Short answer: the JBL Partybox On the Go. It ranks #59 of 89 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $300; the Artsound PWR05 ranks #87, rated 2.0/5, and costs $799, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the JBL Partybox On the Go does well: JBL Partybox On the Go uses 5.1” woofer + tweeters. Watch for: Bass is limited by its 49Hz specification.
Why pick the Artsound PWR05: 150W (75W RMS) 3-way speaker with 4 drivers, no distortion even at high volume. The catch: Strange frequency peaks, sound is very hollow.
Worth knowing: the Artsound PWR05 has been discontinued and is hard to find new at this point.
Buy the JBL Partybox On the Go. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Artsound PWR05 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox On the Go | Artsound PWR05 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 | $799 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 89 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #87 of 89 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | No |
| Stereo | Partially | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 75W RMS / 150W peak |
| Dimensions | 19.3” x 8.8” x 9.6” (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) | 16.9” x 7.1” x 7.1” (430 x 180 x 180 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer + tweeters | 5” woofer + tweeter |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | Yes (carry strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Partybox On the Go:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs JBL Partybox On the Go
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs JBL Partybox On the Go
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Partybox On the Go
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs JBL Partybox On the Go
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Partybox On the Go
Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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 On the Go: $300 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5.
Pros: JBL Partybox On the Go uses 5.1” woofer + tweeters. Its 7.5 kg, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input, up to 94dB and limited-stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A wireless microphone is included. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 49Hz specification. No EQ adjustment. Battery life is short, and its sound trails the rest of the Partybox line.
Full JBL Partybox On the Go review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.3” x 8.8” x 9.6” (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer + tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- See all 83 comparisons
Artsound PWR05: $799 Discontinued eBay
Pros: 150W (75W RMS) 3-way speaker with 4 drivers, no distortion even at high volume. 10 hour battery life. Leather carrying strap, rugged ABS housing. TWS technology pairs two units wirelessly. Aux input for other sources.
Cons: Strange frequency peaks, sound is very hollow. Discontinued.
Full Artsound PWR05 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS / 150W peak |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 16.9” x 7.1” x 7.1” (430 x 180 x 180 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” woofer + tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | Yes (carry strap) |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons