These are not really the same size class, and that is the honest framing here. The JBL Xtreme 3 ranks #18 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $269.95; the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #6 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $249.95.
The JBL Xtreme 3 is the lighter, tougher option. A loud, waterproof stereo speaker with deep bass, balanced sound and a power bank for charging devices. At 4 lbs (1.83 kg) it weighs much less than the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg). It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. The tradeoff: Boosted bass.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the louder, deeper-bass option. A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. Its bass reaches about 42Hz before falling 10dB, against 53Hz for the JBL Xtreme 3. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 110dB at full volume, against 105dB for the JBL Xtreme 3. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Xtreme 3 lacks. The tradeoff: It is front-facing, so the sound changes noticeably to the sides and behind it, and bass compression reduces kick-drum impact at maximum volume.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 3 at $269.95 if you want a large speaker. Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at $249.95 if you want a boombox speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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 Xtreme 3 | JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $269.95 | $249.95 |
| Ranked | #18 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 133ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 105dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.83 kg) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| App | No | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 11.7” x 5.4” x 5.3” (298 x 136 x 134 mm) | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 53.5Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 100W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) | No |
| Guitar Input | - | Yes |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| USB Playback | - | Yes |
| Wireless Microphones | - | No |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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