Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Partybox Stage 320 ranks #3 of 53 party speakers by sound quality at $569.95; the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #6 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $249.95.
Different sizes. The Stage 320 is a 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) party speaker on wheels with two 6.5 inch woofers and 240W. The Encore Essential 2 is a 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) boombox with one 5.25 inch woofer and 100W. Each is rated within its own class.
The Encore Essential 2 punches above its size. Testing finds a balanced midrange, punchy low bass and about 110dB of output, enough for a backyard gathering. It has a 7-band app EQ, mic and guitar inputs and a claimed 15 hours. It is front-facing, so sound changes to the sides, and it does not include the wireless mics that come with the regular Encore 2.
The Stage 320 is for bigger crowds, keeping more bass at high volume than the PartyBox 310, with wheels, a removable battery and a claimed 18 hours.
Both are IPX4 with Auracast, lights and USB playback.
Buy the JBL Partybox Stage 320 at $569.95 if you want a party speaker. Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at $249.95 if you want a boombox speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Stage 320 | JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $569.95 | $249.95 |
| Ranked | #3 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” woofers, 2x 25mm tweeters | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | Yes (USB-C) |
| 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) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 240W | 100W RMS |
| 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) | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) |
| Strap | No | No |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Wireless Microphones | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz |
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