Short answer: the JBL Partybox Ultimate for the higher ranking, the JBL Partybox 520 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Ultimate ranks #1 of 10 large party speakers at $1499.95. The JBL Partybox 520 ranks #5 at $799.95, $700 cheaper.
On the JBL Partybox 520 side: Lightshow ability. The tradeoff: Very large and heavy.
The case for the JBL Partybox Ultimate: Absolute deepest bass of any Bluetooth speaker. The tradeoff: No battery.
Buy the JBL Partybox 520 if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the JBL Partybox Ultimate if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 520 | JBL Partybox Ultimate | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.95 | $1,499.95 |
| Ranked | #5 of 10 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #1 of 10 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | No Battery |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | Yes (3 band) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | 86 lbs / 39 kg |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Wifi | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 16.34" x 30.28" x 14.53" (415 x 769 x 369 mm) | 17.9" x 41.3" x 17.3" (455 x 1049 x 440 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 7.5" woofer, 2x 1" dome tweeter | 2x 9" subwoofer, 2x 4.5" midrange, 2x 2.75" tweeter |
| Output Power | 400W | 1100W |
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox 520: $799.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Handle and wheels are convenient. Lightshow ability. The biggest battery powered JBL currently.
Cons: Very large and heavy. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | 16.34" x 30.28" x 14.53" (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 |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Output Power | 400W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 56.2 lbs / 25.5 kg |
| Wifi | No |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 520 & 720 - indoor listening session
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 520 vs 720 - outdoor test
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 320 vs 520 - indoor listening session
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 320 vs 520 - outdoor test
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 520 vs Teufel Rockster Neo
- Oluv Patreon: W-King T12 vs JBL Partybox 520
- AudioTribe: JBL PartyBox 520 Loudness & BASS Test Will Shock You!
- GYMCADDY: JBL Partybox 720 Vs JBL Partybox 520
- AudioTribe: JBL Partybox 720 vs JBL Partybox 520 Who’s Better?
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
JBL Partybox Ultimate: $1,499.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Absolute deepest bass of any Bluetooth speaker. Handle and wheels are convenient. Very nice lightshow ability.
Cons: Very large and heavy. No battery. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | 17.9" x 41.3" x 17.3" (455 x 1049 x 440 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 9" subwoofer, 2x 4.5" midrange, 2x 2.75" tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Output Power | 1100W |
| Party Mode | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 86 lbs / 39 kg |
| Wifi | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- GYMCADDY: JBL Partybox Ultimate Vs SOUNDBOKS 4 & Sony XV900 - Is It Worth It?
- GYMCADDY: JBL Partybox Ultimate Vs Partybox 710 - They’re Both Crazy, But There Is A Clear Winner
- Flossy Carter: JBL PartyBox Ultimate VS JBL PartyBox 1000 - Which Speaker is The BEST?
- GYMCADDY: JBL Partybox 720 Vs JBL Partybox Ultimate
- GYMCADDY: Sony ULT Tower 10 Vs JBL Partybox Ultimate & JBL Partybox 710
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.