Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore. It ranks #6 of 73 boombox speakers by sound quality at $230; the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 ranks #12 and costs $298.90, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Partybox Encore gets right: A great sounding somewhat boosted bass party speaker. The catch: Only 10 hours of battery at medium volume.
On the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 side: Warm sound with boosted bass. Set against that: Sounds a little sterile.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Partybox Encore at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore | Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 | $298.90 |
| Ranked | #6 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #12 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | 37Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | 266ms |
| Max Volume | 110dB | 96dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs / 6.3 kg | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Output Power | 100W RMS | 50W RMS |
| Dimensions | 10.9" x 12.9" x 11.5" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 11.3" x 11.3" (285.8 x 285.8 mm) (round design) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 75mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Zealot S89
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 vs JBL Boombox 3
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 vs Zealot ZE41
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore: $230 Walmart
Pros: A great sounding somewhat boosted bass party speaker. 2 included wireless microphones.
Cons: Only 10 hours of battery at medium volume. Poor water rating.
Full JBL Partybox Encore review and specifications →
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs / 6.3 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL giving it to us large! The good, The bad, The diabolical!
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: JBL Partybox Encore vs Earfun UBoom X: outdoors
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: JBL Partybox Encore vs Earfun UBoom X: indoors
- M1M Tech Channel: JBL Partybox Encore 2 Ein fettes Bass Upgrade
- Alan Ross Reviews: This changed my opinion on JBL speakers!
- DLX Willington: Called It!🤣 JBL Partybox Encore VS Essential, with binaural sound sample.
- True Techy: BOSE S1 Pro vs JBLPartybox ENCORE This Comparison SHOCKED me!!!
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Skullcandy Barrel XT Boombox vs. JBL Partybox Encore Party Speaker.🛜 How Low Can You Go?😲
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Tronsmart Halo 200 vs JBL Partybox Encore 🔊 Sound Check & Wireless Microphone test 🔋 Battery Powered
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: ONN Large Party Speaker Gen 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore 🛻 Tailgater Special 🔋 Battery Powered
- Dominik Reviews: Soundcore Rave 3 vs JBL Partybox Encore - Quick Sound Test! 🤗
- Reddit Search for JBL Partybox Encore Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Encore vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- JBL Partybox Encore vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Aiwa Exos-9
- JBL Partybox Encore vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 3
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Tribit Stormbox Blast
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Earfun Uboom X
- See all 18 comparisons
Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7: $298.90 Amazon
Pros: Warm sound with boosted bass.
Cons: Sounds a little sterile. 8 hour battery at medium volume, teeny bit less bass than the Onyx 6. Not at loud as others. No water rating.
Full Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 266ms |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 11.3" (285.8 x 285.8 mm) (round design) |
| Drivers | 2x 75mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 96dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 50W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | DC Barrel Connector (19V/2.1A) |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 2 vs Onyx Studio 7 big bass battle 💋
- Alan Ross Reviews: Onyx Studio 7 vs Onyx Studio 6 - massive deep bass battle 😁
- Geri’s Collection: Harman Kardon Onyx 7 vs Onyx 4
- KULAS TECH SHOW: Harman / Kardon Onyx Studio 5 vs Onyx Studio 7 - Close battle🔥🔥
- Alan Ross Reviews: Ultimate HK Onyx Studio speaker review and comparison! 8 speakers!
- Reddit Search for Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 vs Zealot ZE41
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 vs Zealot ZE21
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 vs Zealot S89
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 7 vs JBL Boombox 4
- See all 19 comparisons