Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It ranks #6 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $249.95 and is still sold new; the Bumpboxx Flare 8 ranks #82 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Bumpboxx Flare 8’s replacement, the Bumpboxx Flare8 Pro, is rated 2.8/5 at $449.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the better-sounding, lighter pick. A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. At 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Bumpboxx Flare 8 at 19 lbs (8.62 kg). It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Bumpboxx Flare 8 cannot. 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 8 is the tougher option. A retro styled party speaker with FM radio, water resistance and high volume for small outdoor parties. It is rated IPX6 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. The catch: Bass is thuddy rather than deep or controlled, and there is no app to improve the tuning.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Bumpboxx Flare 8 is no longer sold new.
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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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Bumpboxx Flare 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 113 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) | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 19 lbs (8.62 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 200W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 28” x 8” x 16” (711 x 203 x 406 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 8” woofer + tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 118dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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