Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2 if you want the included microphones, the Encore Essential 2 if you would rather save money and bring your own mic setup. These rank #4 and #6 of 113 boombox speakers, and both share the same 135mm woofer and dual dome tweeter layout, so the differences come down to inputs and accessories rather than a big jump in sound.
The core driver design is identical, with small voicing differences. Both speakers moved to dome tweeters over the older cone design, which gives both of them better off axis performance and less rolled off highs than the original Encore. The Encore 2’s own notes call out that it is missing a little upper bass, and the Essential 2 has that same shortfall, so neither one has a clear edge in low end weight.
What the Encore 2 adds:
- Two wireless microphones included in the box, ready to use out of the case.
- A removable battery, which the Essential 2 does not have.
What the Essential 2 adds instead:
- A guitar input for plugging in an instrument directly.
- A microphone input with karaoke mode and echo effect, useful if you already own your own mic.
Everything else matches: 15 hours of battery life, IPX4, a 7 band app EQ, 100W RMS output, and Auracast party mode on both.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 if you want wireless microphones ready to go without buying accessories separately.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 if you already have a microphone or guitar to plug in and want to save $80.05 instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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 | JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $249.95 |
| Ranked | #4 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 42Hz |
| Guitar Input | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
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