Short answer: the Sony ULT Tower 7 for endurance and wired inputs, the JBL PartyBox 520 for a swappable battery and karaoke features. The Tower 7 claims 30 hours and 420W with rear tweeters, 10-band EQ and XLR/RCA/USB-C for a DJ setup. The 520 offers a removable battery plus mic/guitar inputs with echo effect, but at 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg) it is larger and heavier than the Tower 7.
This is a choice between Sony’s 360-degree, input-heavy design and JBL’s more conventional PartyBox format. The Tower 7 offers a claimed 30-hour battery, 420W output, wheels, 10-band EQ, XLR/RCA and USB-C. The PartyBox 520 offers a removable battery, telescoping handle, wheels and the JBL PartyBox ecosystem.
Choose the Tower 7 for longer claimed endurance and connectivity: Its battery rating, rear tweeters and wired input selection better suit an all-day event or a DJ setup.
Choose the PartyBox 520 for a swappable battery and karaoke-ready inputs: Its removable battery and mic/guitar inputs with echo effect suit heavy DJ or karaoke use, though at 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg) it is larger and heavier than the Tower 7.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower 7 ($548) for a party speaker; the JBL Partybox 520 ($879.95) suits a large party speaker instead.
Battery life favors the Sony ULT Tower 7: rated for 30 hours against 15 hours for the JBL Partybox 520.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A big, loud party speaker on wheels with punchy bass, a 30 hour battery, 360 degree sound and inputs for mics and instruments.
A loud battery party speaker with deep bass, wheels, a capable app EQ, and inputs for mics and instruments.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower 7 | JBL Partybox 520 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $548.00 | $879.95 |
| Ranked | #1 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #8 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (lights off; 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 | 13.7” x 16.6” x 28” (348 x 422 x 711 mm) | 16.3” x 30.3” x 14.5” (415 x 769 x 369 mm) |
| Drivers | 7 drivers: 1x woofer, 2x midrange, 2x front tweeter, 2x rear tweeter | 2x 7.5” woofer, 2x 1” dome tweeter |
| 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 | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 420W | 400W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | Yes |
| Weight | 50.3 lbs (22.8 kg) | 56.2 lbs (25.5 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
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