Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore. It ranks #6 of 70 boombox speakers at $230; the JBL Partybox Encore Essential ranks #7 and costs $329.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Partybox Encore gets right: 2 included wireless microphones. The tradeoff: Only 10 hours of battery at medium volume.
On the JBL Partybox Encore Essential side: A great sounding somewhat boosted bass party speaker. The catch: Only 6 hours of battery at medium volume.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore | JBL Partybox Encore Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 | $329.95 |
| Ranked | #6 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 70 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | 100ms |
| Max Volume | 110dB | 110dB |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs / 6.3 kg | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.1 |
| Output Power | 100W RMS | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 10.87" x 12.87" x 11.54" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 10.87" x 12.87" x 11.54" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters |
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.
| 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 |
| Dimensions | 10.87" x 12.87" x 11.54" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs / 6.3 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included |
- 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! 🤗
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Soundcore Rave
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Skullcandy Barrel
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Tronsmart Halo 200
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Earfun Uboom X
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Zealot ZE41
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9
- JBL Partybox Encore vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- Links
JBL Partybox Encore Essential: $329.95 Amazon Ebay Refurbished
Pros: A great sounding somewhat boosted bass party speaker.
Cons: Only 6 hours of battery at medium volume. Poor Water rating.
| 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 |
| Dimensions | 10.87" x 12.87" x 11.54" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DLX Willington: Called It!🤣 JBL Partybox Encore VS Essential, with binaural sound sample.
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Triple Threat 💸 $200 Challenge 🔋 Soundcore Rave Party 2, W-King H10, JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Klipsch Gig XXL vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential (Pee-Wee) - Indoors, Plugged In🔌 Bluetooth Speakers
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.