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 Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 ranks #65, rated 3.1/5, at $90, $209.95 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
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 has an adjustable EQ, which the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2.
The Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 is the longer-running, tougher pick. An affordable waterproof party speaker with a big woofer, lights, a karaoke mic input and FM radio. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. Watch for: Lacking detail compared to the Onn Large Party gen 2 and not as deep of bass.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $209.95 saving on the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties.
An affordable waterproof party speaker with a big woofer, lights, a karaoke mic input and FM radio.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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 | Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $90 |
| Ranked | #8 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #65 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) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Party Sync Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 11 lbs (5 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 9.6” x 10.9” x 15.1” (244.1 x 277.9 x 383 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 8” (203mm) woofer + tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes (16 presets) |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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