Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It ranks #8 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $299.95. The Pioneer PBM5 ranks #112, rated 2.0/5, at $149, $150.95 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential is the better-sounding option. A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties.
The Pioneer PBM5 is the longer-running choice. A loud karaoke boombox with two mic inputs, a guitar input, lights, a shoulder strap and a choice of USB-C or AC power. It is rated for 13 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. The tradeoff: Williston Audio Labs was not impressed with its sound: there is very little bass below 100Hz, and the amplifier’s output has a big dip from 1.6kHz to 10kHz that leaves the upper mids and treble recessed.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $150.95 saving on the Pioneer PBM5 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Measured Differences
- Output: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential was measured at 110 dB maximum against 105 dB for the Pioneer PBM5, so it gets somewhat louder before it runs out of headroom.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential | Pioneer PBM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #8 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #112 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 13 hours at 60% volume (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (presets + user EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C or AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes (MP3 only) |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.4 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 300W peak (Manufacturer specified), about 90W measured |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 8.9”H x 17.4”W x 8.1”D (226 x 442 x 207 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 2x 133mm (5.25”) woofers + 2x 51mm (2”) tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 105dB at 2m (measured by Williston Audio Labs) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| Guitar Input | - | Yes |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (2 inputs) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More.
- Pioneer PBM5: reviews by Williston Audio Labs and AnotherReview ByFrank.
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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