Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 for off axis sound, though the Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 promises more hardware. The Essential 2’s dome tweeters over cone appear better off axis, though it is missing a little bit of upper bass. The Sonic Boom Max 3 pairs 200W RMS and 300W peak with a true 3-way, 5-driver array, but it is a budget brand with limited independent testing and manufacturer-claimed specs.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $20.96 you would save on the Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 does not close the gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $228.99 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #59 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 111Wh (14.8V/7,500mAh) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 16.8 lbs (7.64 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 200W RMS / 300W Peak |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 20.7” x 8.3” x 10.6” (525 x 210 x 268 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 189x114mm woofer, 2x 89mm midrange, 2x 38mm tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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