Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Partybox Encore 2 ranks #4 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $330; the Bose SoundLink Plus ranks #25 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $179.
Why pick the JBL Partybox Encore 2: A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose SoundLink Plus lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bose SoundLink Plus lacks. The catch: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.
The Bose SoundLink Plus is the longer-running, lighter pick. A waterproof mid size speaker with vibrant sound, booming bass, clean mids, a long battery and premium build. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. At 3.3 lbs (1.5 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 tradeoff: Boosted thuddy bass, but not as deep as the SoundLink Flex and you should probably just buy one of those instead if you want a Bose.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at $330 if you want a boombox speaker. Buy the Bose SoundLink Plus at $179 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 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $179.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #25 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| 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) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | 9.1” x 3.9” x 3.4” (231 x 99 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 1x 2.5” (63.5mm) woofer + 1x ~0.78” (20mm) tweeter + 4x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in loop) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
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