These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #6 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $249.95; the Soundcore Rave 3S ranks #20 of 53 party speakers by sound quality at $299.99.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the 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 Soundcore Rave 3S at 21.6 lbs (9.8 kg). It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Soundcore Rave 3S. 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 Soundcore Rave 3S: A big party speaker with two wireless microphones, a remote, and a vocal removal feature for karaoke nights. The catch: Some upper bass and upper mids boost.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at $249.95 for a boombox speaker, or the Soundcore Rave 3S at $299.99 for 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 | Soundcore Rave 3S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $299.99 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #20 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 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 (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 21.6 lbs (9.8 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | Yes 2 Included |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 200W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 21.7”H x 11.1”W x 12”D (550 x 283 x 306 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 1x 6.5” (165mm) woofer + 3x 2.5” (63mm) full-range drivers |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
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