Short answer: the JBL Partybox 130 for the stronger low end. The Panasonic SC-TMAX5 sounds reasonable but has a few upper-mid peaks and its bass is not as deep as others in the class. The 130 is convenient to move on its handle and wheels, though it is boomier and less clear than the Partybox 120 and priced high.
Buy the JBL Partybox 130. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Panasonic SC-TMAX5 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Partybox 130 at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the Panasonic SC-TMAX5 at no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 130 | Panasonic SC-TMAX5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 | $249 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #36 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 | 160mm woofer, 50mm tweeter |
| 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) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 200W | 150W RMS |
| 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) | 18.7” x 9.8” x 10.4” (475 x 250 x 265 mm) |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~57Hz |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Partybox 130:
- JBL Partybox 130 vs Sony ULT Tower 7
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 330
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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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 100
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox Club 120
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 110
- JBL Partybox 130 vs Sony ULT Tower 5
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 310
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox 300
- JBL Partybox 130 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- JBL Partybox 130 vs Onn XL Wireless Party Speaker
- See all 93 comparisons
Panasonic SC-TMAX5: $249 Discontinued eBay
Pros: At 6.5 kg, Panasonic SC-TMAX5 combines 160mm woofer, 50mm tweeter with Bluetooth and aux. Ac-powered operation and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of ~57Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its ~57Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Discontinued.
Full Panasonic SC-TMAX5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 150W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~57Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 18.7” x 9.8” x 10.4” (475 x 250 x 265 mm) |
| Drivers | 160mm woofer, 50mm tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Panasonic SC-TMAX5 vs Philips NX200
- Panasonic SC-TMAX5 vs Onn Large Party gen 1
- Panasonic SC-TMAX5 vs Rockville Rock Party 6
- Panasonic SC-TMAX5 vs Onn Large Party gen 2
- Panasonic SC-TMAX5 vs Onn XL Wireless Party Speaker
- Panasonic SC-TMAX5 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- Panasonic SC-TMAX5 vs JBL Partybox 330