Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It ranks #4 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $330. The Skullcandy Barrel ranks #60, rated 3.2/5, at $157.40, $172.60 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Partybox Encore 2 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. 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 50Hz for the Skullcandy Barrel. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Skullcandy Barrel cannot. Watch for: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.
The Skullcandy Barrel is the tougher option. A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers. It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. The catch: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $172.60 saving on the Skullcandy Barrel 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.
A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore 2 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $157.40 |
| Ranked | #4 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 60W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | ~50Hz |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Partybox Encore 2: