These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential ranks #8 of 91 boombox speakers by sound quality at $329.95; the Klipsch Gig XL ranks #28 of 46 party speakers by sound quality at $84.99.
Why pick the JBL Partybox Encore Essential: It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Klipsch Gig XL.
The Klipsch Gig XL is the lighter choice. Commenters on side by side tests found it more balanced than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential, with clearer vocals, and it costs less. At 8.8 lbs (4 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential at 13 lbs (5.9 kg). The catch: The JBL Partybox Encore Essential played louder with more bass, and in another test it sounded weakest next to the Encore Essential and the Harman Kardon Go + Play 3.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential ($329.95) for a boombox speaker; the Klipsch Gig XL ($84.99) suits a party speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential | Klipsch Gig XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.95 | $84.99 |
| Ranked | #8 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #28 of 46 in Party 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) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC power cable |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | - |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 8.8 lbs (4.0 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 30W RMS |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 14”H x 10”W x 9.1”D (355 x 255 x 230 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 1x 6.5” woofer, 1x 2” tweeter |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Lights | - | Yes (RGB light ring) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Partybox Encore Essential:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore Essential: $329.95 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5, released Feb 2025. Battery life goes from 6 to 15 hours. See every JBL PartyBox Encore generation.
Same family: the JBL Partybox Encore (smaller model, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5).
Pros: JBL Partybox Encore Essential uses 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters. Its 5.9 kg, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input, up to 110dB and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 38Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 38Hz specification.
Full JBL Partybox Encore Essential review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL giving it to us large! The good, The bad, The diabolical! More from alanrossreviews →
- DLX Willington: Called It!🤣 JBL Partybox Encore VS Essential, with binaural sound sample. More from DLXWillington →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Triple Threat 💸 $200 Challenge 🔋 Soundcore Rave Party 2, W-King H10, JBL Partybox Encore Essential More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Klipsch Gig XXL vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential (Pee-Wee) - Indoors, Plugged In🔌 Bluetooth Speakers
- YouTube: Klipsch Gig Xl vs JBL Encore Essential
- DLX Willington: Sony SRS-XG500 vs JBL Encore Essential Sound Battle
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Aiwa Exos-9
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL Partybox Encore
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Vifa Copenhagen 2.0
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Ultra
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
- See all 81 comparisons
Klipsch Gig XL: $84.99 Amazon eBay
Same family: the Klipsch Gig XXL (larger model, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: Commenters on side by side tests found it more balanced than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential, with clearer vocals, and it costs less. Battery powered with a 6.5” woofer, an aux input and lights.
Cons: The JBL Partybox Encore Essential played louder with more bass, and in another test it sounded weakest next to the Encore Essential and the Harman Kardon Go + Play 3. It is only IPX4 splash resistant.
Full Klipsch Gig XL review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 30W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 14”H x 10”W x 9.1”D (355 x 255 x 230 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 6.5” woofer, 1x 2” tweeter |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes (RGB light ring) |
| Power Input | AC power cable |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs (4.0 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples