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 Marshall Middleton ranks #33 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $257.52.
The JBL Partybox Encore 2 is the louder pick. 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 99dB for the Marshall Middleton. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Marshall Middleton lacks. The catch: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.
The Marshall Middleton is the longer-running, lighter pick. A waterproof stereo speaker with very deep bass for its size, a long battery, a power bank and a detachable strap. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. At 4 lbs (1.8 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. The catch: 5db dip at 1.7kHz and 6.3kHz.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at $330 for a boombox speaker, or the Marshall Middleton at $257.52 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 | Marshall Middleton | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $257.52 |
| Ranked | #4 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #33 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 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) | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (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 (1.8 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 50W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | 9.1” x 3.7” x 4.3” (230 x 95 x 109 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 0.625” tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 39Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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