Short answer: the Partybox Encore, and the ranking gap is large. It ranks #7 of 113 boombox speakers at $230; the Barrel ranks #60 at $145, $85 less. The JBL Partybox Encore is discontinued; its replacement is the JBL Partybox Encore 2. If you are buying new, get the JBL Partybox Encore 2.
The Barrel’s feature list is genuinely useful: water resistance, an LED lightshow synced to music, a Bass Boost mode, and Multi-Link for up to 99 speakers. Our notes say it still trails the top of the class on bass depth and loudness, with rolled-off treble.
The Encore is described as a great sounding, somewhat boosted-bass party speaker, and it includes two wireless microphones of its own. Its real weaknesses are a shorter battery, about 6 hours at medium volume, and a poor water rating.
Buy the Partybox Encore for the meaningfully better sound. Buy the Barrel if the $85 saved matters more than the ranking gap.
Battery life favors the Skullcandy Barrel: rated for 12 hours against 6 hours for the JBL Partybox Encore.
If water resistance matters to you, the Skullcandy Barrel at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the JBL Partybox Encore at IPX4 (splashing).
Want more options? Browse the full 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 water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers.
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 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $145.00 |
| Ranked | #7 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 60W |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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