These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #6 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $249.95; the Marshall Middleton II ranks #31 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $279.99.
Why pick the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. 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 Marshall Middleton II is the longer-running, lighter option. A waterproof stereo speaker with very deep bass for its size, a long battery, a power bank and an app EQ. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. At 4 lbs (1.8 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. The tradeoff: Bass boosted which drowns out the midrange.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at $249.95 for a boombox speaker, or the Marshall Middleton II at $279.99 for a large speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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 | Marshall Middleton II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $279.99 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #31 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (5 band) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Marshall Stack) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 80W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 9.1” x 3.9” x 4.3” (230 x 98 x 110 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 75mm woofers, 2x 0.625” tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 38Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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