Short answer: the JBL Partybox 330 for output and bass depth. The Sony SRS-XP500’s 20W 3-way system with dual passive radiators is well balanced, with clear highs, detailed mids and punchy bass, but it is not as loud and its bass is not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110. The 330 has a convenient handle and wheels, though its sound quality is nearly identical to the 310 and Stage 320 despite the power bump.
The case for the JBL Partybox 330: Handle and wheels are convenient. The catch: Sound quality is nearly identical to the 310 and Stage 320 despite the power bump.
What the Sony SRS-XP500 gets right: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). The catch: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110.
Buy the JBL Partybox 330 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony SRS-XP500 if the price matters more than sound quality.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the JBL Partybox 330 at IPX4 (splashing) against the Sony SRS-XP500, which has no water resistance.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 330 | Sony SRS-XP500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $399.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #2 of 39 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #14 of 39 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5" (165mm) woofers + 2x 1" (25mm) PEN dome tweeters | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Smart EQ mode) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Inputs | Optical | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/1A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Partially | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 37.7 lbs (17.1 kg) | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 280W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 26.1"H x 13.1"W x 14.8"D (662.5 x 334 x 375 mm) | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Partybox 330:
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs JBL Partybox 330
- JBL Partybox 330 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- JBL Partybox 310 vs JBL Partybox 330
- Sony ULT Tower 5 vs JBL Partybox 330
- JBL Partybox 330 vs JBL Partybox Club 120
Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 AM 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 330: $549.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A highly complete rolling party speaker: removable battery, telescoping handle and wheels, light show, Auracast, USB-C lossless and optical inputs, plus dual mic/guitar inputs. It supplies a little more power than the JBL Partybox 310 and JBL Partybox Stage 320, while reviewers report better midrange clarity than the older JBL Partybox 310 and the same deep party-speaker bass.
Cons: It remains very large and heavy, and the sound improvement over the JBL Partybox Stage 320 is modest rather than transformational. JBL removed the dedicated mic gain/control knobs found on earlier models, a real drawback for frequent karaoke use. Do not upgrade from a JBL Partybox 310 or JBL Partybox Stage 320 just for the higher watt figure.
Full JBL Partybox 330 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 280W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 26.1"H x 13.1"W x 14.8"D (662.5 x 334 x 375 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5" (165mm) woofers + 2x 1" (25mm) PEN dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Smart EQ mode) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Inputs | Optical |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 37.7 lbs (17.1 kg) |
| Wheels | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox 330 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- JBL Partybox 330 vs Sony ULT Tower 7
- JBL Partybox 330 vs JBL Partybox 310
- JBL Partybox 330 vs Sony ULT Tower 5
- JBL Partybox 330 vs JBL Partybox Club 120
- JBL Partybox 330 vs JBL Partybox 130
- JBL Partybox 330 vs JBL Partybox 100
- JBL Partybox 330 vs JBL Partybox 110
- See all 73 comparisons
Sony SRS-XP500: $399.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). 20-hour battery life, immersive room-filling sound. Party Connect feature links multiple compatible Sony speakers. USB charging port for device charging on-the-go. Built-in handle and IPX4 water resistance. Microphone input and karaoke support. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a JBL Partybox 100 or JBL Partybox 110. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XP500 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons