Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2 for the higher ranking, the ZZA K8 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Encore 2 ranks #4 of 70 boombox speakers at $330. The ZZA K8 ranks #47 at $40, $290 cheaper.
On the JBL Partybox Encore 2 side: Appears to have better off axis performance due to the move to dome tweeters over cone. The catch: Missing a little bit of upper bass.
The case for the ZZA K8: Completely insane value for the money. Set against that: Very V curve frequency response, can be harsh in the treble range.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2 if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the ZZA K8 if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore 2 | ZZA K8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $330 | $40 after clipped coupon |
| Ranked | #4 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | ~30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Max Volume | 110dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs / 6.4 kg | 6.8 lbs / 3.1 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | Yes 2 Included |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Output Power | 100W RMS | Specs not available |
| Dimensions | 12.58" x 13.33" x 10.35" (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) | Dimensions not available |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25") woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75") dome tweeters | 8" woofer + tweeters |
| Aux Output | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore 2: $330 Samsclub
Pros: Appears to have better off axis performance due to the move to dome tweeters over cone. A little less rolled off in the highs than the first Encore. Goes slightly deeper than the old Encore. Includes 2 wireless microphones. Better battery life than the first Encore.
Cons: Missing a little bit of upper bass.
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | 12.58" x 13.33" x 10.35" (319.5 x 338.6 x 263 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25") woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75") dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs / 6.4 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL giving it to us large! The good, The bad, The diabolical!
- M1M Tech Channel: Partybox Killer? 2x Earfun UBoom X stärker als JBL Encore 2 ?
- M1M Tech Channel: JBL Partybox Encore 2 Ein fettes Bass Upgrade
- Mateusz Cholewa: JBL Partybox ENCORE 2👌FULL TEST🆚 JBL Partybox ENCORE 1
- Mateusz Cholewa: Jbl Partybox Encore 2 📦UNBOXING. Short TEST AUDIO z ENCORE 1👌
- Mateusz Cholewa: JBL Encore 2 Partybox Deep Bass 🆚 Jbl Boombox 3 WiFi 🎶
- Dominik Reviews: JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Boombox 3 WiFi - Sound Test - Wide vs Narrow Soundstage!
- M1M Tech Channel: JBL Partybox Encore 2 Ein fettes Bass Upgrade
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 3
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Earfun Uboom X
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Zealot ZE41
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Boombox 4
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Boombox 3 Wifi
- See all 14 comparisons
- Links
ZZA K8: $40 after clipped coupon Amazon
Pros: Completely insane value for the money. Comes with 2 metal body wireless microphones that are USB-C chargeable. Comes with Chinese labeled infrared remote control. Has voice delete function that works quite well. Adjustable microphone reverb. Pretty good build quality. The default EQ is the most balanced, the other two sound muffled.
Cons: Very V curve frequency response, can be harsh in the treble range. Treble is boosted a good +10dB. Midbass is recessed. Slight distortion issue at all volume levels due to the bass high pass filter being set too low
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Output | Yes |
| Battery Life | ~30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | Dimensions not available |
| Drivers | 8" woofer + tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Output Power | Specs not available |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs / 3.1 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.