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 Tronsmart Halo 200 ranks #76, rated 2.8/5, at $169.99, $129.96 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. 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 44Hz for the Tronsmart Halo 200. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the Tronsmart Halo 200 cannot.
The Tronsmart Halo 200 is the longer-running pick. A three-way party speaker with dynamic lighting, an 18 hour battery and broadcast linking for many speakers. It is rated for 18 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. Watch for: Not as deep bass as some of the top ranked.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $129.96 with the Tronsmart Halo 200 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Measured Differences
- Close enough not to matter: maximum output (110 dB vs 110 dB).
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential | Tronsmart Halo 200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $169.99 |
| Ranked | #8 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #76 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | 16ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | 44Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | 160ms |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 120W |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 15.2” x 11.1” x 10.5” (386 x 282 x 266 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 1x 5.7” (145mm) woofer + 2x 2.24” (57mm) mid-tweeters + 1x 1.22” (31mm) tweeter |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Guitar Input | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential: reviews by Alan Ross, DLX Willington and Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More.
- Tronsmart Halo 200: reviews by Alan Ross and Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More.
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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