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 Diamondboxx M3 ranks #76 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential is the better-sounding, tougher option. A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties. It is rated IPX4, while the Diamondboxx M3 has no water resistance. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the Diamondboxx M3 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Diamondboxx M3 lacks.
The Diamondboxx M3 is the longer-running pick. A compact, very loud boombox with a powerful amplifier and a choice of large battery packs. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. The tradeoff: Despite its output, bass does not reach as deep as the best large portables and can distort when pushed hard.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Diamondboxx M3 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 compact, very loud boombox with a powerful amplifier and a choice of large battery packs.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential | Diamondboxx M3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $700 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #8 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #76 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) | 40 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 | None |
| 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) | 11 lbs (5 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 200W RMS / 400W peak |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 14.7” x 9” x 8” (373.4 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 3” woofer + tweeter array |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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