanced and powerful for its format, while owner feedback praises clear voices and deep bass.
Cons: It is still bass-forward and less clear than the PartyBox 120 in direct comparisons. The smaller battery and stripped-back controls/features make it a questionable upgrade when the 120 is similarly priced. JBL’s wired daisy chain only works with other JBL speakers.
Full JBL Partybox 130 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 200W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 22.6”H x 11.7”W x 11.9”D (575 x 298.4 x 303 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 5.2” woofers, 2x 1” tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 310
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 300
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
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Altec Lansing AL500: $200 Discontinued eBay
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. Measured bass extension of ~60Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not very deep bass. Discontinued.
Full Altec Lansing AL500 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~60Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | 1x 5” woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Lights | Yes |
| 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) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Altec Lansing AL500 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- Altec Lansing AL500 vs JBL Partybox 330