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 Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 ranks #65, rated 3.1/5, at $90, $159.95 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the better-sounding pick. A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2. 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 Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 is the longer-running, tougher choice. An affordable waterproof party speaker with a big woofer, lights, a karaoke mic input and FM radio. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. Watch for: Lacking detail compared to the Onn Large Party gen 2 and not as deep of bass.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $159.95 you would save on the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party.
An affordable waterproof party speaker with a big woofer, lights, a karaoke mic input and FM radio.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $90 |
| Ranked | #6 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #65 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| 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 | No |
| 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 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 9.6” x 10.9” x 15.1” (244.1 x 277.9 x 383 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 8” (203mm) woofer + tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes (16 presets) |
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