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 Panasonic SC-TMAX5 ranks #41 (rated 2.5/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The JBL Partybox Stage 320 is the better-sounding, battery-powered option. An excellent sounding party speaker, with deep bass that holds up at high volume, wheels, a removable battery and mic inputs. Its battery is rated for 18 hours, while the Panasonic SC-TMAX5 needs an outlet. It is rated IPX4, while the Panasonic SC-TMAX5 has no water resistance. It links with other speakers (Auracast), which the Panasonic SC-TMAX5 cannot. The tradeoff: Slightly sibilant in the treble at full blast.
The Panasonic SC-TMAX5 is the lighter pick. A plug in stereo party speaker with a woofer and tweeter, Bluetooth, and an aux input for home use. At 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Stage 320 at 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg).
Buy the JBL Partybox Stage 320. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Panasonic SC-TMAX5 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
An excellent sounding party speaker, with deep bass that holds up at high volume, wheels, a removable battery and mic inputs.
A plug in stereo party speaker with a woofer and tweeter, Bluetooth, and an aux input for home use.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Stage 320 | Panasonic SC-TMAX5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 | $249 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #41 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” woofers, 2x 25mm tweeters | 160mm woofer, 50mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 240W | 150W 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) | 18.7” x 9.8” x 10.4” (475 x 250 x 265 mm) |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~57Hz |
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