Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2, if you are buying new. The JBL Partybox Encore ranks higher than the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 (#7 vs #65 of 112 boombox speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the JBL Partybox Encore 2, is rated 4.4/5 at $330 and is still sold new.
The Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 is the longer-running, lighter option. An affordable waterproof party speaker with a big woofer, lights, a karaoke mic input and FM radio. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 6 for the JBL Partybox Encore. At 11 lbs (5 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Partybox Encore at 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg). It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the JBL Partybox Encore. Watch for: Lacking detail compared to the Onn Large Party gen 2 and not as deep of bass.
The JBL Partybox Encore is the better-sounding option. A great sounding stereo party speaker with two wireless mics included and plenty of volume; now discontinued but worth buying used. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2. Watch for: Only IPX4 splash resistance.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Partybox Encore; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
An affordable waterproof party speaker with a big woofer, lights, a karaoke mic input and FM radio.
A great sounding stereo party speaker with two wireless mics included and plenty of volume; now discontinued but worth buying used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2 | JBL Partybox Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $90 | $230 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #65 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| FM Tuner | Yes (16 presets) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Sync Mode) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 200W peak | 100W RMS |
| Dimensions | 9.6” x 10.9” x 15.1” (244.1 x 277.9 x 383 mm) | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer + tweeters | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 38Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 100ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
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