Short answer: the Sony ULT Tower Max for better sound quality, the JBL Partybox 720 for the lower price. The Sony ULT Tower Max ranks #1 of 12 large party speakers at $1499.99. The JBL Partybox 720 ranks #5 at $899.95, $600.04 cheaper.
The Tower Max is the no-compromise AC flagship; the PartyBox 720 is the more manageable JBL alternative. Sony supplies three 11-inch woofers, 10-band EQ, 360-degree sound and RCA/XLR/USB-C connections. The PartyBox 720 is lighter, less expensive and uses JBL’s familiar wheeled PartyBox format.
Choose the Tower Max for maximum system scale: It is intended for the largest events and offers the better connection set for a DJ, but its 56.3kg weight makes it a serious commitment to move.
Choose the PartyBox 720 for a less expensive, more portable large-party speaker: It keeps AC-powered party capability while being substantially easier to transport.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the JBL Partybox 720 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower Max | JBL Partybox 720 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.99 | $899.95 |
| Ranked | #1 of 12 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #5 of 12 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 21" x 41.8" x 18.6" (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) | 16.4" x 37.1" x 16" (416 x 942 x 406 mm) |
| Drivers | 9 drivers: 3x 11" woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7" midrange, 2x 1" tweeter, 2x 1.6" rear tweeter | 2x 9" woofer, 2x 1.25" dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) | Yes (5 band) |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | Splashproof top surface | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110.6dBC at about 6m outdoors (AudioTribe; Flat EQ, ULT1) | - |
| Microphone Input | Yes (6.3mm) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) | No |
| Output Power | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) | 800W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Chain) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | Yes |
| Weight | 124.1 lbs / 56.3 kg | 68.3 lbs / 31 kg |
| Wifi | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Sony ULT Tower Max compares with other leading options:
- Sony ULT Tower Max vs JBL Partybox Ultimate
- Sony ULT Tower Max vs JBL Partybox 1000
- Sony ULT Tower Max vs Sony ULT Tower 9
- Sony ULT Tower Max vs Sony ULT Tower 10
- JBL Partybox 720 vs JBL Partybox Ultimate
Prices on this page were last checked September 12, 2026 at 9:50 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Sony ULT Tower Max: $1,499.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: AudioTribe measured 110.6dBC at roughly 6m outdoors with Flat EQ and ULT1 enabled, 4.4dB above the JBL PartyBox Ultimate in the same setup. Its three 11-inch woofers held about 110dB from 40-100Hz; Sony also provides 10-band EQ, Sound Field Optimization, RCA and XLR inputs, USB-C, a mic input, and XLR output.
Cons: The same comparison found it 1.2dB behind the JBL in A-weighted loudness and weaker below 40Hz. At 56.3kg (124lb) and AC-only, this is a wheeled event speaker rather than a portable battery model.
Full Sony ULT Tower Max review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | RCA input |
| Battery Life | No Battery |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 21" x 41.8" x 18.6" (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) |
| Drivers | 9 drivers: 3x 11" woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7" midrange, 2x 1" tweeter, 2x 1.6" rear tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| IP Rating | Splashproof top surface |
| Max Volume | 110.6dBC at about 6m outdoors (AudioTribe; Flat EQ, ULT1) |
| Microphone Input | Yes (6.3mm) |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) |
| Output Power | 2,150W (manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Chain) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) |
| Power Input | AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz |
| Removable Battery | No |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) |
| Weight | 124.1 lbs / 56.3 kg |
| Wifi | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Partybox 720: $899.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: JBL’s most powerful battery-equipped PartyBox combines 800W output, two removable batteries, wheels, a light show, Auracast, USB-C playback, app EQ and karaoke/guitar inputs. Independent testing confirms very high output, strong bass and a flexible 5- or 7-band EQ; it can easily cover a backyard or large event.
Cons: At 31kg and 94cm tall, it is still cumbersome despite the wheels. Its front-facing vertical driver layout gives uneven sound to listeners at the sides or behind it, bass compresses at very high volume and reviewers note a faint hiss. The default is dark/bass-heavy, so use the app EQ and do not expect a neutral indoor hi-fi speaker.
Full JBL Partybox 720 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 16.4" x 37.1" x 16" (416 x 942 x 406 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 9" woofer, 2x 1.25" dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (5 band) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 800W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 68.3 lbs / 31 kg |
| Wifi | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 720 - indoor EQ More from Oluv’Sone →
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 520 & 720 - indoor listening session
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 520 vs 720 - outdoor test
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 720 - first impressions
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 720 vs Teufel Rockster Neo - outdoor test
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 720 vs Marshall Bromley 750 - outdoor test
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Partybox 720 - first impressions
- Oluv Patreon: Sony ULT Tower 9 vs JBL Partybox 720 - indoor listening test
- Oluv Patreon: Sony ULT Tower 9 vs JBL Partybox 720 - power generator test
- GYMCADDY: JBL Partybox 720 Vs JBL Partybox 520 More from GYMCADDY →
- GYMCADDY: JBL Partybox 720 Review
- GYMCADDY: JBL Partybox 720 Vs JBL Partybox Ultimate
- GYMCADDY: JBL Partybox 720 Vs Sony ULT Tower 9
- AudioTribe: JBL Partybox 720 vs JBL Partybox 520 Who’s Better?
- M1MTechChannel: Vorsicht LAUT ⚠️ | Teufel Rockster 2 vs JBL Partybox 720 / Ultimate More from M1MTechChannel →
- M1MTechChannel: Welche JBL Partybox ist die BESTE ? Alle Partyboxen im Vergleich | 2026
- M1MTechChannel: JBL Partybox 720 | Was hat JBL denn da gemacht?!
- Joy & Oluv’Sone 3DAudio & Music: Sony ULT9 vs JBL Partybox 720 - the king of battery powered party speakers
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox 720 vs Teufel Rockster 2
- JBL Partybox 720 vs JBL Partybox 710
- JBL Partybox 720 vs JBL Partybox 520
- JBL Partybox 720 vs JBL Partybox 1000
- JBL Partybox 720 vs Teufel Rockster
- JBL Partybox 720 vs JBL Partybox Ultimate
- JBL Partybox 720 vs Sony ULT Tower 9
- JBL Partybox 720 vs Sony ULT Tower 10
- See all 14 comparisons