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 Pioneer PBM5 ranks #112, rated 2.0/5, at $149, $100.95 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. 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 case for the Pioneer PBM5: A loud karaoke boombox with two mic inputs, a guitar input, lights, a shoulder strap and a choice of USB-C or AC power. The tradeoff: Williston Audio Labs was not impressed with its sound: there is very little bass below 100Hz, and the amplifier’s output has a big dip from 1.6kHz to 10kHz that leaves the upper mids and treble recessed.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $100.95 you would save on the Pioneer PBM5 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Output: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 was measured at 110 dB maximum against 105 dB for the Pioneer PBM5, so it gets somewhat louder before it runs out of headroom.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Pioneer PBM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #112 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 13 hours at 60% volume (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (presets + user EQ) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (2 inputs) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C or AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes (MP3 only) |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 300W peak (Manufacturer specified), about 90W measured |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 8.9”H x 17.4”W x 8.1”D (226 x 442 x 207 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 133mm (5.25”) woofers + 2x 51mm (2”) tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 105dB at 2m (measured by Williston Audio Labs) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: reviews by Alan Ross, Jagist and KULAS TECH SHOW.
- Pioneer PBM5: reviews by Williston Audio Labs and AnotherReview ByFrank.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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