Short answer: the JBL Partybox On the Go. It ranks #44 of 73 boombox speakers by sound quality at $300; the Braven XXL 2 ranks #64 and costs $350, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the JBL Partybox On the Go offers: Included wireless microphone. Watch for: Poor water rating.
What the Braven XXL 2 gets right: 18 hour battery life; USB-A port charges your phone 4 times over. The catch: Not very deep bass.
Buy the JBL Partybox On the Go. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Braven XXL 2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Braven XXL 2. It ranks near the bottom of the 73 boombox speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Braven XXL 2 is rated for 18 hours versus 6 hours for the JBL Partybox On the Go.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox On the Go | Braven XXL 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 | $350 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #44 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #64 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | No |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs / 7.5 kg | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
| 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 | - |
| Output Power | 100W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 19.3" x 8.8" x 9.6" (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) | 22" x 9" x 8" (558.8 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1" woofer + tweeters | 60W dual drivers |
| Max Volume | 94dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- JBL Authentics 300 vs Sony SRS-XG500
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Turtlebox
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 vs Sony SRS-XG500
- JBL Boombox 2 vs JBL Partybox On the Go
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Sony SRS-XG500
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox On the Go: $300 Amazon
Pros: Included wireless microphone.
Cons: Poor water rating. Horrible battery life. Probably the worst sounding of the Partybox line. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.
Full JBL Partybox On the Go review and specifications →
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Max Volume | 94dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs / 7.5 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Sony SRS-XG500
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs JBL Boombox
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Soundcore Rave Party 2
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Soundcore Motion Boom+
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Sony ULT Field 7
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Skullcandy Barrel
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs B&O Beolit 20
- See all 16 comparisons
Braven XXL 2: $350 Discontinued
Pros: 18 hour battery life; USB-A port charges your phone 4 times over. IPX5 water-resistant and floats despite weight. Built-in subwoofer delivers powerful bass. Includes bottle opener.
Cons: Not very deep bass. Very heavy. Discontinued.
Full Braven XXL 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 22" x 9" x 8" (558.8 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 60W dual drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons