Short answer: the JBL Partybox Stage 320. It ranks #3 of 51 party speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $499.95 and is still sold new; the Altec Lansing AL500 ranks #49 (rated 2.1/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Partybox Stage 320 is the better-sounding, tougher choice. An excellent sounding party speaker, with deep bass that holds up at high volume, wheels, a removable battery and mic inputs. It is rated IPX4, while the Altec Lansing AL500 has no water resistance. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Altec Lansing AL500 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Altec Lansing AL500 lacks. Watch for: Slightly sibilant in the treble at full blast.
The Altec Lansing AL500 is the lighter option. A battery party speaker with Bluetooth, a microphone for singing, and stereo pairing with a second unit. At 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Stage 320 at 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg). The tradeoff: Bass extension is only about 60Hz at the minus 10dB point, so it lacks deep bass.
Buy the JBL Partybox Stage 320. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Altec Lansing AL500 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
An excellent sounding party speaker, with deep bass that holds up at high volume, wheels, a removable battery and mic inputs.
A battery party speaker with Bluetooth, a microphone for singing, and stereo pairing with a second unit.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Stage 320 | Altec Lansing AL500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #49 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” woofers, 2x 25mm tweeters | 1x 5” woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 240W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 26.3”H x 13.2”W x 15.2”D (669 x 335 x 385 mm) | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~60Hz |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
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