Short answer: it depends on whether you need a battery. The Sony ULT Tower Max runs only on mains power, while the JBL Partybox 520 has a battery rated for 15 hours. The Sony ULT Tower Max ranks higher on sound quality (#1 vs #8 of 13 large party speakers, 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5). Get the Sony ULT Tower Max if it will always be plugged in, or the JBL Partybox 520 if you want to play away from an outlet.
The JBL Partybox 520 is the battery-powered, lighter choice. A loud battery party speaker with deep bass, wheels, a capable app EQ, and inputs for mics and instruments. Its battery is rated for 15 hours, while the Sony ULT Tower Max needs an outlet. At 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg) it weighs much less than the Sony ULT Tower Max at 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg). The tradeoff: 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 case for 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 520 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 520 if you need to play away from an outlet. Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max if it will always be plugged in.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A loud battery party speaker with deep bass, wheels, a capable app EQ, and inputs for mics and instruments.
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 520 | Sony ULT Tower Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $879.95 | $1,498.00 |
| Ranked | #8 of 13 in Large 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 | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | 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) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Party Chain) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB charging) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz |
| Removable Battery | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes (Stereo Pair) |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes (USB-A) |
| Weight | 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg) | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 16.3” x 30.3” x 14.5” (415 x 769 x 369 mm) | 21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 7.5” woofer, 2x 1” dome tweeter | 9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 400W | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
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