These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Partybox Encore 2 ranks #4 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $330; the JBL Xtreme 4 ranks #43 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $309.95.
The JBL Partybox Encore 2 is the louder option. A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 110dB at full volume, against 106dB for the JBL Xtreme 4. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Xtreme 4 lacks. The catch: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.
The JBL Xtreme 4 is the longer-running, lighter pick. A rugged, waterproof speaker with clear, punchy sound, a swappable battery, a power bank and excellent real world battery life. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. At 4.6 lbs (2.1 kg) it weighs much 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: It cannot produce the deep rumble of a larger speaker, and bass compression increases near maximum volume.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at $330 if you want a boombox speaker. Buy the JBL Xtreme 4 at $309.95 if you want a large speaker 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 Xtreme 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $309.95 |
| Ranked | #4 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #43 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (5 band) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 106dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 4.6 lbs (2.1 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| 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 5.9” x 5.6” (297 x 149 x 141 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 19mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 220ms |
| Frequency Response | - | 44Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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