JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8

Last updated: October 2, 2026

Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2 for off axis sound, the Onyx Studio 8 for warmth. The Encore 2’s dome tweeters over cone appear to give better off axis performance, though it is missing a little bit of upper bass. The Onyx Studio 8 is warm with boosted bass, but it is not as loud as others.

JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8

Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 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 8.

Water resistance is not close: the JBL Partybox Encore 2 is rated at IPX4 (splashing), well ahead of the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 at no water resistance.

Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at Sam’s Club ($330) →Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 at Amazon ($199.00) →

Specifications Side By Side

JBL Partybox Encore 2 Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
Price$330$199.00 Discontinued
Ranked#4 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#12 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYes (JBL PartyBox app)Yes (Harman Kardon One app)
Aux InputYesYes
Battery Life15 hours (Manufacturer specified)8 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Built-in MicrophoneNoYes
EQYes (7 band App EQ)Yes (App EQ)
IP RatingIPX4None
Maximum SPL110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Party ModeYes (Auracast)No
Power BankYes (USB-C)No
Power InputAC Power cordDC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A)
Removable BatteryYes-
StereoYesPartially (1 woofer)
OmnidirectionalNoNo
TWSYesYes
USB PlaybackYesNo
Weight14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)
Wireless MicrophonesYes 2 Included-
BluetoothYesYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBCSBC
Bluetooth Version5.45.2
Amplifier Power100W RMS50W RMS
Dimensions12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm)10.6” x 11.9” x 6.3” (268 x 302.5 x 159.5 mm)
Drivers1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters120mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters
Digital Aux InputNoNo
LightsYes-
StrapNoNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)42Hz35Hz
Aux Latency-42ms
Bluetooth Latency-175ms
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at Sam’s Club ($330) →Buy the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 at Amazon ($199.00) →

More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Partybox Encore 2:

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.

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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 8: $199.00 Discontinued Amazon eBay

Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 ranking card

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

Pros: At 3.3 kg, Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 combines a 120mm woofer and 2x 20mm tweeters with Bluetooth and aux. Claimed 8 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life and up to 96db make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. A built-in microphone and the Harman Kardon One app with EQ. Measured bass extension of 35Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Bass is limited by its 35Hz specification. Warm tuning with boosted bass, not as loud as others, and no water resistance rating. Discontinued.

Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power50W RMS
AppYes (Harman Kardon One app)
Aux InputYes
Aux Latency42ms
Bass Extension (-10dB)35Hz
Battery Life8 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Latency175ms
Bluetooth Version5.2
Built-in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions10.6” x 11.9” x 6.3” (268 x 302.5 x 159.5 mm)
Drivers120mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters
EQYes (App EQ)
IP RatingNone
Maximum SPL96dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeNo
Power BankNo
Power InputDC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A)
StereoPartially (1 woofer)
StrapNo
TWSYes
USB PlaybackNo
Weight7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)
Check current price at Amazon ($199.00) →Search eBay for Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8 →