Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It ranks #8 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $299.95 and is still sold new; the Bumpboxx Flare 6 ranks #82 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential is the better-sounding choice. A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the Bumpboxx Flare 6 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bumpboxx Flare 6 lacks.
The Bumpboxx Flare 6 is the longer-running, tougher pick. A retro styled stereo party speaker with water resistance and a 12 hour battery. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated IPX6 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Bumpboxx Flare 6 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties.
A retro styled stereo party speaker with water resistance and a 12 hour battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential | Bumpboxx Flare 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $300 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #8 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #82 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 150W |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 24” x 6” x 14” (609.6 x 152.4 x 355.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 6” woofer + tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 115dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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