Short answer: the Tower Max, if you need its connections and 360-degree coverage. It ranks #1 of 13 large party speakers and adds XLR in/out, app EQ, USB-C and a multi-woofer layout the PartyBox 1000 lacks. The JBL stays the lower-cost high-output pick with its established 1,100W array, but you give up that flexibility.
The Tower Max is the newer, much larger Sony flagship. Its three 11-inch woofers, 10-band EQ, 360-degree sound and RCA/XLR/USB-C connections make it a full event-speaker system. The PartyBox 1000 remains a lower-cost high-output JBL with an established 1,100W array.
Choose the Tower Max for modern connectivity and broad bass coverage: Its XLR output and inputs, app EQ and multi-woofer system are the more flexible choice for a DJ or a large room.
Choose the PartyBox 1000 for a less costly large JBL: It remains a powerful party speaker but lacks the Sony’s 360-degree layout, USB-C and XLR connectivity.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $98.05 you would save on the JBL Partybox 1000 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A very loud party speaker, with three big woofers for huge bass at large events.
A huge, powerful party speaker with excellent sound, deep bass, mic and guitar inputs, and wheels for moving it.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower Max | JBL Partybox 1000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198.00 | $1,099.95 |
| Ranked | #1 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #4 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | No |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) | 15.6” x 41.3” x 15.4” (397 x 1050 x 390 mm) |
| Drivers | 9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter | 1x 12” down-firing woofer, 2x 7” midrange, 1x compression horn tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | Splashproof top surface | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (6.3mm) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) | 1100W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Chain) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | Yes |
| Weight | 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg) | 75 lbs (34 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
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