Short answer: the JBL Eon One Compact for battery power and phantom-powered mixing, the Sony ULT Tower Max for 360-degree scale. The AC-only Tower Max brings nine drivers including three 11-inch woofers, but no battery at all. The Eon One Compact runs 12 hours on a swappable battery, costs less at $699 and adds a 4-channel mixer with phantom power and auto-ducking plus an 8-inch woofer reaching 37.5Hz in an 17.6 lbs (8 kg) cabinet.
This pits Sony’s Tower Max, a 360-degree consumer party speaker, against the JBL Eon One Compact, a performer-focused battery PA. The Tower Max offers nine drivers including three 11-inch woofers, 360-degree sound, 10-band EQ with Sound Field Optimization, wheels, and RCA/XLR/USB-C/mic I/O, though it is AC-only with no battery at all. The JBL Eon One Compact offers a 4-channel mixer with phantom power for condenser mics and auto-ducking, an 8-inch woofer extending to 37.5Hz, and a swappable 12-hour battery at 17.6 lbs (8 kg).
Choose the Tower Max for wheels for easier transport and immersive 360-degree party sound: Its wheels also make it easier to roll between rooms or events. Its 360-degree drivers and ULT1/ULT2/EQ modes suit a living-room-to-backyard party speaker better than a performer-focused PA cabinet.
Choose the JBL Eon One Compact for true multi-channel mixing with phantom power for performers: It also runs on battery power at all, where the Tower Max is AC-only. Its independent-channel mixer with dedicated gain/EQ per input suits a performer or DJ better than the Tower Max’s single mic/line jack. At $699 it also costs less.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max at $1,498 if you want a large party speaker. Buy the JBL Eon One Compact at $699 if you want a battery-powered PA speaker instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings and PA & Live Sound rankings.
A very loud party speaker, with three big woofers for huge bass at large events.
A light battery PA speaker with a four channel mixer, phantom power for condenser mics, and a swappable 12 hour battery.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower Max | JBL Eon One Compact | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,498.00 | $699.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #15 of 17 in Battery-Powered PA Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | No |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) | 11.5” x 10” x 15.7” (291.1 x 255 x 399 mm) |
| Drivers | 9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter | 8” woofer, 1” tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) | No |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | Splashproof top surface | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (6.3mm) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) | 150W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Chain) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | No |
| Power Input | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz | - |
| Removable Battery | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | No |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Weight | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Wheels | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Passive | - | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 37.5Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | 2x XLR/TRS combo (mic/line), 6.3mm Hi-Z instrument, 3.5mm stereo, Bluetooth |
| Configuration | - | Battery-powered 2-way active PA |
| Cabinet Material | - | Polypropylene |
| Rigging | - | 35mm pole mount |
| Coverage | - | 100° H x 50° V |
| Maximum SPL | - | 112dB |
| DSP | - | 4-channel digital mixer with EQ and effects |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| RCA Input | - | No |
| TRS Input | - | Yes |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
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