Short answer: the JBL Partybox Stage 320 for better sound quality, the Sony SRS-XP500 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Stage 320 ranks #2 of 50 party speakers at $629.95. The Sony SRS-XP500 ranks #18 at $368.99, $260.96 cheaper.
On the JBL Partybox Stage 320 side: Handle and wheels are convenient. Customizable color lighting modes. Keeps more bass than the 310 at high volume. Set against that: Slightly sibilant in the treble at full blast. Very large. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.
What the Sony SRS-XP500 gets right: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). 20-hour battery life, immersive room-filling sound. The tradeoff: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110.
Buy the JBL Partybox Stage 320 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony SRS-XP500 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If water resistance matters to you, the JBL Partybox Stage 320 at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the Sony SRS-XP500 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Stage 320 | Sony SRS-XP500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $629.95 | $368.99 |
| Ranked | #2 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5" woofers, 2x 25mm tweeters | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Party Connect 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 | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs / 16.5 kg | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg |
| Output Power | 240W | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
| Dimensions | - | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- JBL Partybox 330 vs JBL Partybox 110
- Turtlebox Gen 3 vs JBL Partybox 310
- JBL Partybox 310 vs Sony SRS-XP700
- JBL Partybox 330 vs Sony SRS-XP500
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 110
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Stage 320: $629.95 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Handle and wheels are convenient. Customizable color lighting modes. Keeps more bass than the 310 at high volume. Removable battery.
Cons: Slightly sibilant in the treble at full blast. Very large. Note, JBL daisychain is not compatible with any other non-JBL speaker and is possibly a fully digital signal.
Full JBL Partybox Stage 320 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5" woofers, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 240W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs / 16.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 320 vs 520 - indoor listening session
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 320 vs 520 - outdoor test
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs 310 🛜 Defcon 5🚨 Bass Alert! Take Shelter Immediately! 😲 Best Bass Goes To?
- 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
- Reddit Search for JBL Partybox Stage 320 Review
- 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 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
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox 300
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs Teufel Rockster Neo
- See all 18 comparisons
Sony SRS-XP500: $368.99 Amazon
Pros: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). 20-hour battery life, immersive room-filling sound. Party Connect feature links multiple compatible Sony speakers. USB charging port for device charging on-the-go. Built-in handle and IPX4 water resistance. Microphone input and karaoke support.
Cons: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110
Full Sony SRS-XP500 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons