JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Sony ULT Field 5

Last updated: September 26, 2026

These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The JBL Partybox Encore 2 ranks #4 of 76 boombox speakers by sound quality at $330; the Sony ULT Field 5 ranks #44 of 82 large speakers by sound quality at $198.

JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Sony ULT Field 5

The case for the JBL Partybox Encore 2: The Encore 2 improves the original with dome tweeters, a less boomy balance, slightly deeper bass, longer battery life and two included wireless microphones. Watch for: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.

Why pick the Sony ULT Field 5: A tough 3.3kg portable with IP67 protection, LDAC/AAC support, aux input, a 10-band app EQ, Party Connect, USB-C power-bank output and a claimed 25-hour battery. Watch for: It prioritizes bass and loudness over fidelity: reviews find the upper mids and highs subdued, with limited stereo separation and soundstage depth.

Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 ($330) for a boombox speaker; the Sony ULT Field 5 ($198) suits a large speaker instead.

If battery life is a priority, the Sony ULT Field 5 is rated for 25 hours versus 15 hours for the JBL Partybox Encore 2.

Water resistance is not close: the Sony ULT Field 5 is rated at IP67 (brief submersion), well ahead of the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at IPX4 (splashing).

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.

Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at Sam’s Club →Buy the Sony ULT Field 5 at Amazon ($198) →

Specifications Side By Side

JBL Partybox Encore 2 Sony ULT Field 5
Price$330$198
Ranked#4 of 76 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#44 of 82 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
AppYes (JBL PartyBox app)Yes
Aux InputYesYes
Battery Life15 hours (Manufacturer specified)25 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Built-in MicrophoneNoYes
EQYes (7 band App EQ)Yes (App + ULT button)
IP RatingIPX4IP67
Maximum SPL110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)-
Party ModeYes (Auracast)Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers)
Power BankYes (USB-C)Yes (USB-C)
Power InputAC Power cordUSB-C
Removable BatteryYes-
StereoYesYes
OmnidirectionalNoNo
TWSYesYes
USB PlaybackYes-
Weight14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)
Wireless MicrophonesYes 2 Included-
Bluetooth CodecsSBCSBC, AAC, LDAC
Bluetooth Version5.45.3
Amplifier Power100W RMS27W
Dimensions12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm)12.6” x 5.7” x 4.9” (320 x 144 x 125 mm)
Drivers1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters2x 46mm tweeters + 1x 79mm x 107mm woofer
Digital Aux InputNoNo
LightsYes-
StrapNoYes (detachable shoulder strap)
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 at Sam’s Club →Buy the Sony ULT Field 5 at Amazon ($198) →

More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Partybox Encore 2:

Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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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The Two Speakers In Full

JBL Partybox Encore 2: $330 Sam’s Club eBay

JBL Partybox Encore 2 ranking card

Older model: the JBL Partybox Encore (rated 4.3/5).

Pros: The Encore 2 improves the original with dome tweeters, a less boomy balance, slightly deeper bass, longer battery life and two included wireless microphones. Its compact karaoke-ready design and 7-band EQ make it more adaptable indoors than the earlier Encore.

Cons: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes. The main value is compact karaoke convenience rather than full-range party output.

Full JBL Partybox Encore 2 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power100W RMS
AppYes (JBL PartyBox app)
Aux InputYes
Battery Life15 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Version5.4
Built-in MicrophoneNo
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm)
Drivers1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters
EQYes (7 band App EQ)
IP RatingIPX4
LightsYes
Maximum SPL110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (Auracast)
Power BankYes (USB-C)
Power InputAC Power cord
Removable BatteryYes
StereoYes
StrapNo
TWSYes
USB PlaybackYes
Weight14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)
Wireless MicrophonesYes 2 Included
Check current price at Sam’s Club →Search eBay for JBL Partybox Encore 2 →

Sony ULT Field 5: $198 Amazon eBay

Sony ULT Field 5 ranking card

Older models: the Sony SRS-XB43 (rated 3.5/5) and the Sony SRS-XG300 (rated 3.1/5).

Pros: A tough 3.3kg portable with IP67 protection, LDAC/AAC support, aux input, a 10-band app EQ, Party Connect, USB-C power-bank output and a claimed 25-hour battery. Reviews find it energetic and dynamic with substantial bass, enough volume for a yard, and two ULT modes that let bass-focused listeners choose a deeper or punchier presentation.

Cons: It prioritizes bass and loudness over fidelity: reviews find the upper mids and highs subdued, with limited stereo separation and soundstage depth. Deep bass is less authoritative than the enclosure suggests, and the loud confirmation tone when pressing the ULT button is an unnecessary annoyance. Use the app EQ and audition it before buying for detail-focused music.

Full Sony ULT Field 5 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power27W
AppYes
Aux InputYes
Battery Life25 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, LDAC
Bluetooth Version5.3
Built-in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions12.6” x 5.7” x 4.9” (320 x 144 x 125 mm)
Drivers2x 46mm tweeters + 1x 79mm x 107mm woofer
EQYes (App + ULT button)
IP RatingIP67
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeYes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers)
Power BankYes (USB-C)
Power InputUSB-C
StereoYes
StrapYes (detachable shoulder strap)
TWSYes
Weight7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)
Check current price at Amazon ($198) →Search eBay for Sony ULT Field 5 →