Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It ranks #8 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $299.95; the B&O Beolit 20 ranks #48, rated 3.4/5, and costs $749, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties. Its bass reaches about 38Hz before falling 10dB, against 45Hz for the B&O Beolit 20. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the B&O Beolit 20 cannot. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the B&O Beolit 20.
The B&O Beolit 20 is the lighter pick. A premium designer portable with 360 degree sound and a top that doubles as a wireless phone charger. At 6 lbs (2.7 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential at 13 lbs (5.9 kg).
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality than the B&O Beolit 20 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties.
A premium designer portable with 360 degree sound and a top that doubles as a wireless phone charger.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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 | B&O Beolit 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $749.00 |
| Ranked | #8 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #48 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (Bang & Olufsen app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 6 lbs (2.7 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.2 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 240W peak |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 5.3” x 9.1” x 7.4” (135 x 230 x 189 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer + dual passive radiators |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 93dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (built-in strap) |
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