Short answer: the JBL Partybox On the Go. It ranks #44 of 73 boombox speakers by sound quality at $300; the JBL Boombox ranks #46 and costs $399, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the JBL Partybox On the Go: Included wireless microphone. The tradeoff: Poor water rating.
What the JBL Boombox gets right: Connect+ up to 100 speakers. The catch: Treble isn’t very smooth.
Buy the JBL Partybox On the Go. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Boombox and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the JBL Boombox is rated for 24 hours versus 6 hours for the JBL Partybox On the Go.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox On the Go | JBL Boombox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 | $399 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #44 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 73 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 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 | - |
| Output 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 |
| Max Volume | 94dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 vs Sony SRS-XG500
- JBL Boombox 2 vs Sony SRS-XG500
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Braven XXL 2
- JBL Authentics 300 vs JBL Boombox
- Sony ULT Field 7 vs JBL Partybox On the Go
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 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
- JBL Partybox On the Go vs JBL Authentics 300
- See all 16 comparisons
JBL Boombox: $399 Discontinued JBL Boombox
Pros: Connect+ up to 100 speakers.
Cons: Treble isn’t very smooth. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons