Short answer: the JBL Partybox On the Go, narrowly, for the microphone and the lower price. The Sony SRS-XG500 runs 30 hour battery life with a 10-min quick-charge giving 3 hours, but its upper bass is thuddy and it is not as deep as others. The On the Go ranks #60 of 90 against #61 of 90, costs $300 against $399.99, includes a wireless microphone, and trades that for a poor water rating.
Buy the JBL Partybox On the Go if you want one new; the Sony SRS-XG500 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox On the Go | Sony SRS-XG500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 | $399.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #60 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #61 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP66 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes (Music Center, Fiestable) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App + ClearAudio+) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 2x 25W + 2x 10W |
| Dimensions | 19.3” x 8.8” x 9.6” (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) | 18.1” x 10.1” x 8.5” (460 x 256 x 215 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer + tweeters | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- JBL Partybox On the Go vs Sony ULT Field 7
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- See all 83 comparisons
Sony SRS-XG500: $399.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 7, ranked higher, rated 3.2/5.
Pros: 30 hour battery life; 10-min quick-charge gives 3 hours. Battery care function stops charging at 90% to extend longevity. IP66 water/dust resistant. Two USB-A ports (one charges devices), mic/guitar inputs, AUX. Party mode links 100+ speakers. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Thuddy upper bass, not as deep bass as others. Speaker will not remain at max volume and will turn itself down automatically. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XG500 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2x 25W + 2x 10W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Music Center, Fiestable) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1” x 10.1” x 8.5” (460 x 256 x 215 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer |
| EQ | Yes (App + ClearAudio+) |
| IP Rating | IP66 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Tribit Stormbox Blast 🆚 Sony SRS-XG500 - Tailgater Special - Battery Powered ☢️ Bass Boost Enabled. More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jagist reviews: Tribit Stormbox Blast vs Sony SRS XG 500 More from Jagistreviews →
- DLX Willington: Sony SRS-XG500 vs JBL Encore Essential Sound Battle More from DLXWillington →
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