Short answer: the Sony ULT Tower 7. It ranks #1 of 44 party speakers by sound quality (rated 4.7/5) at $648 and is still sold new; the JBL Partybox 100 ranks #8 (rated 4.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Sony ULT Tower 7 is the longer-running, tougher option. A compelling large-party value at $648: 420W output, an IPX4-rated 30-hour battery, 360-degree sound, wheels and four carry handles at 50.3 lbs (22.8 kg). It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 12 for the JBL Partybox 100. It is rated IPX4, while the JBL Partybox 100 has no water resistance. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Partybox 100 lacks. The tradeoff: The reviewer notes that Auracast pairing is not backward-compatible with Sony’s older Party Connect speakers, and the hard-plastic corners lack protective rubber bumpers.
The JBL Partybox 100 is the lighter option. Quite neutral sound, pretty deep bass. At 21.4 lbs (9.7 kg) it weighs much less than the Sony ULT Tower 7 at 50.3 lbs (22.8 kg). The tradeoff: A slight peak in the upper mids.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower 7. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Partybox 100 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower 7 | JBL Partybox 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $648.00 | $499.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #1 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #8 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | No |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (lights off; manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Dimensions | 13.7” x 16.6” x 28” (348 x 422 x 711 mm) | 11.3” x 21.7” x 11.4” (288 x 551 x 290 mm) |
| Drivers | 7 drivers: 1x woofer, 2x midrange, 2x front tweeter, 2x rear tweeter | 2x 5.25” (133mm) woofers + 2x 2.25” (57mm) tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat) | No |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 420W | 160W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | Yes |
| Weight | 50.3 lbs (22.8 kg) | 21.4 lbs (9.7 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 41Hz |
| Charging Time | - | 6.5 hours |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony ULT Tower 7: $648.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: A compelling large-party value at $648: 420W output, an IPX4-rated 30-hour battery, 360-degree sound, wheels and four carry handles at 22.8kg. The full review praises its punchy, clean ULT1 bass, ULT2’s higher-output mode, simplified controls and unusually complete I/O: USB-C, USB-A, RCA, balanced XLR and mic input.
Cons: The reviewer notes that Auracast pairing is not backward-compatible with Sony’s older Party Connect speakers, and the hard-plastic corners lack protective rubber bumpers. IPX4 is splash resistance rather than full weatherproofing; the 30-hour claim requires lights off.
Full Sony ULT Tower 7 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 420W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) |
| Aux Input | RCA input |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (lights off; manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 13.7” x 16.6” x 28” (348 x 422 x 711 mm) |
| Drivers | 7 drivers: 1x woofer, 2x midrange, 2x front tweeter, 2x rear tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) |
| Power Input | AC power cord |
| Removable Battery | No |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) |
| Weight | 50.3 lbs (22.8 kg) |
| Wheels | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
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JBL Partybox 100: $499.99 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Partybox Club 120, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5.
Pros: Quite neutral sound, pretty deep bass. Measured bass extension of 41Hz (-10dB).
Cons: A slight peak in the upper mids. Slight TWS issue where the 2nd is slightly delayed. Just as loud and slightly deeper bass than a Stormbox Blast which is way smaller with better sound quality. Discontinued.
Full JBL Partybox 100 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 160W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Charging Time | 6.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3” x 21.7” x 11.4” (288 x 551 x 290 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 5.25” (133mm) woofers + 2x 2.25” (57mm) tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 18kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 21.4 lbs (9.7 kg) |
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