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 and is still sold new; the Bumpboxx Flare 6 ranks #82 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the better-sounding choice. A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Bumpboxx Flare 6 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bumpboxx Flare 6 lacks. Watch for: 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 Bumpboxx Flare 6 is the tougher option. A retro styled stereo party speaker with water resistance and a 12 hour battery. It is rated IPX6 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Bumpboxx Flare 6 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party.
A retro styled stereo party speaker with water resistance and a 12 hour battery.
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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Bumpboxx Flare 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $300 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| 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) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 150W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 24” x 6” x 14” (609.6 x 152.4 x 355.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 6” woofer + tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 115dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
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