JBL PartyBox Speakers Compared (Bass, Lights, Action)

Bryn De Kocks | January 14, 2025

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.

JBL PartyBox Speakers Compared (Bass, Lights, Action) 1

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

Release Date: October 2020
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
Max Power Output: 100W
Bluetooth Version: 4.2
Waterproofing: IPX4
App Support: None
Weight: 16.5 lbs
Dimensions: 23.62 x 12.36 x 14.45”

JBL PartyBox Speakers Compared (Bass, Lights, Action) 2

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.

Pros

  • The shoulder strap makes for easy transport
  • Lightweight and portable
  • A wireless mic is included

Cons

  • No JBL app support
  • Better water resistance would be preferred for a speaker designed for the outdoors

For Portability and app Support, The PartyBox Encore Essential Is Better

Release Date: March 2022
Battery Life: Up to 6 hours
Max Power Output: 100W
Bluetooth Version: 5.0
Waterproofing: IPX4
App Support: Yes (JBL PartyBox)
Weight: 16.10 lbs
Dimensions: 11.54 x 10.87 x 12.87”

JBL PartyBox Speakers Compared (Bass, Lights, Action) 2

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.

Pros

  • Easy to transport
  • JBL PartyBox app support
  • Includes a microphone input

Cons

  • Limited battery life
  • Better water resistance would be preferred for a speaker designed for the outdoors

The PartyBox 120 Strikes A Balance Between Portability & Performance

Release Date: April 2024
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Max Power Output: 160W
Bluetooth Version: 5.3
Waterproofing: IPX4
App Support: Yes (JBL PartyBox)
Weight: 24.35 lbs
Dimensions: 11.69 x 11.35 x 22.44″

JBL PartyBox Speakers Compared (Bass, Lights, Action) 2

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.

Pros

  • Broad multispeaker pairing through Auracast
  • Detailed sound with good dynamics
  • Vibrant lighting
  • Improved bass from the PartyBox 110

Cons

  • Lighting and bass boost have a noticeable impact on battery life
  • Only supports a vertical orientation

JBL PartyBox 110

Release Date: September 2021
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Max Power Output: 160W
Bluetooth Version: 5.1
Waterproofing: IPX4
App Support: Yes (JBL PartyBox)
Weight: 23.8 lbs
Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.6 x 22.4”

JBL PartyBox Speakers Compared (Bass, Lights, Action) 2

Features
App support
Vibrant dynamic lighting
Microphone & guitar inputs
TWS pairing

Suitable For Entertaining
Up to 75 people indoors
Up to 50 people outdoors

The PartyBox 110 retails for around $100 more than the Encore Essential and is the smallest speaker in this series to offer a dual woofer design. Unlike the On-The-Go, which lies horizontally, and the Encore Essential, with its square design, the PartyBox 110 has a native vertical placement position, which can also be flipped and used horizontally.

Balancing Power With Portability

With a weight of 23.8 lbs and a height of 22.4”, it is a fairly substantial increase in size from the Encore Essential. Still, PartyBox 110 can be carried with relative ease thanks to the built-in handle on the rear top of the speaker. A second handle on the speaker’s base increases portability by letting one carry it horizontally or allowing two people to each grab a handle and transport it together.

The design has a slight incline, with the drivers angled at around 15 degrees upwards. This is to improve the directionality of sound, allowing it to travel towards the ear level when placed on the floor. A mounting hole on the speaker’s base helps elevate it and bring the speaker towards ear level. The speaker’s top features are lighting control, playback control, and bass boost. Additionally, there is a slot on top of the speaker to place your phone or tablet, allowing for a central control point.

The PartyBox 110 has an impressive 9800mAh built-in battery for up to 12 hours of playtime. Using the speaker at higher volume levels or activating the bass boost and lighting reduces the battery by between 10 and 20% on average.

Grab A Mic For Karaoke

The Bluetooth 5.1 wireless connectivity is reliable and offers a stable and low-latency connection. There are microphone inputs on the rear of the speaker, which can be used for karaoke, and with two inputs, it allows you and a friend to duet. The one input can also be used for a guitar, turning the speaker into an on-the-spot amplifier. There are also both aux-in and aux-out connections, along with a USB-A slot.

With a maximum power output of 160W, the PartyBox 110 has more to offer in terms of sound quality and volume than both smaller PartyBox speakers. There are two 5.25” woofers and two 2.25” tweeters, which together produce a deep and powerful bass, as well as detailed midrange and treble, with clear vocal presence.

Conclusion

Overall, the PartyBox 110 is a great speaker for parties, indoors or outdoors, with its IPX4 water resistance protecting it from splashes, sprays, or light rain. The PartyBox 110 offers noticeably improved audio performance and lighting from the Encore Essential, but pairing two Encore Essentials together can create a similar sound to the 110 but with an improved soundstage. Whether you go with the 110 or two Encore Essentials, both these options will provide awesome party sound without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Decent battery performance
  • Microphone and guitar inputs
  • Vibrant lighting
  • Detailed midrange frequencies

Cons

  • Lighting and bass boost have a noticeable impact on battery life
  • Audio quality suffers from some compression above 85% volume

The PartyBox 320 Is The Loudest Battery Powered Speaker In The Series

Release Date: April 2024
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Max Power Output: 240W
Bluetooth Version: 5.4
Waterproofing: IPX4
App Support: Yes (JBL PartyBox)
Weight: 41.7 lbs
Dimensions: 13.19 x 26.34 x 15.16″

JBL PartyBox Speakers Compared (Bass, Lights, Action) 2

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.

Pros

  • Excellent Bluetooth efficiency
  • Built-in wheels make for easy transport
  • Lengthy battery life
  • Auracast pairing

Cons

  • Fairly expensive
  • Quite heavy

JBL PartyBox 310

Release Date: October 2020
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Max Power Output: 240W
Bluetooth Version: 5.1
Waterproofing: IPX4
App Support: Yes (JBL PartyBox)
Weight: 38.4 lbs
Dimensions: 12.8 x 14.5 x 27”

JBL PartyBox Speakers Compared (Bass, Lights, Action) 2

Features
Microphone & guitar inputs
20 000mAh battery
Retractable handle & wheels
TWS pairing

Suitable For Entertaining
Up to 100 people indoors
Up to 75 people outdoors

JBL’s PartyBox 310 is the largest speaker in the series to run on a battery, making it the largest truly portable speaker on this list. The 710, 1000, and Ultimate require an AC power connection, limiting their versatility.

Transport Made Easier

Weighing 15 lbs more than the PartyBox 110, the 310 includes wheels and an extendable handle that lets you wheel it around for easier transport. This added weight is partly due to the large 20 000mAh battery, which gives you up to 18 hours of battery life. With bass boost and lighting enabled, the battery life drops to between 15 and 16 hours, more than enough to host a couple of all-night ragers before recharging. The recharging process is quick, and the 310 can be fully charged in under four hours.

Gain Full Control Of The 310

The 5.1 Bluetooth connection ensures stability and reliable audio transfer speeds. The speaker’s rear hosts the wired connection points and features a microphone input, a mic/guitar input with a button to toggle between mic or guitar. These connections make the 310 the ultimate battery-powered party speaker. Additionally, there’s a USB-A slot and aux and daisy chain connections.

A benefit of the 310 over the 110 is the inclusion of additional physical controls, which bring features of the mobile app directly to the speaker. In addition to the volume control, bass boost button, power and pairing buttons, and lighting control, there is also the ability to adjust your bass, treble, and echo. There are three additional preset sound buttons. If you prefer using your phone, the 310 also supports the PartyBox app.

Conclusion

Overall, the PartyBox 310 excels at balancing big sound and portability. It has substantially more volume than the 110 without being tied down by the AC power requirements of larger PartyBox models. It is best suited to parties that need to entertain fairly large gatherings of people and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Pros

  • Balances power and portability
  • Built-in wheels make for easy transport
  • Lengthy battery life
  • Fast charging

Cons

  • Limited soundstage

The PartyBox 710 Brings Big Sound But Lacks Portability

Release Date: October 2021
Battery Life: AC Only (No Battery)
Max Power Output: 800W
Bluetooth Version: 5.1
Waterproofing: IPX4
App Support: Yes (JBL PartyBox)
Weight: 61.3 lbs
Dimensions: 41.26 x 18.39 x 19.88”

JBL PartyBox Speakers Compared (Bass, Lights, Action) 2

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.

Pros

  • Deep, powerful bass
  • Vibrant lighting with strobing effects
  • Loud enough to entertain large gatherings
  • Built-in wheels

Cons

  • Large & heavy
  • Somewhat limited TWS range

The PartyBox 1000 Offers More Than Just An Outstanding Light Show

Release Date: June 2019
Battery Life: AC Only (No Battery)
Max Power Output: 1100W
Bluetooth Version: 4.2
Waterproofing: None
App Support: No
Weight: 76.5 lbs
Dimensions: 18.42 x 45.59 x 18.58”

JBL PartyBox Speakers Compared (Bass, Lights, Action) 2

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.

Pros

  • Full panel lighting display
  • Built-in DJ pad
  • Dedicated subwoofer for powerful bass
  • Gets very loud

Cons

  • Large & heavy
  • It has an older Bluetooth connection (4.2)
  • Expensive
  • No water resistance

The PartyBox Ultimate Is A Window-Rattling Bass Monster

Release Date: August 2023
Battery Life: AC Only (No Battery)
Max Power Output: 1100W
Waterproofing: IPX4
App Support: Yes (JBL One)
Weight: 87.1 lbs
Dimensions: 17.32 x 17.91 x 41.3”

JBL PartyBox Speakers Compared (Bass, Lights, Action) 2

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.

Pros

  • Dedicated woofers, midrange, and tweeters
  • IPX4 water resistance
  • Powerful sound, the loudest of the PartyBox series

Cons

  • Large & heavy
  • It has an older Bluetooth connection (4.2)
  • Very expensive

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.

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Author: Bryn De Kocks

Bryn has worked in the field for several years, writing in-depth speaker reviews for various audio publications. His work has historically focused on headphones and Bluetooth speakers, while incorporating his understanding of the Bluetooth speaker market to help educate potential buyers.

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Originally Published: June 14, 2024

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