Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It ranks #7 of 73 boombox speakers by sound quality at $329.95; the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 ranks #18 and costs $350, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Partybox Encore Essential gets right: A great sounding somewhat boosted bass party speaker. The catch: Only 6 hours of battery at medium volume.
The case for the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2: Warm sound with boosted bass. The tradeoff: Not as loud as others.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Partybox Encore Essential at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential | Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.95 | $350 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | 40Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | 33ms |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Output Power | 100W RMS | 100W AC / 30W battery |
| Dimensions | 10.9" x 12.9" x 11.5" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 20" x 9" x 9.5" (508 x 228.6 x 241.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 2x 90mm (3.5") woofers (front and rear firing) + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Max Volume | 110dB | 99dB |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore Essential: $329.95 Amazon
Pros: A great sounding somewhat boosted bass party speaker.
Cons: Only 6 hours of battery at medium volume. Poor Water rating.
Full JBL Partybox Encore Essential review and specifications →
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9" x 12.9" x 11.5" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DLX Willington: Called It!🤣 JBL Partybox Encore VS Essential, with binaural sound sample.
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Triple Threat 💸 $200 Challenge 🔋 Soundcore Rave Party 2, W-King H10, JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Klipsch Gig XXL vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential (Pee-Wee) - Indoors, Plugged In🔌 Bluetooth Speakers
- Reddit Search for JBL Partybox Encore Essential Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Aiwa Exos-9
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- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 3
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6
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Harman Kardon Go + Play 2: $350 Discontinued
Pros: Warm sound with boosted bass.
Cons: Not as loud as others. No water rating. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Latency | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 33ms |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 20" x 9" x 9.5" (508 x 228.6 x 241.3 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 90mm (3.5") woofers (front and rear firing) + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W AC / 30W battery |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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