These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #6 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $249.95; the Sonos Move 2 ranks #28 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $480.
Why pick the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Sonos Move 2 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Sonos Move 2 lacks. 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 Sonos Move 2 is the longer-running, lighter option. A Wi-Fi and Bluetooth portable with warm, full sound, clear mids and a long battery for moving around the home. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. At 6.6 lbs (3 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg). It is rated IP56 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. The catch: Not very loud.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at $249.95 if you want a boombox speaker. Buy the Sonos Move 2 at $480 if you want a large speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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 | Sonos Move 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $480.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #28 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP56 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | - |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 9.5” x 6.3” x 5” (242 x 160 x 126 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | mid-woofer, 2x angled tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa (Sonos Voice Control also built in) |
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