Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Partybox 130 ranks #5 of 50 party speakers by sound quality at $449.95; the JBL Partybox 520 ranks #6 of 11 large party speakers by sound quality at $879.95.
What the JBL Partybox 130 offers: Handle and wheels are convenient. Set against that: Boomier and less clear than the Partybox 120. High price.
The case for the JBL Partybox 520: Handle and wheels are convenient. Lightshow ability. The biggest battery powered JBL currently. The catch: Very large and heavy.
Buy the JBL Partybox 130 at $449.95 if you want a party speaker. Buy the JBL Partybox 520 at $879.95 if you want a large party speaker instead.

Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 130 | JBL Partybox 520 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 | $879.95 |
| Ranked | #5 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #6 of 11 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.4 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 2x 5.2" woofers, 2x 1" tweeters | 2x 7.5" woofer, 2x 1" dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (5 band) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg | 56.2 lbs / 25.5 kg |
| Output Power | 200W | 400W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Built in Microphone | - | No |
| Wifi | - | No |
| Dimensions | - | 16.3" x 30.3" x 14.5" (415 x 769 x 369 mm) |
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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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 100
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JBL Partybox 520: $879.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Handle and wheels are convenient. Lightshow ability. The biggest battery powered JBL currently.
Cons: Very large and heavy. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.
Full JBL Partybox 520 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 16.3" x 30.3" x 14.5" (415 x 769 x 369 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 7.5" woofer, 2x 1" dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 400W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 56.2 lbs / 25.5 kg |
| Wifi | No |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Oluv Patreon: W-King T12 vs JBL Partybox 520
- AudioTribe: JBL PartyBox 520 Loudness & BASS Test Will Shock You!
- GYMCADDY: JBL Partybox 720 Vs JBL Partybox 520 More from GYMCADDY →
- AudioTribe: JBL Partybox 720 vs JBL Partybox 520 Who’s Better?
- Reddit Search for JBL Partybox 520 Review
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