Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It ranks #4 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $330. The EcoXGear Defender ranks #84, rated 2.5/5, at $299.99, $30.01 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Partybox Encore 2 is the better-sounding choice. A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the EcoXGear Defender cannot. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the EcoXGear Defender. The catch: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.
The EcoXGear Defender is the longer-running, lighter option. A rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank. It is rated for 25 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. At 10 lbs (4.54 kg) it weighs noticeably 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: Its single front-facing driver layout has narrow dispersion: clarity and detail drop noticeably when you move off-axis, and the soundstage is limited.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $30.01 saving on the EcoXGear Defender is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery.
A rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore 2 | EcoXGear Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $299.99 |
| Ranked | #4 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #84 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes |
| 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, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 100W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | 6.7” x 15.4” x 9.6” (170.2 x 391.2 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 52mm full-range driver |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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