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. The LG Xboom Stage 301 ranks #36, rated 3.7/5, at $229.99, $19.96 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Encore Essential 2 is the better-tuned speaker. Its 5.25-inch woofer and two dome tweeters give it a balanced midrange and punchy bass, reaching 42Hz before falling 10dB, and Alan Ross measured 110dB at full volume. It adds mic and guitar inputs, a 7-band EQ and Auracast. It is front-facing, so the sound changes off to the sides.
The Xboom Stage 301 is a karaoke hub with a removable battery. A 6.5-inch woofer and two 2.5-inch midrange drivers reach almost as deep, about 43Hz before falling 10dB, and its wedge shape stands in several positions. It charges over USB-C and supports AAC. Its frequency response is less even than the JBL’s, and both weigh 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) and carry IPX4 ratings.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $19.96 saving on the LG Xboom Stage 301 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party.
A wedge shaped karaoke speaker with a swappable battery and multiple standing positions.
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 | LG Xboom Stage 301 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $229.99 |
| Ranked | #6 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #36 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (LG Xboom app) |
| 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 (App EQ) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 120W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 8.7” x 3.1” x 3.5” (220 x 80 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 6.5” woofer + dual 2.5” midrange drivers (Peerless) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 43Hz |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 compares with other leading options: