Short answer: the Stage 320. The GTK-XB72 is discontinued and, despite Sony’s Extra Bass branding, reviewer comparisons describe its tuning as having essentially no deep bass, a weird midrange peak and rolled-off treble, the opposite of what its marketing promises.
The GTK-XB72’s real advantages are battery life and codec support. Its claimed 23-hour runtime beats the Stage 320’s 18 hours, and it supports AAC and LDAC on top of SBC, versus SBC only on the Stage 320. It also supports Sony’s Partychain linking up to 100 units and includes FM radio and app-controlled lighting. Being discontinued, it’s only available used or via remaining retailer stock.
The Stage 320 is the more current, better-reviewed choice. It keeps more bass at high volume than JBL’s own prior model, and adds a removable battery, 5-band EQ and Auracast, none of which the XB72 offers. Its own weak point is a slightly sibilant treble at full blast, a far smaller complaint than the XB72’s tuning issues.
Buy the Stage 320 for the current, better-reviewed speaker with a removable battery and active manufacturer support.
Buy the GTK-XB72 only if you find one used at a steep discount and specifically want LDAC support or the longer claimed battery life.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the JBL Partybox Stage 320 at IPX4 (splashing) against the Sony GTK-XB72, which has no water resistance.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Stage 320 | Sony GTK-XB72 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.95 | $349 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 46 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #43 of 46 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 23 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” woofers, 2x 25mm tweeters | 10cm driver + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) | 26.9 lbs (12.2 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) | 13.6” x 25.8” x 14.9” (345 x 656 x 379 mm) |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~56Hz |
| FM Tuner | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Partybox Stage 320:
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- JBL Partybox 330 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- JBL Partybox 310 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- Sony ULT Tower 5 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- JBL Partybox Club 120 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 Stage 320: $499.95 Amazon $499.95 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Partybox 330, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5, released Jun 2026.
Older models: the JBL Partybox 310 (ranked lower, rated 4.5/5) and the JBL Partybox 300 (ranked lower, rated 4.3/5). See every JBL PartyBox generation.
Same family: the JBL Partybox Club 120 (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 4.5/5) and the JBL Partybox Ultimate (larger model, rated 4.7/5).
Pros: Among the best-sounding party speakers in its size class, and it keeps more bass than the JBL Partybox 310 at high volume. Two 6.5-inch woofers and two tweeters run on 240W, with a removable battery rated for 18 hours, a 5-band app EQ, mic and guitar inputs and Auracast linking. A handle and wheels make the 16.5 kg cabinet easy to move, and the color lighting modes are customizable.
Cons: Slightly sibilant in the treble at full blast. Very large.
Full JBL Partybox Stage 320 review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 240W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 26.3”H x 13.2”W x 15.2”D (669 x 335 x 385 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5” woofers, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) |
| Wheels | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 320 vs 520 - indoor listening session More from Oluv’Sone →
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 320 vs 520 - outdoor test
- M1MTechChannel: soundcore Rave 3S mit 200W | LAUTER als die JBL Partybox 320 ? More from M1MTechChannel →
- M1MTechChannel: Welche JBL Partybox ist die BESTE ? Alle Partyboxen im Vergleich | 2026
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs 310 🛜 Defcon 5🚨 Bass Alert! Take Shelter Immediately! 😲 Best Bass Goes To? More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs 310 🥳 A Family Feud! Battery Powered🔋Bluetooth Party Speakers Face-Off🤬
- GYMCADDY: JBL PartyBox Stage 320 Review - Big Upgrades Everywhere, Worth The Upgrade More from GYMCADDY →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 330
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 310
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs Sony ULT Tower 5
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs Sony ULT Tower 7
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox Club 120
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 130
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 100
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 110
- See all 83 comparisons
Sony GTK-XB72: $349 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony SRS-XP700, ranked higher, rated 4/5, released Apr 2021 (also discontinued). It adds app control and adjustable EQ.
Older model: the Sony GTK-XB90 (ranked higher, rated 2.3/5). See every Sony GTK, XP and XV generation.
Pros: Exceptional sound quality, powerful bass, vibrant multi-colored LED lights. ClearAudio+ and Extra Bass technology for dynamic sound. LIVE SOUND button with angled speakers and DSP for 3D sound experience. FM radio, USB, RCA inputs with Music Center app control for lighting effects and EQ. Easy to use with convenient Bluetooth and FM radio. Measured bass extension of ~56Hz (-10dB).
Cons: No deep bass at all, weird midrange peak, rolled off treble and overall strange tuning. Discontinued.
Full Sony GTK-XB72 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~56Hz |
| Battery Life | 23 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.6” x 25.8” x 14.9” (345 x 656 x 379 mm) |
| Drivers | 10cm driver + passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons