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 Skullcandy Barrel ranks #60, rated 3.2/5, at $157.40, $92.55 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. Its bass reaches about 42Hz before falling 10dB, against 50Hz for the Skullcandy Barrel. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Skullcandy Barrel cannot. The tradeoff: 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 Skullcandy Barrel is the tougher choice. A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers. It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. The catch: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $92.55 saving on the Skullcandy Barrel is not enough to make up the difference.
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.
A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $157.40 |
| Ranked | #6 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 60W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | ~50Hz |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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