Short answer: the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus. It ranks #5 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $349.95. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #6, rated 4.3/5, at $249.95, $100 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The same size and driver layout. Both are about 6.2 to 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) with one 5.25 inch woofer and two dome tweeters, 100W, a claimed 15 hours and IPX4.
Sound: testing finds the Encore Essential 2 balanced with genuinely punchy low bass and about 110dB of output. The On-The-Go 2 Plus fires its bass ports forward, giving cleaner, smoother bass with less kick than the rear-ported Encore models.
Karaoke setups are opposites. The On-The-Go 2 Plus includes a wireless mic and EasySing AI vocal removal, with no wired inputs. The Encore Essential 2 includes no mic but has wired mic and guitar inputs.
The On-The-Go 2 Plus adds a padded shoulder strap for carrying.
Buy the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $100 you would save on the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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 On-The-Go 2 Plus | JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.95 | $249.95 |
| Ranked | #5 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL One app) | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ, Deep and Punchy bass boost) | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 11V/2A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 14.2 lbs (6.45 kg) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 1 Included | No |
| Microphone Input | No (wireless only) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3 | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 19.7” x 10.2” x 8.7” (501 x 258 x 221 mm) | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz |
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