Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It ranks #6 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $249.95. The Onn Pro X Large Boom Boombox ranks #49, rated 3.4/5, at $199, $50.95 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the better-sounding, lighter pick. A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. At 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Onn Pro X Large Boom Boombox at 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg). 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 Onn Pro X Large Boom Boombox is the longer-running, tougher choice. A powerful, waterproof party boombox with a 20 hour battery and light modes at a low price. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. The catch: Bass not as deep as higher ranked speakers like the JBL Boombox 3, JBL Boombox 4, or Tribit Stormbox Blast.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $50.95 with the Onn Pro X Large Boom Boombox does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Onn Pro X Large Boom Boombox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $199.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #49 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (Bass Boost) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 180W RMS (540W peak) |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 20.1” x 10.3” x 9” (510 x 261 x 228 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 5 speakers |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| Removable Battery | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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