Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential for better sound quality, the LG Xboom Stage 301 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential ranks #7 of 73 boombox speakers at $299.95. The LG Xboom Stage 301 ranks #23 at $279.99, $19.96 cheaper.
What the JBL Partybox Encore Essential gets right: A great sounding somewhat boosted bass party speaker. Set against that: Only 6 hours of battery at medium volume. Poor Water rating.
The case for the LG Xboom Stage 301: Wedge-style design works as a karaoke hub with removable/replaceable battery. The tradeoff: overpriced for what it is. Not the greatest frequency response.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the LG Xboom Stage 301 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the LG Xboom Stage 301 is rated for 12 hours versus 6 hours for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential | LG Xboom Stage 301 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $279.99 |
| Ranked | #7 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #23 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (LG Xboom app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Output Power | 100W RMS | 120W |
| Dimensions | 10.9" x 12.9" x 11.5" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 8.7" x 3.1" x 3.5" (220 x 80 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 6.5" woofer + dual 2.5" midrange drivers (Peerless) |
| Max Volume | 110dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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- JBL Partybox Encore vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 2
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- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs JBL Authentics 300
- Tribit Stormbox Blast 2 vs LG Xboom Stage 301
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore Essential: $299.95 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
- 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 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
- See all 22 comparisons
LG Xboom Stage 301: $279.99 Amazon
Pros: Wedge-style design works as a karaoke hub with removable/replaceable battery. Multiple standing positions. AI audio optimization via Dual-Bar lighting.
Cons: overpriced for what it is. Not the greatest frequency response.
Full LG Xboom Stage 301 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (LG Xboom app) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 3.1" x 3.5" (220 x 80 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer + dual 2.5" midrange drivers (Peerless) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 120W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jagist reviews: LG xboom Stage 301 Vs Zealot S95!!!
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- Mike O’Brien: What Did LG Just Launch? (NEW will.i.am x LG xboom Speakers)
- GYMCADDY: LG’s New xboom Speaker And Earbud Lineup Explained - Meet The Stage 301, Bounce, Grab And Buds!
- Reddit Search for LG Xboom Stage 301 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Zealot S95
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast 2
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs JBL Boombox 3
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Zealot ZE01
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs JBL Boombox 3 Wifi
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5
- LG Xboom Stage 301 vs W-King X20
- See all 27 comparisons