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 EcoXGear Defender ranks #84, rated 2.5/5, and costs $299.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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 EcoXGear Defender cannot. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the EcoXGear Defender.
The EcoXGear Defender is the longer-running, lighter option. A rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank. It is rated for 25 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. At 10 lbs (4.54 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential at 13 lbs (5.9 kg). It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. Watch for: Its single front-facing driver layout has narrow dispersion: clarity and detail drop noticeably when you move off-axis, and the soundstage is limited.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality than the EcoXGear Defender and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties.
A rugged, floating waterproof speaker that gets very loud for its size, with a flashlight, bottle opener and power bank.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential | EcoXGear Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $299.99 |
| Ranked | #8 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #84 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) | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 10 lbs (4.54 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 100W |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 6.7” x 15.4” x 9.6” (170.2 x 391.2 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 52mm full-range driver |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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