These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The JBL Partybox Encore 2 ranks #4 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $330; the Bose SoundLink Max ranks #17 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $399.
The JBL Partybox Encore 2 is the deeper-bass choice. A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery. Its bass reaches about 42Hz before falling 10dB, against 48Hz for the Bose SoundLink Max. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Bose SoundLink Max cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bose SoundLink Max lacks. The catch: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.
The Bose SoundLink Max is the longer-running, lighter choice. A rugged waterproof speaker with deep bass, a very long real world battery and a port that charges your phone. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. At 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg). It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. The catch: Big peak in the upper bass, dipped midrange and lots of peaks and dips above the midrange.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at $330 if you want a boombox speaker. Buy the Bose SoundLink Max at $399 if you want a large speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore 2 | Bose SoundLink Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $399.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #17 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 tweeter) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | 10.4” x 4.7” x 4.1” (264.7 x 120.1 x 104.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 2.5” (63.5mm) midrange drivers + 1x 0.79” (20mm) tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 48Hz |
| Aux Latency | - | 33ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 116ms |
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