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 Tronsmart Halo 200 ranks #76, rated 2.8/5, at $169.99, $79.96 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. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Tronsmart Halo 200 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.
What the Tronsmart Halo 200 does well: A three-way party speaker with dynamic lighting, an 18 hour battery and broadcast linking for many speakers. The catch: Not as deep bass as some of the top ranked.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $79.96 with the Tronsmart Halo 200 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Close enough not to matter: maximum output (110 dB vs 110 dB).
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Tronsmart Halo 200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $169.99 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #76 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 120W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 15.2” x 11.1” x 10.5” (386 x 282 x 266 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 1x 5.7” (145mm) woofer + 2x 2.24” (57mm) mid-tweeters + 1x 1.22” (31mm) tweeter |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 44Hz |
| Aux Latency | - | 16ms |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 160ms |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: reviews by Alan Ross, Jagist and KULAS TECH SHOW.
- Tronsmart Halo 200: reviews by Alan Ross and Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More.
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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