These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The JBL Partybox Encore 2 ranks #4 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $330; the JBL Xtreme 3 ranks #18 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $269.95.
The JBL Partybox Encore 2 is the louder, deeper-bass pick. A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery. Its bass reaches about 42Hz before falling 10dB, against 53Hz for the JBL Xtreme 3. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 110dB at full volume, against 105dB for the JBL Xtreme 3. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Xtreme 3 lacks. The tradeoff: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.
The JBL Xtreme 3 is the lighter, tougher option. A loud, waterproof stereo speaker with deep bass, balanced sound and a power bank for charging devices. At 4 lbs (1.83 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg). It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. Watch for: Boosted bass.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at $330 for a boombox speaker, or the JBL Xtreme 3 at $269.95 for a large speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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 Xtreme 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $269.95 |
| Ranked | #4 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 105dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 4 lbs (1.83 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.1 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 100W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | 11.7” x 5.4” x 5.3” (298 x 136 x 134 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 53Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 133ms |
| Frequency Response | - | 53.5Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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