These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Partybox Encore ranks #7 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $230; the Soundcore Rave ranks #47 of 53 party speakers by sound quality at $220. The JBL Partybox Encore is discontinued; its replacement is the JBL Partybox Encore 2. The Soundcore Rave is discontinued; its replacement is the Soundcore Rave 3S.
The Rave’s feature list is genuinely long: AI-assisted karaoke that removes vocals in real time, eight lighting modes, and a claimed 24-hour battery. None of it compensates for what our notes call a pretty big lack of deep bass and rolled-off treble.
The Encore keeps it simpler and measures better for it. Our notes call it great sounding with somewhat boosted bass, and it includes two wireless microphones of its own, covering the same karaoke use case without the gimmicks. Its own weak point is a shorter battery and a modest IPX4 water rating.
Buy the Partybox Encore. It’s rated and ranked well above the Rave for less money.
Water resistance is not close: the JBL Partybox Encore is rated at IPX4 (splashing), well ahead of the Soundcore Rave at no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete 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 party speaker with a long battery, wireless mics, vocal removal for karaoke, and colorful light shows.
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 | Soundcore Rave | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $220 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #7 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | ~60Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) | 21.6 lbs (9.8 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | - |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 21.7” x 12.7” x 12.2” (552 x 322 x 310 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 60W: Multiple drivers + passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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