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 Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 ranks #59, rated 3.2/5, at $228.99, $70.96 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential is the better-sounding, lighter option. A compact stereo party speaker with great sound, strong output, and splash resistance for backyard parties. At 13 lbs (5.9 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 at 16.8 lbs (7.64 kg).
The Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 is the tougher pick. A large party speaker with powerful bass, a big fast charging battery and app EQ for outdoor parties. It is rated IPX6 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. Watch for: There is limited independent testing and the water/dust rating is reported inconsistently across listings.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $70.96 saving on the Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 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 large party speaker with powerful bass, a big fast charging battery and app EQ for outdoor parties.
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 | Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $228.99 |
| Ranked | #8 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #59 of 112 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) | 111Wh (14.8V/7,500mAh) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | - |
| 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) | 16.8 lbs (7.64 kg) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 200W RMS / 300W Peak |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 20.7” x 8.3” x 10.6” (525 x 210 x 268 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 189x114mm woofer, 2x 89mm midrange, 2x 38mm tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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