Short answer: the Sony ULT Tower 5 for a lighter, better-connected cabinet, the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 for rolling transport. At 28 lbs (12.7 kg) the Sony is roughly a third lighter than the Stage 320’s 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg), claims longer battery life and adds XLR/USB-C plus a finer 10-band EQ. The Stage 320’s handle-and-wheels design and dual 6.5-inch woofer layout suit a speaker that sits in one spot for a whole event.
Both are removable-battery party speakers built around a single dual-tweeter cabinet, but they’re sized for different jobs. The Tower 5 packs a single 9-inch woofer, 10-band EQ and balanced XLR/RCA/USB-C connectivity into a smaller, lighter case, while the Stage 320 uses a dual 6.5-inch woofer layout with a handle and wheels built for rolling it to the party rather than carrying it.
The Tower 5 advantage: At 28 lbs (12.7 kg) it’s roughly a third lighter than the Stage 320’s 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg), with a longer claimed battery life, finer 10-band EQ, and XLR/USB-C inputs the Stage 320 doesn’t have.
The Stage 320 advantage: Its handle-and-wheels design and dual-woofer layout suit a speaker that’s going to sit in one spot for a whole event rather than get carried around. Compare the input rows and dimensions below before choosing.
Buy the JBL Partybox Stage 320. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $151.95 you would save on the Sony ULT Tower 5 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A powerful party tower with deep bass, a removable long battery, and mic and XLR inputs for karaoke or DJ use.
An excellent sounding party speaker, with deep bass that holds up at high volume, wheels, a removable battery and mic inputs.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower 5 | JBL Partybox Stage 320 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $348.00 | $499.95 |
| Ranked | #5 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #3 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 | 5.4 |
| 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) | 26.3”H x 13.2”W x 15.2”D (669 x 335 x 385 mm) |
| Drivers | 3 drivers: 1x 9” woofer, 2x 2.4” tweeter | 2x 6.5” woofers, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat) | Yes (5 band) |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 300W | 240W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C charging) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| 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) | 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Wheels | - | Yes |
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