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 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $249.95; the Onn XL Wireless Party Speaker ranks #11 of 53 party speakers by sound quality at $249.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the lighter choice. 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 much less than the Onn XL Wireless Party Speaker at 44 lbs (19.96 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.
What the Onn XL Wireless Party Speaker does well: A loud wheeled karaoke party speaker with punchy bass, two included wireless mics, and guitar inputs at a reasonable price. Watch for: Sound favors punch and a forward/bright top end over refinement.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at $249.95 if you want a boombox speaker. Buy the Onn XL Wireless Party Speaker at $249 if you want a party speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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 | Onn XL Wireless Party Speaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $249.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #11 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (2 inputs, karaoke mode) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 44 lbs (19.96 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | Yes 2 Included |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 240W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 30.1”H x 15.7”W x 15.5”D (765.0 x 400.0 x 392.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | Dual 8” (203mm) woofers + dual 2” (51mm) tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| Removable Battery | - | No |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
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