JBL has a comprehensive catalog of Bluetooth speakers, but the largest and loudest are those in the PartyBox range. The PartyBox series is made to liven up the party, no matter the size of the crowd. They feature a distinctly heavy bass that can rattle windows while incorporating lighting effects to increase the visual experience and create a true party atmosphere. Despite the similarities, there are distinct differences between each of the PartyBox models. This article compares the various PartyBox models and determines your needs best.
2024 is a big year for JBL and their PartyBox range, introducing the PartyBox 120 and 320. These speakers not only represent improvements to sound quality and dynamics in particular but also introduce the next generation of wireless pairing, Auracast.
PartyBox Size Comparison
Measurements can be hard to visualize, so we’ve made the following graphic to give an idea of the scale of each of these speakers.
The JBL PartyBox App
JBL uses two primary apps to control your speaker’s settings remotely. Most of the series use the JBL PartyBox app, while the Ultimate series uses the JBL One app. The only two speakers in the current PartyBox range that don’t support any of the JBL apps are the PartyBox 1000 and the On-The-Go.
JBL PartyBox
Supported by the PartyBox Encore Essential, 110, 310 and 710
Available on the Google Play Store and Apple Store
The screenshots above illustrate the controls and effects available through the PartyBox app. The app supports storing multiple speakers for easy access to the one you want to control. It offers the ability to adjust the lighting brightness along with the effects. A graphic EQ lets you dial in the sound of your speaker, letting you pick the right sound for any situation. Using the TWS section of the app, you can easily pair your speakers together from your phone. Karaoke effects and DJ sounds are additional controls offered through the app.
JBL One
Supported by the PartyBox Ultimate
Available on the Google Play Store and Apple Store
The JBL One app differs substantially from the PartyBox app and is tailored more toward home speakers and high-definition audio. The JBL One app has Wi-Fi grouping, which the Ultimate can use to tie together with your existing home Wi-Fi setup. This app also lets you easily manage your devices, change the lighting effects, and even calibrate your audio devices.
True Wireless Stereo (TWS) & Party Mode Pairing With The PartyBox Series
TWS is supported by all models in the JBL PartyBox range, but there’s a caveat. The speakers can only be paired with one of the same model type. So, while the 310 can pair with another 310, you cannot use TWS to connect the 310 to a 710, for example.
The 110, 310, and 710 can be wirelessly paired interchangeably without model restriction using JBL’s Wireless Party Mode. However, this is not a wireless stereo connection. Using the Wireless Party Mode is good for increasing the audio coverage of a multi-speaker setup but doesn’t bring the same audio enhancements found with TWS.
Alternatively, use the daisy chain feature to connect different PartyBox models in a wired manner.
How To Pair JBL PartyBox Speakers
To pair your JBL speakers, locate the Bluetooth pairing or TWS button on your speaker. Press the TWS button on both speakers simultaneously, or hold down the Bluetooth pairing button for 5 seconds simultaneously on each speaker.
That’s it. Once done, the two speakers will sync, locate each other, and form a wireless connection.
The PartyBox Sound
The PartyBox sound is something you either love or you hate. It is a bass-heavy sound profile, and some users dislike just how bassy these speakers get. This sound type isn’t ideal for low-volume, casual listening, and most speakers in the series sound best when pushed up above 50% volume. The midrange is mostly balanced with differences in the frequency response between the various models.
If you’re looking for a party speaker, the PartyBox series is hard to beat. But if you’re less partial to rattling windows and want something for background music, these aren’t the speakers for you. On the other hand, if the idea of thumping EDM appeals to you, the PartyBox range may be exactly what you’re looking for.
For Portability, The PartyBox On-The-Go Thrives
Features
Included wireless mic
Portable design
Carry strap
Suitable For Entertaining
Up to 30 people indoors
Up to 20 people outdoors
The PartyBox On-The-Go is the smallest and most affordable of the PartyBox series. Compared to JBL’s Flip flagship, the On-The-Go is still substantially larger. Unlike the larger models in this range, this speaker is relatively easy to carry, with a built-in handle and a weight of 16.5 pounds. While it isn’t going to have enough power to entertain large groups of people in the same way the PartyBox 310 or 710 will, it is better suited to smaller gatherings of less than 50 people.
Portable Stereo Pairing
The IPX4 waterproof rating protects the speaker from splashes of water or light rainfall, giving peace of mind to those looking to use the speaker outdoors. It gets up to six hours of battery life on a charge and has a maximum power rating of 100W, driving its single 5.25” woofer and dual 1.75” tweeters. The frequency response range spans from 50 Hz to 20 KHz, and while this speaker has some solid bass, the depth falls short of that found in the PartyBox 110 and 310. If you have two On-The-Go speakers, there is support for true wireless stereo pairing, increasing your soundstage performance.
The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go comes with both guitar and microphone input and a wireless microphone. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support the PartyBox app, but the built-in controls allow you to adjust the bass and treble effectively and offer control over the microphone/guitar inputs.
Conclusion
This speaker is a great choice for use around the pool with friends, throwing backyard parties, and sharing memorable karaoke moments. The On-The-Go is a social speaker that brings people together and does it at a relatively affordable price.
For Portability and app Support, The PartyBox Encore Essential Is Better
Features
App support
Portable design
Easy carry-handle
TWS pairing
Suitable For Entertaining
Up to 30 people indoors
Up to 20 people outdoors
The PartyBox Encore Essential is similar in size and weight to the On-The-Go but has some notable differences. The Essential is distinct from other PartyBox models in its proportion, sporting a square design with a single 5.25” woofer and two 1.75” tweeters. Unlike the On-The-Go, the PartyBox Essential doesn’t come with a microphone but still offers a mic input with basic control. It has a carry handle on the speaker’s top, making it easy to move around. It features easy-to-use controls at the top front of the speaker, including a bass boost button.
JBL PartyBox App Support
The built-in lights sync with your music to create a vibrant party atmosphere, with a bright LED ring wrapping around the speaker’s driver. Another difference between this speaker and the On-The-Go is that it supports the PartyBox mobile app, where you can manage your connectivity and adjust your audio preferences using the built-in equalizer. The Essential can also be paired with a second speaker to form a TWS connection.
Power On The Go
It has a maximum power output of 100W, the same as the On-The-Go, and a similar maximum volume. As with the rest of JBL’s PartyBox range, this speaker has a bassy sound; using the mobile app, you can toggle between a punchy or deep bass.
When looking at battery performance, this speaker is rated for up to 6 hours of playtime, but if used with the lighting effects and bass boost functions enabled, the playtime is cut down by around 20%. The connections on the Encore Essential are located behind a protective flap on the back and include a microphone input for karaoke or MC purposes along with mic volume control, aux input, USB-A slot, and a TWS button. Including Bluetooth 5.0 is another benefit the Encore Essential has over the On-The-Go.
Conclusion
Overall, the Encore Essential is a great speaker for small home parties and outdoor gatherings of less than 50 people. Pairing this speaker together via TWS will give an even more comprehensive listening experience. If you want that immersive soundstage that makes your house party sound like you’re in the club, consider using the TWS mode.
The PartyBox 120 Strikes A Balance Between Portability & Performance
Features
App support
Vibrant dynamic lighting
Microphone & guitar inputs
Auracast pairing
Suitable For Entertaining
Up to 75 people indoors
Up to 50 people outdoors
The PartyBox 120 is a speaker that caters for small to moderate-sized gatherings of between 30 and 75 people. Its relatively compact and lightweight design (when compared to the 320 and 710) makes it a popular choice for those who frequently host parties or gatherings. The 160W output marks a 60% increase over the Encore Essential, and results in more volume. The PartyBox 120 can get relatively loud, producing just over 100 dB, which is a little more than the previous generation.
It features a two-way design with two 5.25″ woofers for the lows and mids and two 2.25″ tweeters, that produce detailed and refined highs. The PartyBox 120 has a deeper bass extension than the 110, which results in a thumpy sound, ideal for electronic music. It has excellent dynamics, with subtle details in instruments coming through with defined nuance. These details help to create a more lifelike sound and make the speaker suitable for far more than just partying. Unlike the PartyBox 110, which could be orientated horizontally, the 120 only supports a vertical position.
It makes use of the latest Bluetooth technology, using Bluetooth 5.4 for its wireless connectivity, the benefits of which include lower latency, more range, better efficiency, and support for Auracast. Auracast pairing allows the PartyBox 120 to be paired in TWS or regular multispeaker pairing to another PartyBox 120, or any of the new Auracast-supported releases by JBL (PartyBox 320, PartyBox Ultimate, Go 4, Clip 5, and Xtreme 4).
At around 40% volume you can expect close to 12 hours of playtime, but keep in mind that lighting and features can impact the overall battery life.
Overall, the PartyBox 120 strikes a balance between power and portability, making it a great choice for frequent use at sports events, house parties, and more.
If you’re interested in seeing how the PartyBox 120 differs from the 110, check out our detailed comparison.
The PartyBox 320 Is The Loudest Battery Powered Speaker In The Series
Features
Microphone & guitar inputs
JBL Battery 400 (replaceable)
Retractable handle & wheels
Auracast pairing
Suitable For Entertaining
Up to 100 people indoors
Up to 75 people outdoors
JBL’s PartyBox 320 is a large and heavy speaker that features built-in wheels and a telescopic handle for ease of transportation. Its size is owed in part to its impressive array of drivers which include dual 6.5″ woofers and 2.25″ tweeters. The woofers achieve a deep, thumping bass with more extension than the previous generation.
This is the largest of the PartyBox series to feature a battery and not require AC power, making it the most impressive of the portable options. The 320 is the first in the PartyBox series to feature a replaceable battery, ensuring longevity. This replaceable battery means you can quickly swap batteries out with a backup to keep the party going even longer. However, with up to 18 hours of playtime at moderate volume, the speaker is already well-suited to long listening sessions.
Like the PartyBox 120, the 320 includes Auracast pairing through the latest Bluetooth technology. This not only creates a low-latency experience but also provides extensive pairing in both TWS and general multispeaker options.
While lighting effects typically don’t change much between generations, the 320 has seen a big overhaul with a much more extensive area of lighting effects, now wrapping around both drivers and the space between them.
The 320 produces over 100 dB of volume, and can easily fill medium to large-sized rooms with vibrant sound. JBL’s focus on dynamic improvement is on full display with a refined sound that reproduces the subtle details of songs.
Overall, the PartyBox 320 can cater to moderate-sized gatherings of between 75 and 100 people, and when paired in TWS with another PartyBox 320 can provide the ultimate party experience.
If you’re interested in seeing how the 320 differs from the 310, check out our detailed comparison.
The PartyBox 710 Brings Big Sound But Lacks Portability
Features
Powerful output
Water-resistant
Deep bass
TWS pairing
Suitable For Entertaining
Up to 150 people indoors
Up to 100 people outdoors
The PartyBox 710 is a large, powerful speaker with up to 800W of power output. Because of the challenges involved in powering such a strong speaker, the 710 is an AC-only speaker and doesn’t have a battery powering it. This limits its versatility and means that if you want to use this speaker outdoors, you will need to run a power cable to its location. The 710 is less suited for casual home use and is better used for large parties or events. It has an IPX4 water resistance and is protected from light rain, splashes, and gentle sprays.
Bass That Will Rattle Your Windows
Part of the reason for its excessive size is that some monstrous woofers are inside it. The 710 features two 8” woofers along with two 2.75” tweeters. These commanding drivers are responsible for these speakers’ deep, thumping bass. The PartyBox 710 is the epitome of what we think of when we hear the term EDM sound. Thanks to the built-in reflex port, the bass can rattle windows, and if you’re pushing the volume, you can expect a visit from the neighbors or the cops. The tweeters provide a defined, clear sound with crisp detail and offer excellent dynamics.
Versatile Connectivity
Like the 310, it features built-in wheels, though these wheels come with some tread to them, making it easier to move the speaker across different terrains. This makes the 710 a viable option for garden audio, where you can roll it out onto your back porch. You won’t have to worry about coverage, as this speaker can get seriously loud. If you’re looking to throw a really large party, you can always opt for two of these bad boys in TWS for unbelievable volume potential and improved soundstage.
Similar to the 310, it has rear connectivity ports with microphone input, an additional mic/guitar port, and volume controls. An aux input lets you connect an auxiliary music source, while the built-in USB slot lets you play music directly off a USB drive. Additionally, you get a daisy chain input and output and a TWS pairing button. For its wireless connectivity, it uses Bluetooth 5.1, offering reliable connection and fast transfer speeds.
While all of the PartyBox speakers feature some form of lighting effects, the 710 dials it up with lighting rings around the woofers and panel lighting across the edges of the speaker. Additionally, nine smaller strobing lights are on the speaker’s front panel.
Conclusion
Overall, the PartyBox 710 is a popular and powerful party speaker that can cater to large groups of people. While it is limited in its portability due to its AC requirements, if you have an outlet to work with, the 710 will provide you with a noticeably better audio experience than the 310. Pair two of them together for a professional-sounding party experience.
The PartyBox 1000 Offers More Than Just An Outstanding Light Show
Features
Incredible lighting effects
Loads of volume
Dedicated subwoofer for deep bass
DJ control pad
Suitable For Entertaining
Up to 200 people indoors
Up to 150 people outdoors
The JBL PartyBox 1000 is the penultimate speaker in this series regarding overall size. It’s slightly taller than the PartyBox Ultimate but is less wide and weighs just over 10 lbs less. It is larger and more powerful than the 710, offering improved vocal clarity and more volume. It is a very special speaker, offering unique features not found on others in the PartyBox series. Most notable are the unbelievably vibrant and active dynamic lighting effects and the addition of a DJ pad. This speaker doesn’t come with a battery and requires AC power.
This speaker is made for highly demanding parties or event environments and can entertain more than 150 people indoors or between 100 and 150 people outdoors. They can also be paired using TWS for improved soundstage and more power. When two of these speakers are paired, they can be used for large outdoor gatherings of a few hundred people.
Next-Level Lighting Effects
The dynamic lighting effects on the PartyBox 1000 are second to none. The entire speaker’s front panel lights up with dynamic effects you can toggle between them, creating gradient color displays and more. They are bright and exciting and are a defining feature of the speaker that separates it from the other PartyBox models.
The driver configuration is unique from other speakers in the PartyBox range, with a huge 12” dedicated subwoofer for deep and powerful bass. An additional two midrange drivers along with a compression driver, provide one of the most balanced sounds in this speaker series. The brightness in the treble gives life to tracks and adds crucial nuance to electronic tracks. This speaker has a low bass extension, and the frequency response ranges from 35Hz to 20kHz. This speaker sounds best with the volume turned up, and low-volume listeners may complain about the lack of clarity in the upper midrange frequencies when low volume is used.
Lack Of App Support
A downside of the PartyBox 1000 is that it does not support the PartyBox app, which removes some of the versatility we enjoy on the 710. Instead, you must use a third-party EQ app to adjust the sound profile. Still, there remains the ability to toggle bass boost on or off.
This speaker uses slightly older Bluetooth 4.2 technology in terms of connectivity and features, but it still performs very well in terms of range. A clear line of sight can retain a connection for over 300 feet. This speaker offers the most robust wired connectivity out of the series, with mic and guitar inputs, two RCA line-ins, aux input, and USB-A. The DJ control pad on top of the speaker is another useful tool, allowing you to upload your own samples for us on the pad.
Conclusion
Overall, the PartyBox 1000 is intended primarily for commercial purposes and large parties. By itself, it thrives in terms of both volume and sound quality. However, when paired with another speaker of the same model in TWS, you get a professional club sound that can entertain hundreds of people.
The PartyBox Ultimate Is A Window-Rattling Bass Monster
Features
Deep bass extension
Dedicated woofers, midrange, and tweeters
Water resistance
Extremely loud sound
Suitable For Entertaining
Up to 250 people indoors
Up to 175 people outdoors
The PartyBox Ultimate is the latest release in the PartyBox range and weighs even more than the 1000. The Ultimate is a slightly shorter speaker, but has more width to it. This added width makes it slightly more stable than the 1000 and less prone to movement when knocked. The Ultimate sees the introduction of Wi-Fi support to the PartyBox series, a feature that will increase the growth among Bluetooth speakers.
It has wheels to help transport it, similar to the 1000 and 710, though this is not what one can consider an easily portable speaker. Its size makes it best suited as a dedicated home speaker that can be wheeled out onto the porch or, more realistically, for those looking to host large events or parties. IPX4 water resistance with the Ultimate is lacking from the PartyBox 1000.
Dedicated Midrange & Woofers
The PartyBox Ultimate has two 9″ woofers, a 4.5″ midrange, and two 2.75″ tweeters. The result is a booming speaker with a deep and powerful bass presence that will cause your chest to vibrate along with your room’s windows. Its bass is both deeper and more substantial than the PartyBox 1000, and so is its volume. The Ultimate measures 3 to 5 dB louder than 1000, and it can entertain up to 200 people outdoors when used by itself. Pair it with another Ultimate, and you’ll have the ultimate party setup for large events. However, the PartyBox 1000 has slightly more detail and clarity in the upper midrange and treble.
JBL Introduces Ultimate Connectivity With Wi-Fi Support
Wi-Fi support is the selling point for the PartyBox Ultimate, allowing you to play 3D Dolby Atmos over a Wi-Fi connection. Essentially, the Ultimate is better suited to home use than the PartyBox 1000. This is also supported by its improved dynamics, which let you play the speaker at lower volumes with better clarity than the 1000. While the PartyBox 1000 requires a fairly high volume before sounding good, the Ultimate does so at a significantly lower threshold.
The lighting effects are closer to the PartyBox 710 than the 1000, and although they are vibrant and bright – they lack the 1000’s full front panel display. Still, you have control over these lighting effects and they do still add to the party experience.
Conclusion
Overall, the PartyBox Ultimate is a powerful speaker that supports Wi-Fi connectivity, a first for the PartyBox range. It has a distinctly wide sound with deep bass that outperforms even the PartyBox 1000. If clarity and detail towards the upper frequencies are more important to you, the PartyBox 1000 is the better choice, but if bass, power, and Wi-Fi connectivity are more important to you, the Ultimate is a great choice for large parties or for home use at a lower volume.
Differences Between The New & Old PartyBox Models
The initial series of PartyBox speakers consisted of the PartyBox 100, 200, 300 and 1000. Today, these speakers are considered end-of-life, with the 110 and 310 replacing them. Still, they remain on the market and are often available for discounted prices. If you’re wondering whether you should upgrade or go for a good deal on an older PartyBox speaker, here are some useful comparisons to help you decide:
JBL PartyBox 310 vs PartyBox 300
The PartyBox 310 replaces the 300, offering more bass and better clarity to the midrange and highs. It has slightly more volume than the PartyBox 300 but falls behind the 300 in its dynamic performance. It also offers JBL PartyBox app support, which isn’t available on the PartyBox 300. The 310 has an IPX4 water-resistance rating, while the 300 offers no water resistance. JBL also added wheels to the 310, making transporting it easier than the 300.
Overall, the PartyBox 310 is a better speaker with noticeable improvements to audio quality, portability, and weather resistance. The move over to Bluetooth 5.1 is an additional benefit to the 310.
JBL PartyBox 110 vs PartyBox 100
The PartyBox 100 is a louder speaker than the PartyBox 110 but falls behind in its midrange clarity and definition, whereas the 110 manages to outperform it. The 110 is a bassier speaker, too, with more punch. The PartyBox 110 has better connectivity and is equipped with Bluetooth 5.1 and PartyBox app support, which wasn’t on the previous model. The PartyBox 110 also offers better battery life with an extra 4.5 hours of listening time off a charge.
Overall, the PartyBox 110 is a better-sounding speaker with more bass. Its extra battery life holds a lot of weight, while the app support makes it easy to adjust remotely. If you’re after volume, the PartyBox 100 is the louder of the two, but is it worth the lack of weather resistance?
The PartyBox 200 was seen as redundant by JBL, and no upgrade was released for the speaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Connect 2 PartyBox On-The-Go Speakers?
Step 1. Turn both speakers on.
Step 2. Start playing music out of one speaker, this will become your master speaker.
Step 3. Press and hold the Bluetooth pairing buttons on both speakers at the same time.
Step 4. Wait for the speakers to pair while holding the Bluetooth button, it takes around 5 to 8 seconds.
Step 5. The lights will sync up when the speakers are paired and will now be playing the same track.
How many watts is the PartyBox 120?
160W, the same as the JBL PartBox 110.
Which speaker is better, the PartyBox 110 or the Club 120?
We think the Club 120 is the better speaker. For a more comprehensive comparison, we have compiled a thorough article comparing the PartyBox 110 and 120.
Is the PartyBox Stage 320 better than the PartyBox 310?
While subjective, the Stage 320 has clearer vocal frequencies and more details, which makes it better for most music genres. Here’s our in-depth comparison between the PartyBox 310 and 320.
Which JBL PartyBox is the loudest?
The PartyBox Ultimate is the loudest speaker in JBL’s active catalog. The PartyBox 1000 is no longer available and was replaced by the Ultimate.
You can’t connect a 310 to a 300. But you can connect a 310 to any other x10 series and the encore