These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Partybox 520 ranks #8 of 13 large party speakers by sound quality at $879.95; the JBL Partybox 100 ranks #8 of 44 party speakers by sound quality at $499.99.
The JBL Partybox 520 is the tougher pick. JBL’s biggest battery-powered PartyBox after the 720 combines very high output, deep chesty bass, wheels and a telescoping handle with a capable app EQ, lights, USB-C audio and mic/instrument inputs. It is rated IPX4, while the JBL Partybox 100 has no water resistance. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the JBL Partybox 100 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Partybox 100 lacks. Watch for: It is very large and heavy, Bluetooth latency is high for video, and its front-facing design loses much of the mids and treble to people off to the sides.
The JBL Partybox 100 is the lighter pick. Quite neutral sound, pretty deep bass. At 21.4 lbs (9.7 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox 520 at 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg). The catch: A slight peak in the upper mids.
One note: the JBL Partybox 100 is no longer sold new, but at #8 of 44 party speakers by sound quality it still outranks most current models, so used is worth considering.
Buy the JBL Partybox 520 ($879.95) for a large party speaker; the JBL Partybox 100 ($499.99) suits a party speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 520 | JBL Partybox 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $879.95 | $499.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #8 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #8 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg) | 21.4 lbs (9.7 kg) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 16.3” x 30.3” x 14.5” (415 x 769 x 369 mm) | 11.3” x 21.7” x 11.4” (288 x 551 x 290 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 7.5” woofer, 2x 1” dome tweeter | 2x 5.25” (133mm) woofers + 2x 2.25” (57mm) tweeters |
| Amplifier Power | 400W | 160W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 41Hz |
| Charging Time | - | 6.5 hours |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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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 520: $879.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: JBL’s biggest battery-powered PartyBox after the 720 combines very high output, deep chesty bass, wheels and a telescoping handle with a capable app EQ, lights, USB-C audio and mic/instrument inputs. RTINGS finds it loud enough for backyards and unusually well-equipped for a battery party speaker.
Cons: It is very large and heavy, Bluetooth latency is high for video, and its front-facing design loses much of the mids and treble to people off to the sides. The bass-heavy default can also make dialogue less clear without EQ.
Full JBL Partybox 520 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 400W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 16.3” x 30.3” x 14.5” (415 x 769 x 369 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 7.5” woofer, 2x 1” dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg) |
| Wheels | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Partybox 100: $499.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Partybox Club 120, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5.
Pros: Quite neutral sound, pretty deep bass. Measured bass extension of 41Hz (-10dB).
Cons: A slight peak in the upper mids. Slight TWS issue where the 2nd is slightly delayed. Just as loud and slightly deeper bass than a Stormbox Blast which is way smaller with better sound quality. Discontinued.
Full JBL Partybox 100 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 160W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Charging Time | 6.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 21.7” x 11.4” (288 x 551 x 290 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 5.25” (133mm) woofers + 2x 2.25” (57mm) tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 21.4 lbs (9.7 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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