JBL Partybox 310 vs Mackie Thump Go

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Short answer: the JBL Partybox 310 for better sound quality, the Mackie Thump Go for the lower price. The JBL Partybox 310 ranks #3 of 50 party speakers at $579.95. The Mackie Thump Go ranks #25 at $449.99, $129.96 cheaper.

On the JBL Partybox 310 side: Absolute deepest bass of any battery powered speaker, most balanced sound in the class, handle and wheels are convenient. Watch for: Very large. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.

What the Mackie Thump Go gets right: 8-inch custom high-output woofer + 1-inch compression driver delivers powerful audio with incredible dynamic range. The tradeoff: Not quite as good sounding as a Everse 8 or S1 Pro. Bluetooth pairing doesn’t auto connect every time.

Buy the JBL Partybox 310 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Mackie Thump Go if the price matters more than sound quality.

If battery life is a priority, the JBL Partybox 310 is rated for 18 hours versus 12 hours for the Mackie Thump Go.

If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Partybox 310 at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the Mackie Thump Go at no water resistance.

JBL Partybox 310 vs Mackie Thump Go

Specifications Side By Side

JBL Partybox 310 Mackie Thump Go
Price$579.95 Discontinued$449.99
Ranked#3 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#25 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYesYes
Aux InputYesYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)32Hz50Hz
Battery Life18 hours (Manufacturer specified)12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsSBCSBC
Charging Time3.5 hours-
EQYes (3 band)Yes
Guitar InputYes-
IP RatingIPX4None
Microphone InputYes (Karaoke mode with echo effect)Yes
Party ModeNoNo
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A)No
Power InputAC Power cord-
StereoPartiallyNo
OmnidirectionalNoNo
TWSYesNo
USB PlaybackYesNo
Weight37.5 lbs / 17 kg17.6 lbs / 8 kg
Output Power240W200W
Drivers2x 6.5" (165mm) woofers + 2x 2.5" (65mm) tweeters8" woofer, 1" compression driver
DiscontinuedYes-
Digital Aux InputNoNo
Dimensions-18" x 9.1" x 11.2" (457 x 230 x 285 mm)
XLR Input-Yes
Max Volume-115dB

More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:

The Two Speakers In Full

JBL Partybox 310: $579.95 Discontinued Amazon

JBL Partybox 310 ranking card

Pros: Absolute deepest bass of any battery powered speaker, most balanced sound in the class, handle and wheels are convenient. Increase treble one step in the app EQ to make it more neutral. Customizable color lighting modes. Very close to the 320 in terms of performance.

Cons: Very large. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal. Discontinued.

AppYes
Aux InputYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)32Hz
Battery Life18 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Charging Time3.5 hours
Digital Aux InputNo
DiscontinuedYes
Drivers2x 6.5" (165mm) woofers + 2x 2.5" (65mm) tweeters
EQYes (3 band)
Guitar InputYes
IP RatingIPX4
Microphone InputYes (Karaoke mode with echo effect)
OmnidirectionalNo
Output Power240W
Party ModeNo
Power BankYes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A)
Power InputAC Power cord
StereoPartially
TWSYes
USB PlaybackYes
Weight37.5 lbs / 17 kg

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Mackie Thump Go: $449.99 Amazon

Mackie Thump Go ranking card

Pros: 8-inch custom high-output woofer + 1-inch compression driver delivers powerful audio with incredible dynamic range. Built-in mini live mixer with two XLR/TRS combo inputs + 3.5mm aux. Up to 12 hours battery (5 hours comfortable gig time), removable for swapping spares. Lightweight 17.6 lbs. Balanced sound with crisp highs, tight lows, natural vocals. Pair two Mackie Thump Gos for stereo via app. High efficiency drivers reach 2-3x the volume of typical speakers for the same wattage.

Cons: Not quite as good sounding as a Everse 8 or S1 Pro. Bluetooth pairing doesn’t auto connect every time. Designed for more loudness than deeper bass. Battery latch breaks easily. Handle on top also can break off. Not very deep bass

AppYes
Aux InputYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)50Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions18" x 9.1" x 11.2" (457 x 230 x 285 mm)
Drivers8" woofer, 1" compression driver
EQYes
IP RatingNone
Max Volume115dB
Microphone InputYes
OmnidirectionalNo
Output Power200W
Party ModeNo
Power BankNo
StereoNo
TWSNo
USB PlaybackNo
Weight17.6 lbs / 8 kg
XLR InputYes

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.