Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Partybox Encore 2 ranks #4 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $330; the Soundboks Rider ranks #31 of 53 party speakers by sound quality at $599.
Why pick the JBL Partybox Encore 2: A compact karaoke party speaker with two wireless mics, better balanced sound than the original and a long battery. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Soundboks Rider cannot. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Soundboks Rider. The tradeoff: It still lacks some upper-bass punch and cannot match the scale of the larger PartyBoxes.
The Soundboks Rider is the longer-running, tougher choice. A light, rugged party speaker with a swappable battery that lasts all day at mid volume and an app with a six band EQ. It is rated for 35 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. It is rated IP66 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore 2. The catch: Its sealed 8in woofer runs out of real bass at high volume: Xander measured the -6 dB point rising to roughly 75 to 85 Hz at maximum, with 40 Hz some 20 dB down, and M1M heard the bass pulled back toward the upper bass above mid volume.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 ($330) for a boombox speaker; the Soundboks Rider ($599) suits a party speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 AM 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 | Soundboks Rider | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $599.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #31 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (Soundboks) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 35 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (6-band EQ + Bass+, Indoor and Outdoor profiles) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP66 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 113.2dB(C) (measured by M1M Tech Channel) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No (no TeamUp) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C (65W fast charging) |
| Removable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 92W RMS (72W woofer + 20W tweeter) |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.3” x 10.4” (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | - |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 8” woofer (sealed), 1.2” dome tweeter in horn |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Partybox Encore 2: