Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Partybox Encore is the better pick: it ranks #7 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5), against #74 (rated 2.8/5) for the Demerbox DB2. If you want one new, the JBL Partybox Encore 2 replaces the JBL Partybox Encore and is rated 4.4/5 at $330.
The JBL Partybox Encore is the better-sounding option. A great sounding stereo party speaker with two wireless mics included and plenty of volume; now discontinued but worth buying used. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the Demerbox DB2 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Demerbox DB2 lacks. The catch: Only IPX4 splash resistance.
The Demerbox DB2 is the longer-running, lighter choice. A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore. At 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Encore at 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg). It is rated IP67 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore. The catch: Bass is not as deep as better speakers.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2, which replaces the JBL Partybox Encore.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A great sounding stereo party speaker with two wireless mics included and plenty of volume; now discontinued but worth buying used.
A nearly indestructible waterproof speaker built from a Pelican case, with a 40 hour battery and dry storage.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore | Demerbox DB2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $400 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #74 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) | 5.4 lbs (2.47 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 22W RMS |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 10.6” x 9.7” x 6.9” (270 x 246 x 175 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 3” (76mm) aluminum cone full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
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