Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It ranks #6 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $249.95; the B&O Beolit 20 ranks #48, rated 3.4/5, and costs $749, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the better-sounding, longer-running option. A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. It is rated for 15 hours of battery against 8 for the B&O Beolit 20. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the B&O Beolit 20 cannot. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the B&O Beolit 20. The tradeoff: It is front-facing, so the sound changes noticeably to the sides and behind it, and bass compression reduces kick-drum impact at maximum volume.
The B&O Beolit 20 is the lighter option. A premium designer portable with 360 degree sound and a top that doubles as a wireless phone charger. At 6 lbs (2.7 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg).
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the B&O Beolit 20 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party.
A premium designer portable with 360 degree sound and a top that doubles as a wireless phone charger.
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 Essential 2 | B&O Beolit 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $749.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #48 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 240W peak |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 5.3” x 9.1” x 7.4” (135 x 230 x 189 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer + dual passive radiators |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 93dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 45Hz |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: