Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It ranks #8 of 98 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $329.95 and is still sold new; the W-King H10 ranks #75 (rated 2.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. Its bass reaches about 38Hz before falling 10dB, against 54Hz for the W-King H10. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the W-King H10 cannot.
The W-King H10 is the louder, longer-running option. Comes with wireless microphone. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 115dB at full volume, against 110dB for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. At 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential at 13 lbs (5.9 kg). Watch for: Not very deep bass.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the W-King H10 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential | W-King H10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.95 | $215 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #8 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #75 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | 150ms |
| 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 | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 120W RMS |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 14.5” x 9.9” (368.3 x 251.7 mm) (incomplete) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 1x 5.25” (133mm) subwoofer + 2x 31mm midrange drivers + 2x 3” (76mm) tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 115dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore Essential: $329.95 Amazon $329.95 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5, released Feb 2025. Battery life goes from 6 to 15 hours. See every JBL PartyBox Encore generation.
Same family: the JBL Partybox Encore (smaller model, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5).
Pros: JBL Partybox Encore Essential uses 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters. Its 5.9 kg, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input, up to 110dB and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 38Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 38Hz specification.
Full JBL Partybox Encore Essential review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL giving it to us large! The good, The bad, The diabolical! More from alanrossreviews →
- DLX Willington: Called It!🤣 JBL Partybox Encore VS Essential, with binaural sound sample. More from DLXWillington →
- DLX Willington: Sony SRS-XG500 vs JBL Encore Essential Sound Battle
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Klipsch Gig XXL vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential (Pee-Wee) - Indoors, Plugged In🔌 Bluetooth Speakers More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Triple Threat 💸 $200 Challenge 🔋 Soundcore Rave Party 2, W-King H10, JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- YouTube: Klipsch Gig Xl vs JBL Encore Essential
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- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
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- See all 81 comparisons
W-King H10: $215 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Comes with wireless microphone. Loud. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not very deep bass. Boosted upper bass. Upper midrange dips. Distorts above medium volumes. No water rating. Discontinued and sold out everywhere, including direct from W-King.
Full W-King H10 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 120W RMS |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 150ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 14.5” x 9.9” (368.3 x 251.7 mm) (incomplete) |
| Drivers | 1x 5.25” (133mm) subwoofer + 2x 31mm midrange drivers + 2x 3” (76mm) tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons