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 Skullcandy Barrel ranks #60, rated 3.2/5, at $157.40, $142.55 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties. Its bass reaches about 38Hz before falling 10dB, against 50Hz for the Skullcandy Barrel. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the Skullcandy Barrel cannot.
The Skullcandy Barrel is the longer-running, tougher pick. A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. Watch for: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $142.55 saving on the Skullcandy Barrel 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.
A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers.
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 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $157.40 |
| Ranked | #8 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 60W |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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