Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It ranks #4 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5) at $330 and is still sold new; the Bumpboxx Flare 8 ranks #82 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Bumpboxx Flare 8’s replacement, the Bumpboxx Flare8 Pro, is rated 2.8/5 at $449.
The JBL Partybox Encore 2 is the better-sounding, lighter pick. A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery. At 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Bumpboxx Flare 8 at 19 lbs (8.62 kg). It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Bumpboxx Flare 8 cannot. Watch for: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.
The Bumpboxx Flare 8 is the tougher option. A retro styled party speaker with FM radio, water resistance and high volume for small outdoor parties. It is rated IPX6 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. The tradeoff: Bass is thuddy rather than deep or controlled, and there is no app to improve the tuning.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Bumpboxx Flare 8 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore 2 | Bumpboxx Flare 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #4 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 118dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 19 lbs (8.62 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 200W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | 28” x 8” x 16” (711 x 203 x 406 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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