These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Partybox 330 ranks #2 of 51 party speakers by sound quality at $549.95; the Sony ULT Tower Max ranks #1 of 13 large party speakers by sound quality at $1,498.
The JBL Partybox 330 is the battery-powered, lighter pick. A rolling party speaker with deep bass, a removable battery, a light show and inputs for mics and a guitar. Its battery is rated for 18 hours, while the Sony ULT Tower Max needs an outlet. At 37.7 lbs (17.1 kg) it weighs much less than the Sony ULT Tower Max at 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg). Watch for: It remains very large and heavy, and the sound improvement over the JBL Partybox Stage 320 is modest rather than transformational.
Why pick the Sony ULT Tower Max: A very loud party speaker, with three big woofers for huge bass at large events. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Partybox 330 lacks. The catch: The same comparison found it 1.2dB behind the JBL in A-weighted loudness and weaker below 40Hz.
Buy the JBL Partybox 330 ($549.95) for a party speaker; the Sony ULT Tower Max ($1,498) suits a large party speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A rolling party speaker with deep bass, a removable battery, a light show and inputs for mics and a guitar.
A very loud party speaker, with three big woofers for huge bass at large events.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 330 | Sony ULT Tower Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $1,498.00 |
| Ranked | #2 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #1 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) |
| Aux Input | Yes | RCA input |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 5.3 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” (165mm) woofers + 2x 1” (25mm) PEN dome tweeters | 9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Smart EQ mode) | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | Splashproof top surface |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (6.3mm) |
| Inputs | Optical | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Party Chain) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/1A) | Yes (USB charging) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz |
| Removable Battery | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes (Stereo Pair) |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes (USB-A) |
| Weight | 37.7 lbs (17.1 kg) | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 280W | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 26.1”H x 13.1”W x 14.8”D (662.5 x 334 x 375 mm) | 21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) |
| Strap | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Wi-Fi | - | No |
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