Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Sony ULT Tower 7 ranks #1 of 53 party speakers by sound quality at $648; the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #6 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality at $249.95.
The Sony ULT Tower 7 is the longer-running pick. A big, loud party speaker on wheels with punchy bass, a 30 hour battery, 360 degree sound and inputs for mics and instruments. It is rated for 30 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 catch: 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 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 7 at 50.3 lbs (22.8 kg). The tradeoff: 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 7 at $648 if you want a party speaker. Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 at $249.95 if you want a boombox speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower 7 | JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $648.00 | $249.95 |
| Ranked | #1 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 | 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) | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 7 drivers: 1x woofer, 2x midrange, 2x front tweeter, 2x rear 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 | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 420W | 100W RMS |
| 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 | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | Yes |
| Weight | 50.3 lbs (22.8 kg) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | No |
| Wireless Microphones | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz |
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