JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6

Last updated: October 1, 2026

Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2 for off axis performance, the Onyx Studio 6 for a warm sound. The Encore 2 appears to have better off axis performance due to the move to dome tweeters over cone, though it is missing a little bit of upper bass. The Onyx Studio 6 is warm with boosted bass, but its battery lasts 8 hours at medium volume.

JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6

Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 is no longer sold new.

If battery life is a priority, the JBL Partybox Encore 2 is rated for 15 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6.

Water resistance is not close: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 is rated at IPX7 (brief submersion), well ahead of the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at IPX4 (splashing).

Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.

Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at Sam’s Club ($330) →Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 at Amazon ($130) →

Specifications Side By Side

JBL Partybox Encore 2 Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6
Price$330$130 Discontinued
Ranked#4 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#13 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYes (JBL PartyBox app)No
Aux InputYesYes
Battery Life15 hours (Manufacturer specified)8 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Built-in MicrophoneNoYes
EQYes (7 band App EQ)No
IP RatingIPX4IPX7
Maximum SPL110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Party ModeYes (Auracast)Yes (Wireless Dual Sound)
Power BankYes (USB-C)No
Power InputAC Power cordDC Barrel Connector (19V/2A)
Removable BatteryYes-
StereoYesNo
OmnidirectionalNoNo
TWSYesYes (see https://www.reddit.com/r/Bluetooth_Speakers/comments/w339x5/how_to_harman_kardon_onyx_studio_5_6_dual_sound/)
USB PlaybackYesNo
Weight14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)6.5 lbs (2.94 kg)
Wireless MicrophonesYes 2 Included-
BluetoothYesYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBCSBC
Bluetooth Version5.44.2
Amplifier Power100W RMS50W RMS
Dimensions12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm)5” x 11.5” x 11.2” (128 x 291 x 284 mm)
Drivers1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters1x 120mm (4.7”) woofer + 1x 25mm (1”) tweeter + 1x passive radiator
Digital Aux InputNoNo
LightsYes-
StrapNoNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)42Hz37Hz
Bluetooth Latency-180ms
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at Sam’s Club ($330) →Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 at Amazon ($130) →

How JBL Partybox Encore 2 compares with other leading options:

Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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.

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

The Two Speakers In Full

JBL Partybox Encore 2: $330 Sam’s Club eBay

JBL Partybox Encore 2 ranking card

Older model: the JBL Partybox Encore (ranked lower, rated 4.3/5).

Pros: The Encore 2 improves the original with dome tweeters, a less boomy balance, slightly deeper bass, longer battery life and two included wireless microphones. Its compact karaoke-ready design and 7-band EQ make it more adaptable indoors than the earlier Encore. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-10dB).

Cons: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes. The main value is compact karaoke convenience rather than full-range party output.

Full JBL Partybox Encore 2 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power100W RMS
AppYes (JBL PartyBox app)
Aux InputYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)42Hz
Battery Life15 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Version5.4
Built-in MicrophoneNo
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm)
Drivers1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters
EQYes (7 band App EQ)
IP RatingIPX4
LightsYes
Maximum SPL110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (Auracast)
Power BankYes (USB-C)
Power InputAC Power cord
Removable BatteryYes
StereoYes
StrapNo
TWSYes
USB PlaybackYes
Weight14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)
Wireless MicrophonesYes 2 Included
Check current price at Sam’s Club ($330) →Search eBay for JBL Partybox Encore 2 →

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6: $130 Discontinued Amazon eBay

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 ranking card

Newer model: the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5.

Pros: Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 uses a 120mm woofer, 25mm tweeter and passive radiator. Its 2.94 kg, claimed 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, aux input and up to 96dB make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 37Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Bass is limited by its 37Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Warm tuning with boosted bass, and not as loud as others. Discontinued.

Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power50W RMS
AppNo
Aux InputYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)37Hz
Battery Life8 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Latency180ms
Bluetooth Version4.2
Built-in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions5” x 11.5” x 11.2” (128 x 291 x 284 mm)
Drivers1x 120mm (4.7”) woofer + 1x 25mm (1”) tweeter + 1x passive radiator
EQNo
IP RatingIPX7
Maximum SPL96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (Wireless Dual Sound)
Power BankNo
Power InputDC Barrel Connector (19V/2A)
StereoNo
StrapNo
TWSYes (see https://www.reddit.com/r/Bluetooth_Speakers/comments/w339x5/how_to_harman_kardon_onyx_studio_5_6_dual_sound/)
USB PlaybackNo
Weight6.5 lbs (2.94 kg)
Check current price at Amazon ($130) →Search eBay for Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6 →