These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Partybox 130 ranks #7 of 53 party speakers by sound quality at $449.95; the JBL Partybox Encore ranks #7 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $230.
The JBL Partybox 130 is the longer-running choice. A manageable party speaker with balanced, powerful sound, deep bass, a removable battery and a light show. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore. Watch for: It is still bass-forward and less clear than the PartyBox 120 in direct comparisons.
The JBL Partybox Encore is the lighter option. A great sounding stereo party speaker with two wireless mics included and plenty of volume; now discontinued but worth buying used. At 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox 130 at 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg). The tradeoff: Only IPX4 splash resistance.
One note: the JBL Partybox Encore is discontinued, but it still ranks #7 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality, ahead of most of what is still sold new, so it is worth considering used. The JBL Partybox Encore’s replacement, the JBL Partybox Encore 2, is still sold new.
Buy the JBL Partybox 130 ($449.95) for a party speaker; the JBL Partybox Encore ($230) suits a boombox speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 130 | JBL Partybox Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 | $230 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.1 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 2x 5.2” woofers, 2x 1” tweeters | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| 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) | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | 100W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 22.6”H x 11.7”W x 11.9”D (575 x 298.4 x 303 mm) | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Strap | No | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 38Hz |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 100ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Partybox Encore compares with other leading options: