Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 for the higher ranking, the ZZA K8 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #5 of 70 boombox speakers at $209. The ZZA K8 ranks #47 at $40, $169 cheaper.
On the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 side: Appears to have better off axis performance due to the move to dome tweeters over cone. Set against that: Missing a little bit of upper bass.
The case for the ZZA K8: Completely insane value for the money. The tradeoff: Very V curve frequency response, can be harsh in the treble range.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the ZZA K8 if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | ZZA K8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $209.00 | $40 after clipped coupon |
| Ranked | #5 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | ~30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Microphone Input | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg | 6.8 lbs / 3.1 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | No | Yes 2 Included |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Output Power | 100W RMS | Specs not available |
| Dimensions | 12.58" x 13.46" x 10.25" (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | Dimensions not available |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25") woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75") dome tweeters | 8" woofer + tweeters |
| Max Volume | 110dB | - |
| Aux Output | - | Yes |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Links
ZZA K8: $40 after clipped coupon Amazon
Pros: Completely insane value for the money. Comes with 2 metal body wireless microphones that are USB-C chargeable. Comes with Chinese labeled infrared remote control. Has voice delete function that works quite well. Adjustable microphone reverb. Pretty good build quality. The default EQ is the most balanced, the other two sound muffled.
Cons: Very V curve frequency response, can be harsh in the treble range. Treble is boosted a good +10dB. Midbass is recessed. Slight distortion issue at all volume levels due to the bass high pass filter being set too low
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Output | Yes |
| Battery Life | ~30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Dimensions | Dimensions not available |
| Drivers | 8" woofer + tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Output Power | Specs not available |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs / 3.1 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- 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.