Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #6 of 76 boombox speakers by sound quality at $259; the Onn Large Party gen 2 ranks #16 of 40 party speakers by sound quality at $129.
Why pick the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: A compact 6.2kg party speaker with 100W output, 110dB maximum level, a 15-hour claimed battery, app-based 7-band EQ, dynamic lighting, USB playback, guitar and mic inputs, and Auracast linking. 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 case for the Onn Large Party gen 2: A remarkably full-featured, manageable 9.5kg party speaker: wheels and handle, FM radio, aux, USB-A charging, mic and guitar inputs with karaoke echo, and Party Sync. Watch for: The low price shows in the refinement.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at $259 for a boombox speaker, or the Onn Large Party gen 2 at $129 for a party speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Onn Large Party gen 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $259.00 | $129 |
| Ranked | #6 of 76 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #16 of 40 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Party Sync Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 160W RMS (640W peak) |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 22.5”H x 11.6”W x 11.8”D (571 x 295 x 300 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | Dual 8” (203mm) woofers + dual tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2:
- Earfun Uboom X vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: $259.00 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential (rated 4.2/5).
Pros: A compact 6.2kg party speaker with 100W output, 110dB maximum level, a 15-hour claimed battery, app-based 7-band EQ, dynamic lighting, USB playback, guitar and mic inputs, and Auracast linking. Independent testing finds a balanced midrange, genuinely punchy low bass and enough output for a backyard gathering; its dome tweeters also improve the earlier Encore’s high-frequency behavior.
Cons: 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. Bluetooth latency can cause lip-sync issues, its IPX4 rating only covers splashes, and it omits the wireless microphones bundled with the non-Essential Encore 2.
Full JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore
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- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 3
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Onn Large Party gen 2: $129 Walmart eBay
Older model: the Onn Large Party gen 1 (rated 2.7/5).
Pros: A remarkably full-featured, manageable 9.5kg party speaker: wheels and handle, FM radio, aux, USB-A charging, mic and guitar inputs with karaoke echo, and Party Sync. Independent testing confirms bass with real impact and enough output for a large room; it is a clear improvement over the Gen 1 for low-end weight.
Cons: The low price shows in the refinement. Consumer Reports found boomy bass, hazy/grainy mids, a prominent smeared treble and a narrow, two-dimensional soundfield; it also notes distortion or other audio issues. There is no app or EQ to tame the tuning, and IPX4 only covers splashes rather than rain or immersion.
Full Onn Large Party gen 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 160W RMS (640W peak) |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 22.5”H x 11.6”W x 11.8”D (571 x 295 x 300 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 8” (203mm) woofers + dual tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Sync Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) |
| Wheels | Yes |
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