Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Sony ULT Tower 5 ranks #5 of 53 party speakers by sound quality at $448; the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #6 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $249.95.
The Sony ULT Tower 5 is the longer-running pick. A powerful party tower with deep bass, a removable long battery, and mic and XLR inputs for karaoke or DJ use. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 15 for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 lacks. The tradeoff: It has a shorter 20-hour battery claim than the Sony ULT Tower 7’s 30 hours, no wheels, and only IPX4 splash resistance.
The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is the lighter pick. A compact party speaker with balanced sound, punchy bass, mic and guitar inputs, and enough volume for a backyard party. At 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) it weighs much less than the Sony ULT Tower 5 at 28 lbs (12.7 kg). Watch for: 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 Sony ULT Tower 5 ($448) for a party speaker; the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ($249.95) suits a boombox speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 11, 2026 at 3:26 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 Encore Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $448.00 | $249.95 |
| Ranked | #5 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1” x 21.1” x 11.1” (358 x 536 x 282 mm) | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 3 drivers: 1x 9” woofer, 2x 2.4” tweeter | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat) | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 300W | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C charging) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A and USB-C) | Yes |
| Weight | 28 lbs (12.7 kg) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Wireless Microphones | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: