Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore, with the Zealot ZE21 close behind on value. The ZE21 offers great value for bass performance, play time and max volume in the boombox class, though the ZE41 now beats it out, and it is a little rolled off up top and not that balanced through the rest of the range. The Encore ranks #7 of 90 against #18 of 90 at $230 against $247.41 and runs 10 hours at medium volume.
Buy the Zealot ZE21 new; the JBL Partybox Encore is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore | Zealot ZE21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $230 Discontinued | $247.41 |
| Ranked | #7 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | 36Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 116dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) | 20.4 lbs (9.27 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 250W |
| Dimensions | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 16.7” x 10.3” x 14.3” (424 x 262 x 363 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters | 130W subwoofer + 2x 50mm woofers + passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Partybox Encore:
- 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 Encore vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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.
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 →
| 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 →
- 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 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
- JBL Partybox Encore vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
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Zealot ZE21: $247.41 Amazon AliExpress eBay
Pros: The ZE21’s main attraction is unusually deep bass for a battery boombox: owner testing finds real output in the 40-50Hz region and audibility down toward the low 30s. Its TWS button can form a stereo pair with another compatible Zealot, and its large, rugged chassis gives it credible party-speaker scale. Measured bass extension of 36Hz (-10dB).
Cons: That deep-bass emphasis comes with a pronounced 60-110Hz kick-bass dip and over-loud 250-600Hz lower mids, which can make rock and pop sound hollow or boxy. The supplied sound modes do not fully correct the tuning; the most positive independent report required source-side parametric EQ. Treble is also soft and clarity trails better-tuned rivals.
Full Zealot ZE21 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 250W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 16.7” x 10.3” x 14.3” (424 x 262 x 363 mm) |
| Drivers | 130W subwoofer + 2x 50mm woofers + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Maximum SPL | 116dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 20.4 lbs (9.27 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Boombox 4 Vs Zealot Ze21!!! More from Jagistreviews →
- Jagist reviews: Zealot Ze21 Vs Tribit Stormbox Blast 2!!!
- Techder Audios: JBL Boombox 4 VS Zealot ZE21 BATTLE OF THE BOOMBOXES! More from techderaudios →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Zealot ZE21 vs JBL Boombox 3 Tailgater Special @20ft. The Budget Beast Against the OG Boombox More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons