Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 if sound quality matters most, the Havit BassBlast Go if price matters most. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #6 of 113 boombox speakers, rated 4.3/5, at $249.95. The Havit BassBlast Go ranks #53, rated 3.4/5, at $64.54, $185.41 cheaper.
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. The catch: 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 Havit BassBlast Go is the lighter, tougher pick. An inexpensive stereo boombox with lots of bass for its size, water resistance and a microphone input. At 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg). It is rated IPX6 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. Watch for: In the only side by side against a rated speaker, listeners preferred the W-King H330, and Techder Audios found the Tribit Stormbox Lava clearly better in sound and build.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Havit BassBlast Go if the price matters more than sound quality.
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Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 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 | Havit BassBlast Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $64.54 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #53 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (Havit Life) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (8 presets) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (6.35mm) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes |
| 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) | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 120W peak (2x 50W woofers, 2x 10W tweeters) |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 8.7”H x 15.2”W x 5.9”D (222 x 385 x 150 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm (1.5”) tweeters + passive radiators |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| Battery Capacity | - | 44Wh (7.4V, 6000mAh) |
| Charging Time | - | 3.5 hours |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: reviews by Alan Ross, Jagist and KULAS TECH SHOW.
- Havit BassBlast Go: reviews by Techder Audios and Jagist.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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