Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential on measured sound quality, the Havit BassBlast Go on price. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential ranks #8 of 113 boombox speakers, rated 4.2/5, at $299.95. The Havit BassBlast Go ranks #53, rated 3.4/5, at $64.54, $235.41 cheaper.
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.
The Havit BassBlast Go is the longer-running, lighter option. An inexpensive stereo boombox with lots of bass for its size, water resistance and a microphone input. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. At 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential at 13 lbs (5.9 kg). It is rated IPX6 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. Watch for: In the only side by side against a rated speaker, listeners preferred the W-King H330, and Techder Audios found the Tribit Stormbox Lava clearly better in sound and build.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Havit BassBlast Go if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 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 | Havit BassBlast Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $64.54 |
| Ranked | #8 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #53 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (Havit Life) |
| 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 | - |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (8 presets) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 120W peak (2x 50W woofers, 2x 10W tweeters) |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 8.7”H x 15.2”W x 5.9”D (222 x 385 x 150 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm (1.5”) tweeters + passive radiators |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Battery Capacity | - | 44Wh (7.4V, 6000mAh) |
| Charging Time | - | 3.5 hours |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (6.35mm) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More.
- Havit BassBlast Go: reviews by Techder Audios and Jagist.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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