Short answer: the JBL Partybox On the Go, narrowly, on price and the microphone. It ranks #60 of 90 against the JBL Boombox’s #62 of 90 and costs $300 against $399, with an included wireless microphone. The Boombox can link Connect+ to up to 100 speakers, but its treble is not very smooth, while the On the Go’s own weakness is a poor water rating.
Buy the JBL Partybox On the Go. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Boombox is no longer sold new.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the JBL Boombox is rated for 24 hours, the JBL Partybox On the Go only 6 hours.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox On the Go | JBL Boombox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 | $399 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #60 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #62 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| Dimensions | 19.3” x 8.8” x 9.6” (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) | 10” x 18.1” x 7.7” (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer + tweeters | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Partybox On the Go compares with other leading options:
- 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 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 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
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JBL Boombox: $399 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Boombox 4, ranked higher, rated 4/5.
Pros: At 5.2 kg, JBL Boombox combines 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators with Bluetooth and aux. Claimed 24 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, ipx5 protection and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. JBL Connect+ links up to 100 compatible speakers.
Cons: There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Treble is not very smooth. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 60W AC / 40W battery |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10” x 18.1” x 7.7” (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons