Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Partybox Encore ranks #7 of 91 boombox speakers by sound quality at $230; the Onn Large Party gen 2 ranks #17 of 46 party speakers by sound quality at $129.
The JBL Partybox Encore is the lighter option. A great sounding party speaker with somewhat boosted bass and two included wireless microphones. At 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Onn Large Party gen 2 at 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg). It has an adjustable EQ, which the Onn Large Party gen 2 lacks. Watch for: Only IPX4 splash resistance.
The Onn Large Party gen 2 is the longer-running option. A remarkably full-featured, manageable 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) party speaker: wheels and handle, FM radio, aux, USB-A charging, mic and guitar inputs with karaoke echo, and Party Sync. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore. The tradeoff: The low price shows in the refinement.
Worth knowing: the JBL Partybox Encore is discontinued, though it still ranks #7 of 91 boombox speakers by sound quality, so a used unit beats most of what is still sold new. The JBL Partybox Encore’s replacement, the JBL Partybox Encore 2, is rated 4.4/5 at $330.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore ($230) for a boombox speaker; the Onn Large Party gen 2 ($129) suits a party speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore | Onn Large Party gen 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $129 |
| Ranked | #7 of 91 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #17 of 46 in Party 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) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Party Sync Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 160W RMS (640W peak) |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 22.5”H x 11.6”W x 11.8”D (571 x 295 x 300 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | Dual 8” (203mm) woofers + dual tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
| Guitar Input | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
| Strap | - | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Related Speaker Comparisons
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Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore: $230 Discontinued Walmart eBay
Newer model: the JBL Partybox Encore 2, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5, released Apr 2025. Battery life goes from 6 to 15 hours. See every JBL PartyBox Encore generation.
Same family: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential (larger model, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5).
Pros: JBL Partybox Encore uses 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters. Its 6.3 kg, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input, up to 110dB and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A great sounding party speaker with somewhat boosted bass and two included wireless microphones. Measured bass extension of 38Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 38Hz specification. Only IPX4 splash resistance. Discontinued.
Full JBL Partybox Encore review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| 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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL giving it to us large! The good, The bad, The diabolical! More from alanrossreviews →
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: JBL Partybox Encore vs Earfun UBoom X: outdoors More from Oluv’Sone →
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: JBL Partybox Encore vs Earfun UBoom X: indoors
- M1M Tech Channel: JBL Partybox Encore 2 Ein fettes Bass Upgrade More from M1MTechChannel →
- Alan Ross Reviews: This changed my opinion on JBL speakers!
- DLX Willington: Called It!🤣 JBL Partybox Encore VS Essential, with binaural sound sample. More from DLXWillington →
- 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?😲 More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- 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! 🤗 More from Dominik Reviews →
- Mateusz Cholewa: Soundcore Rave 3 160W 🧐🆚 JBL Encore Partybox More from Mateusz Cholewa →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tronsmart Halo 200 partybox and karaoke machine (vs bang max, JBL Encore)
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Encore Vs Gemini GRV-650L!!! 😁 More from Jagistreviews →
- Jagist reviews: W-king X20 Vs Jbl Encore!!! 😁😁😁
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Encore Vs Gemini GGO-650L 😁 80$ vs 400$
- 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 On-The-Go 2 Plus
- JBL Partybox Encore vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 3
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Ultra
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Tribit Stormbox Blast
- See all 70 comparisons
Onn Large Party gen 2: $129 Walmart eBay
Older model: the Onn Large Party gen 1 (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5). See every Onn Large Party generation.
Pros: A remarkably full-featured, manageable 9.5kg party speaker: wheels and handle, FM radio, aux, USB-A charging, mic and guitar inputs with karaoke echo, and Party Sync. Independent testing confirms bass with real impact and enough output for a large room; it is a clear improvement over the Gen 1 for low-end weight.
Cons: The low price shows in the refinement. Consumer Reports found boomy bass, hazy/grainy mids, a prominent smeared treble and a narrow, two-dimensional soundfield; it also notes distortion or other audio issues. There is no app or EQ to tame the tuning, and IPX4 only covers splashes rather than rain or immersion.
Full Onn Large Party gen 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 160W RMS (640W peak) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 22.5”H x 11.6”W x 11.8”D (571 x 295 x 300 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 8” (203mm) woofers + dual tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Sync Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) |
| Wheels | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: ONN Large Party Speaker Gen. 2 & 1 🔉 🔉 How To Do TWS & TWS Sound Demo. Bluetooth Speakers in Garage More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: ONN XL Party Speaker vs.Two Large Gen. 2 Party Speakers. ONN With The Showdown🔌 Plugged In
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: ONN Large Party Speaker 2 🎶 (Gen 2.0) First Look and Light Demo
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: ONN Large Party Speaker Gen 2 vs JBL Partybox 110 ☀️ Outdoors Pole Mounted 🤯 Bass Boost On
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: ONN Large Party Speaker Gen 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore 🛻 Tailgater Special 🔋 Battery Powered
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: ONN Large Party Speaker Gen. 2 (Bass Boost On) vs JBL Partybox 110 (Bass Boost 1)🩻Battery Powered🔋
- Williston Audio Labs: This Walmart Bluetooth Speaker is INCREDIBLE More from Williston Audio Labs →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Onn Large Party gen 2 vs Sony SRS-XV500
- Onn Large Party gen 2 vs Tronsmart Halo 300
- Onn Large Party gen 2 vs Sony SRS-XP500
- Onn Large Party gen 2 vs Soundcore Rave 3S
- Onn Large Party gen 2 vs Sony SRS-XP700
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- Onn Large Party gen 2 vs W-King T12
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- See all 78 comparisons