Short answer: the JBL Partybox 130 for better sound quality, the Sony GTK-XB90 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox 130 ranks #5 of 50 party speakers at $449.95. The Sony GTK-XB90 ranks #46 at $429, $20.95 cheaper.
On the JBL Partybox 130 side: Handle and wheels are convenient. Watch for: Boomier and less clear than the Partybox 120. High price.
What the Sony GTK-XB90 gets right: Deep punchy EXTRA BASS technology for party use. The tradeoff: Bass is muddy and not deep, weird midrange peak, rolled off treble and overall strange tuning.
One note: the Sony GTK-XB90 is discontinued, but it still ranks #46 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 Sony GTK-XB90 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Sony GTK-XB90. 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 Sony GTK-XB90 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 130 | Sony GTK-XB90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.95 | $429 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | - |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 2x 5.2" woofers, 2x 1" tweeters | 12cm drivers + 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) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A, 2.1A) |
| 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 | 30.9 lbs / 14 kg |
| Output Power | 200W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~50Hz |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- JBL Partybox 100 vs JBL Partybox 110
- JBL Partybox 100 vs Sony SRS-XP500
- JBL Partybox 100 vs Sony SRS-XP700
- Mackie Thump Go vs Sony GTK-XB90
- Ultimate Ears Hyperboom vs Sony GTK-XB90
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
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Sony GTK-XB90: $429 Discontinued
Pros: Deep punchy EXTRA BASS technology for party use. 3x 2.36” tweeters + 2x 7.09” woofers, built-in LED lights sync with beat. 16 hours battery claimed (9 hours real-world at moderate volume with lights). Built-in handle, portable one-box design. Fiestable plugin controls party settings and DJ effects. Three-device simultaneous Bluetooth pairing.
Cons: Bass is muddy and not deep, weird midrange peak, rolled off treble and overall strange tuning. Discontinued.
Full Sony GTK-XB90 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 12cm drivers + passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 30.9 lbs / 14 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons