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 #5 of 70 boombox speakers at $209; the Teufel Rockster Cross ranks #21 of 75 large speakers at $199.99.
On the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 side: Appears to have better off axis performance due to the move to dome tweeters over cone. The tradeoff: Missing a little bit of upper bass.
The case for the Teufel Rockster Cross: Pretty neutral frequency response.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at $209 if you want a boombox speaker. Buy the Teufel Rockster Cross at $199.99 if you want a large speaker instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Teufel Rockster Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $209.00 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #5 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #21 of 75 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Microphone Input | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Output Power | 100W RMS | 30W |
| Dimensions | 12.58" x 13.46" x 10.25" (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 15.0" x 6.3" x 5.1" (380 x 160 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25") woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75") dome tweeters | 5" woofer, 2x textile dome tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Max Volume | 110dB | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 51Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: $209.00 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Appears to have better off axis performance due to the move to dome tweeters over cone. A little less rolled off in the highs than the first Encore. Goes slightly deeper than the old Encore. Better battery life than the first Encore.
Cons: Missing a little bit of upper bass. No wireless Microphones like the non-Essential
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | 12.58" x 13.46" x 10.25" (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25") woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75") dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | No |
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Teufel Rockster Cross: $199.99 Amazon
Pros: Pretty neutral frequency response. Outdoor mode can sound somewhat harsh due to the 4khz peak.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Dimensions | 15.0" x 6.3" x 5.1" (380 x 160 x 130 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 2x textile dome tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Output Power | 30W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.