Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It ranks #4 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $330. The Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 ranks #65, rated 3.1/5, at $90, $240 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Partybox Encore 2 is the better-sounding option. A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2. The tradeoff: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.
The Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 is the longer-running, lighter option. An affordable waterproof party speaker with a big woofer, lights, a karaoke mic input and FM radio. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. At 11 lbs (5 kg) it weighs noticeably 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: Lacking detail compared to the Onn Large Party gen 2 and not as deep of bass.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $240 saving on the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery.
An affordable waterproof party speaker with a big woofer, lights, a karaoke mic input and FM radio.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore 2 | Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $90 |
| Ranked | #4 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #65 of 112 in Boombox 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 | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Party Sync Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 11 lbs (5 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | 9.6” x 10.9” x 15.1” (244.1 x 277.9 x 383 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 8” (203mm) woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes (16 presets) |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
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