Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore, which is cheaper and runs longer. It ranks #7 of 113 against the Encore Essential’s #8 of 113 and manages 10 hours at medium volume against just 6, plus it includes 2 wireless microphones. The Essential is also described as a great sounding, somewhat boosted bass party speaker, so the $69.95 saving at $230 against $299.95 is the bigger factor.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Partybox Encore; it is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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 | JBL Partybox Encore Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #7 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #8 of 113 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 | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| 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 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | - | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- DLX Willington: Called It!🤣 JBL Partybox Encore VS Essential, with binaural sound sample.
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL giving it to us large! The good, The bad, The diabolical!
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