Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Partybox Encore is the better pick: it ranks #7 of 98 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5), against #62 (rated 3.1/5) for the Soundcore Rave Party 2. If you want one new, the JBL Partybox Encore 2 replaces the JBL Partybox Encore and is rated 4.4/5 at $330.
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 Rave Party 2 is the longer-running, lighter choice. It is rated for 16 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore. At 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Partybox Encore at 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg). The catch: Only IPX4 splash resistance, and bass extension seems limited.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2, which replaces the JBL Partybox Encore.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore | Soundcore Rave Party 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $159.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #62 of 98 in Boombox 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) | 16 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 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 80W RMS / 120W peak |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 7.5” x 7.8” x 15.7” (191 x 198 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 4” (100mm) woofers + 2x 2” (50mm) tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Strap | - | No |
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
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Ultra
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Tribit Stormbox Blast
- See all 70 comparisons
Soundcore Rave Party 2: $159.99 Discontinued Amazon $159.99 eBay
Older models: the Soundcore Trance (rated 2.1/5) and the Soundcore Rave Mega (rated 2.1/5). See every Soundcore Rave Party generation.
Pros: Soundcore Rave Party 2 uses 2x 4” (100mm) woofers + 2x 2” (50mm) tweeters. Its 4.6 kg, claimed 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: There is no companion app. Only IPX4 splash resistance, and bass extension seems limited. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Rave Party 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80W RMS / 120W peak |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 7.8” x 15.7” (191 x 198 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 4” (100mm) woofers + 2x 2” (50mm) tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Soundcore Rave Party 2 🔥 Unboxing & Short Sound Demo. Is This The New Speaker To Beat Under $200?💵 More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Soundcore Rave Party 2 vs. Tribit Stormbox Blast - Bluetooth Speaker Basement ⚒ Battle
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Soundcore Rave Party 2 🎇 & Rave Neo 2 🎉 Head to Head Off The Floor. A Family Battle❗️
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Skullcandy Barrel XT vs Soundcore Rave Party 2 (Stock & Custom EQ) 🛜 Battery Powered🔋Let’s Get It🧨
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Triple Threat 💸 $200 Challenge 🔋 Soundcore Rave Party 2, W-King H10, JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- Jagist reviews: Soundcore Rave Party 2 Bass Test 😍 More from Jagistreviews →
- Flossy Carter: Soundcore Rave Neo 2 / Rave Party 2 - Affordable Party Speakers with RGB Lights More from FlossyCarter →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Rave Party 2 vs Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2
- Soundcore Rave Party 2 vs JBL Partybox On the Go
- Soundcore Rave Party 2 vs Sony ULT Field 7
- Soundcore Rave Party 2 vs Sony SRS-XG500
- Soundcore Rave Party 2 vs Skullcandy Barrel
- Soundcore Rave Party 2 vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3
- Soundcore Rave Party 2 vs JBL Boombox
- Soundcore Rave Party 2 vs Soundcore Motion Boom+
- See all 58 comparisons