JBL Partybox 300 vs Sony SRS-XV500

Last updated: October 5, 2026

Short answer: the Sony SRS-XV500, if you are buying new. The JBL Partybox 300 ranks higher than it (#10 vs #16 of 44 party speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Sony SRS-XV500 is still sold new at $315.

JBL Partybox 300 vs Sony SRS-XV500

What the JBL Partybox 300 does well: Exceptional sound quality with crisp, crystal clear highs and midranges, hard punchy bass without muddiness. The catch: Hard to carry, too tall, drags on the ground.

The Sony SRS-XV500 is the longer-running, lighter pick. RTINGS measured a slightly warm sound with plenty of bass punch, and found it gets very loud for outdoor parties. It is rated for 25 hours of battery against 18 for the JBL Partybox 300. At 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Partybox 300 at 35.3 lbs (16 kg). It is rated IPX4, while the JBL Partybox 300 has no water resistance. The tradeoff: RTINGS measured poor directivity, so the sound changes noticeably as you move off to the sides.

Buy the Sony SRS-XV500 new; the JBL Partybox 300 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

JBL Partybox 300 Sony SRS-XV500
Price$300 Discontinued$315.00
Ranked#10 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#16 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppNo-
Aux InputYesYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)40Hz-
Battery Life18 hours (Manufacturer specified)25 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYesYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC-
Bluetooth Version4.25.2
Dimensions27” x 13” x 12.7” (685.8 x 330.2 x 322.6 mm)22.2”H x 10.6”W x 11.6”D (564 x 269 x 294 mm)
EQNo-
Frequency Response45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)-
Guitar InputYesYes
IP RatingNoneIPX4
Microphone InputYes (Karaoke mode with echo effect)Yes (two 6.3mm inputs)
Party ModeNo-
Power BankYes (USB-A)-
Power InputAC Power cord-
StereoYes (lying down)-
OmnidirectionalNo-
TWSYes-
USB PlaybackYes-
Weight35.3 lbs (16 kg)24.7 lbs (11.2 kg)
Amplifier Power120W-
Drivers2x 6.5” (165mm) woofers + 3x 2.25” (57mm) tweeters2x 140mm woofers + 2x 60mm tweeters
Digital Aux InputNo-
LightsYesYes
StrapNoNo

More top alternatives to JBL Partybox 300:

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 300: $300 Discontinued eBay

JBL Partybox 300 ranking card

Newer model: the JBL Partybox 330, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5.

Pros: Exceptional sound quality with crisp, crystal clear highs and midranges, hard punchy bass without muddiness. 2x 6.5” woofers + 3x 2.25” tweeters, bass boost function, 45Hz-20kHz frequency range. 18-hour battery with 10400mAh capacity. Multiple inputs (RCA, USB, 3.5mm aux, mic, guitar). LED light modes (meter/pulse/party). True Wireless Stereo pairing up to 2 units. Measured bass extension of 40Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Hard to carry, too tall, drags on the ground. Max spl and bass extension are only as good as the Partybox 100. No real reason to ever get one, get a Partybox 100 instead. Discontinued.

Amplifier Power120W
AppNo
Aux InputYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)40Hz
Battery Life18 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Version4.2
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions27” x 13” x 12.7” (685.8 x 330.2 x 322.6 mm)
Drivers2x 6.5” (165mm) woofers + 3x 2.25” (57mm) tweeters
EQNo
Frequency Response45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Guitar InputYes
IP RatingNone
LightsYes
Microphone InputYes (Karaoke mode with echo effect)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeNo
Power BankYes (USB-A)
Power InputAC Power cord
StereoYes (lying down)
StrapNo
TWSYes
USB PlaybackYes
Weight35.3 lbs (16 kg)

Sony SRS-XV500: $315.00 Amazon eBay

Sony SRS-XV500 ranking card

Older model: the Sony SRS-XP500 (ranked higher, rated 4/5).

Pros: RTINGS measured a slightly warm sound with plenty of bass punch, and found it gets very loud for outdoor parties. Two 140mm woofers and two 60mm tweeters in a bass reflex cabinet, with a claimed 25 hours of battery life and a 10 minute quick charge for about 2.5 hours of play. Two 6.3mm inputs switch between microphone and guitar, with karaoke controls for key, echo and per-input volume, plus a 3.5mm aux input. IPX4 splash resistance and built-in lighting.

Cons: RTINGS measured poor directivity, so the sound changes noticeably as you move off to the sides. Bass compresses and pumps as you approach maximum volume. At 11.2 kg it is heavy to carry, and IPX4 only covers splashes.

Aux InputYes
Battery Life25 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth Version5.2
Dimensions22.2”H x 10.6”W x 11.6”D (564 x 269 x 294 mm)
Drivers2x 140mm woofers + 2x 60mm tweeters
Guitar InputYes
IP RatingIPX4
LightsYes
Microphone InputYes (two 6.3mm inputs)
StrapNo
Weight24.7 lbs (11.2 kg)
Top PickSony SRS-XV500Amazon • $315.00
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