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 Demerbox DB2 ranks #74 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the better-sounding pick. 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 Demerbox DB2 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Demerbox DB2 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 Demerbox DB2 is the longer-running, lighter choice. A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. At 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg). It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. Watch for: Bass is not as deep as better speakers.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Demerbox DB2 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 nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Demerbox DB2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #74 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 22W RMS |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 10.6” x 9.7” x 6.9” (270 x 246 x 175 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 3” (76mm) aluminum cone full-range drivers |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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