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 Diamondboxx M3 ranks #76 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the better-sounding, tougher choice. A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. It is rated IPX4, while the Diamondboxx M3 has no water resistance. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Diamondboxx M3 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Diamondboxx M3 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 Diamondboxx M3 is the longer-running choice. A compact, very loud boombox with a powerful amplifier and a choice of large battery packs. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. Watch for: Despite its output, bass does not reach as deep as the best large portables and can distort when pushed hard.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Diamondboxx M3 is discontinued.
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 compact, very loud boombox with a powerful amplifier and a choice of large battery packs.
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 | Diamondboxx M3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $700 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #6 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #76 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 | None |
| 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) | 11 lbs (5 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 200W RMS / 400W peak |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 14.7” x 9” x 8” (373.4 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 3” woofer + tweeter array |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: