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 Soundboks 4 ranks #10 of 17 battery-powered PA speakers by sound quality at $1,199.
The case for the JBL Partybox 520: 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. The catch: 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 Soundboks 4 is the longer-running option. Tied for the loudest battery powered speaker. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox 520. Watch for: Not as neutral or as deep of bass as the above Partyboxes.
Buy the JBL Partybox 520 ($879.95) for a large party speaker; the Soundboks 4 ($1,199) suits a battery-powered PA speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings and PA & Live Sound rankings cover every ranked option.
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.
Amazon $879.95 B&H Photo Video $879.95 eBay
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox 520 | Soundboks 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $879.95 | $1199 |
| Ranked | #8 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #10 of 17 in Battery-Powered PA Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP65 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (TeamUp, up to 5 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg) | 34 lbs (15.4 kg) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 16.3” x 30.3” x 14.5” (415 x 769 x 369 mm) | 25.6” x 17” x 13” (650.2 x 431.8 x 330.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 7.5” woofer, 2x 1” dome tweeter | 2x 10” woofers, 1” compression driver |
| Amplifier Power | 400W | 216W (3x 72W) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Passive | - | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 52Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | 2x XLR/6.3mm combo (mic/instrument), 3.5mm stereo, Bluetooth |
| Maximum SPL | - | 126dB |
| XLR Input | - | Yes (2x combo) |
| SKAA | - | Yes |
| Configuration | - | Battery-powered 3-way active PA |
| Cabinet Material | - | Poplar plywood |
| DSP | - | App EQ |
| Rigging | - | 35mm pole mount socket |
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