Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2, if you are buying new. The JBL Partybox Encore ranks higher than the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus (#7 vs #37 of 98 boombox speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the JBL Partybox Encore 2, is rated 4.4/5 at $330 and is still sold new.
The JBL Partybox Encore is the better-sounding choice. A great sounding party speaker with somewhat boosted bass and two included wireless microphones. The tradeoff: Only IPX4 splash resistance.
The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is the longer-running, lighter option. Quite a bit lighter than most of the other boombox size speakers. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore. At 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Encore at 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg). It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore. Watch for: Warm tuning meaning a rolled off treble and some upper bass boost.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Partybox Encore; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore | Soundcore Boom 2 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $179.99 |
| Ranked | #7 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #37 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | 39Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (Pro EQ + presets) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyCast 2.0) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2A) |
| 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) | 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 140W |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 17.3” x 9.1” x 5.9” (440 x 230 x 150 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 114mm (4.5”) woofers + 2x 19mm (0.75”) tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Strap | - | Yes (detachable strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Partybox Encore compares with other leading options:
- EarFun Uboom X vs JBL Partybox Encore
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs JBL Partybox Encore
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs JBL Partybox Encore
- JBL Partybox Encore vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs JBL Partybox Encore
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 $230 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
- 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
- Alan Ross Reviews: This changed my opinion on JBL speakers! More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tronsmart Halo 200 partybox and karaoke machine (vs bang max, JBL Encore)
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL giving it to us large! The good, The bad, The diabolical!
- M1M Tech Channel: JBL Partybox Encore 2 Ein fettes Bass Upgrade More from M1MTechChannel →
- 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 →
- DLX Willington: Called It!🤣 JBL Partybox Encore VS Essential, with binaural sound sample. More from DLXWillington →
- 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
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Encore Vs Gemini GRV-650L!!! 😁 More from Jagistreviews →
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Encore Vs Gemini GGO-650L 😁 80$ vs 400$
- Jagist reviews: W-king X20 Vs Jbl Encore!!! 😁😁😁
- True Techy: BOSE S1 Pro vs JBLPartybox ENCORE This Comparison SHOCKED me!!!
- 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
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Soundcore Boom 2 Plus: $179.99 Amazon $179.99 eBay
Older model: the Soundcore Motion Boom+ (ranked lower, rated 2.9/5). See every Soundcore Boom generation.
Same family: the Soundcore Boom 2 (smaller model, rated 4.5/5).
Pros: Quite a bit lighter than most of the other boombox size speakers. This speaker will likely move up as we get a good EQ tune that makes it a lot more neutral. Measured bass extension of 39Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Warm tuning meaning a rolled off treble and some upper bass boost. Reasonably deep bass, but not as good as the top ranked.
Full Soundcore Boom 2 Plus review and specifications →
| Released | May 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 140W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 17.3” x 9.1” x 5.9” (440 x 230 x 150 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 114mm (4.5”) woofers + 2x 19mm (0.75”) tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Pro EQ + presets) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: This sounds totally different now! Soundcore Boom Plus 2 firmware 03.10 More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Earfun Uboom X Mini Boombox bluetooth speaker, a PROPER review 😝
- Alan Ross Reviews: Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Review - worst boombox speaker under $400?
- Techder Audios: Soundcore Boom 2 Plus VS Teufel Rockster Cross "TO MUCH BASS VS CLARITY QUALITY!" More from techderaudios →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Soundcore Boom 2 Plus VS Tribit Stormbox Blast 🛜 Boombox Basement Battle 📊Custom EQ 🔥Who You Got? More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: NEW RELEASE! Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs Motion Boom Plus🤯Stock EQ, Bass^ Enabled🤜🤛 A Family Feud😆
- Jagist reviews: Zealot S95 Vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus!!! More from Jagistreviews →
- Picky Audio: SO CLOSE! Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs JBL Boombox 3 More from pickyaudio →
- Picky Audio: Extended Sound Test (Soundcore Boom 2 Plus vs JBL Boombox 3)
- EL JEFE REVIEWS: Soundcore Boom 2 Plus 💥 BIGGER & BADDER! More from ELJefeReviews →
- GYMCADDY: Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Showcase - Lots Of Bass In A Small Package More from GYMCADDY →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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