Short answer: the Sony ULT Tower 5 for lighter, cheaper portability, the JBL PartyBox 330 for the fuller party feature set. The Sony is cheaper, lighter at about 28 lbs (12.7 kg) versus 37.7 lbs (17.1 kg), claims longer battery life and adds USB-C and balanced XLR the 330 lacks. The 330 counters with wheels, a telescoping handle, a light show, optical input and a second mic/guitar input, and reviewers report better midrange clarity than its own predecessor.
The gap here is bigger than the Tower 5’s other JBL matchups. The PartyBox 330 is JBL’s more complete rolling party speaker, with a telescoping handle, wheels, a light show, optical input and dual mic/guitar inputs, while the Tower 5 is a smaller, carry-by-hand speaker with a single mic input and a 9-inch woofer instead of the 330’s dual 6.5-inch layout.
The Tower 5 advantage: It’s $201.95 cheaper, at roughly 28 lbs (12.7 kg) versus the 330’s 37.7 lbs (17.1 kg), with a longer claimed battery life and USB-C/balanced XLR inputs the 330 doesn’t offer.
The PartyBox 330 advantage: A second mic/guitar input, wheels for moving it without lifting, optical input, and reviewers report better midrange clarity than its own predecessor. Compare the input and battery rows below before choosing.
Buy the JBL Partybox 330. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $201.95 you would save on the Sony ULT Tower 5 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A powerful party tower with deep bass, a removable long battery, and mic and XLR inputs for karaoke or DJ use.
A rolling party speaker with deep bass, a removable battery, a light show and inputs for mics and a guitar.
Prices on this page were last checked October 28, 2026 at 1:06 AM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower 5 | JBL Partybox 330 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $348.00 | $549.95 |
| Ranked | #5 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #2 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 6.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1” x 21.1” x 11.1” (358 x 536 x 282 mm) | 26.1”H x 13.1”W x 14.8”D (662.5 x 334 x 375 mm) |
| Drivers | 3 drivers: 1x 9” woofer, 2x 2.4” tweeter | 2x 6.5” (165mm) woofers + 2x 1” (25mm) PEN dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat) | Yes (Smart EQ mode) |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 300W | 280W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C charging) | Yes (USB-C, 5V/1A) |
| Power Input | AC power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A and USB-C) | Yes |
| Weight | 28 lbs (12.7 kg) | 37.7 lbs (17.1 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
| Inputs | - | Optical |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Partybox 330 compares with other leading options: