Short answer: it depends on how deep you need the bass. AudioTribe measured the Tower Max at 110.6dBC versus 106.2dBC for the PartyBox Ultimate outdoors at about 6m, with the Sony stronger from 40-100Hz and the JBL ahead below 40Hz. Take the Max for mid-bass and XLR connections, or the Ultimate for sub-40Hz depth, Wi-Fi streaming and mic/guitar inputs.
These are flagship AC-powered party speakers. AudioTribe measured the Tower Max at 110.6dBC at about 6m outdoors with Flat EQ and ULT1, versus 106.2dBC for the PartyBox Ultimate in the same test. The Sony was stronger from 40-100Hz, while the JBL held an advantage below 40Hz.
Choose the Tower Max for mid-bass output and professional connections: Three 11-inch woofers, 10-band EQ, RCA/XLR inputs and XLR output suit high-output DJ and event use. It is also dramatically heavier at 124.1 lbs (56.3 kg).
Choose the PartyBox Ultimate for deeper sub-40Hz bass and JBL features: It is lighter and adds Wi-Fi streaming and JBL’s two mic/guitar inputs.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower Max. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Partybox Ultimate and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A very loud party speaker, with three big woofers for huge bass at large events.
A huge party speaker with deep, powerful bass and clear sound at extreme volume, plus Wi-Fi and karaoke inputs.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower Max | JBL Partybox Ultimate | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198.00 | $1,499.95 |
| Ranked | #1 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #3 of 13 in Large Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | No Battery | No Battery |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm) | 17.9” x 41.3” x 17.3” (455 x 1049 x 440 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” subwoofer, 2x 4.5” midrange, 2x 2.75” tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live) | Yes (3 band) |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | Splashproof top surface | IPX4 |
| 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) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| 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) | 86 lbs (39 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | Yes |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- AudioTribe: Sony ULT Tower Max vs JBL PartyBox Ultimate - loudness and bass test
- AudioTribe: Sony ULT Tower MAX VS JBL Partybox Ultimate 2 vs Ultimate WHY SONY IS BETTER?
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