Short answer: the JBL Partybox 130 for better sound quality, the Panasonic SC-TMAX5 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox 130 ranks #5 of 50 party speakers at $449.95. The Panasonic SC-TMAX5 ranks #42 at $249, $200.95 cheaper.
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 Panasonic SC-TMAX5: Sounds reasonable, a few upper mid peaks. The catch: Not as deep bass as others in the class.
One note: the Panasonic SC-TMAX5 is discontinued, but it still ranks #42 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 Panasonic SC-TMAX5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Panasonic SC-TMAX5. 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 Panasonic SC-TMAX5 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 130 | Panasonic SC-TMAX5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 | $249 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 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 | 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 |
| Output Power | 200W | 150W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~57Hz |
| Dimensions | - | 18.7" x 9.8" x 10.4" (475 x 250 x 265 mm) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- JBL Partybox 100 vs Zealot PT21
- JBL Partybox Club 120 vs Zealot PT21
- JBL Partybox 130 vs Onn XL Wireless Party Speaker
- JBL Partybox 130 vs Soundcore Rave+
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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Panasonic SC-TMAX5: $249 Discontinued
Pros: Sounds reasonable, a few upper mid peaks
Cons: Not as deep bass as others in the class. Discontinued.
Full Panasonic SC-TMAX5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~57Hz |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 18.7" x 9.8" x 10.4" (475 x 250 x 265 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 160mm woofer, 50mm tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 150W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons