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JBL PartyBox 520 vs JBL PartyBox Encore 2

Buy the PartyBox 520 if sound output is the priority: 400W RMS from two 7.5-inch woofers and two tweeters, with wheels and a telescopic handle so you can move 26 kg. Buy the Encore 2 if you want karaoke and portability: it ships with two digital wireless microphones, weighs far less, and has a 15-hour battery. Owners rate both highly, but the 520 draws complaints about weight and one report of lost bass, while the Encore 2 is praised for family karaoke and small parties.

  • Choose the PartyBox 520 if you host large outdoor parties and need maximum volume, deep bass and multi-speaker Auracast linking.
  • Choose the PartyBox Encore 2 if you want karaoke with included wireless mics in a compact speaker you can carry easily.

Prices

  • JBL PartyBox 520: $561.37 at Microless.com (checked today)
  • JBL PartyBox Encore 2: $199.00 at Walmart (last seen Nov 4)
  • Difference: the JBL PartyBox Encore 2 is $362.37 cheaper than the JBL PartyBox 520 at the latest prices (Nov 4 and Nov 10)
JBL
JBL PartyBox 520 Portable Party Speaker

JBL PartyBox 520

JBL PartyBox 520 Portable Party Speaker

4.8(548 ratings)
$561.37at Microless.comChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Microless.com
Pros
  • Very loud with strong, deep bass for large spaces
  • Wheels and telescopic handle make the weight manageable
  • App control for EQ, lights and playback
  • Multiple wired inputs for mics and guitar
  • Auracast stereo pairing and multi-speaker linking
Cons
  • 26 kg is heavy to lift into a car or up stairs
  • No microphones included
  • One owner reported losing bass after six months
  • Some report odd noises at very high volume
JBL
JBL PartyBox Encore 2 Portable Party Speaker

JBL PartyBox Encore 2

JBL PartyBox Encore 2 Portable Party Speaker

4.9(724 ratings)
$199.00at WalmartChecked Nov 4
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Two wireless microphones included for karaoke
  • Light and easy to carry to small gatherings
  • 15-hour battery life
  • Dynamic light show and AI Sound Boost
  • High owner rating for family and friend use
Cons
  • 100W limits it to small and mid-size parties
  • Fewer wired inputs than the 520
  • Less bass depth than the larger tower

What separates them

JBL PartyBox 520JBL PartyBox Encore 2
Power output400W RMS from two 7.5-inch woofers and two 1-inch tweeters100W from a compact driver array
Included microphonesMic and guitar inputs, but no microphones in the boxTwo digital wireless microphones included
Portability26 kg tower with wide wheels and a telescopic handleCompact body designed to be carried by hand
BatteryUp to 15 hours, plus 2 extra hours after a 10-minute fast chargeUp to 15 hours from a 4,800 mAh battery
Multi-speaker linkingAuracast: pair two for stereo or link multiple speakersAuracast-enabled
DurabilityIPX4 splash proofIPX4 splash proof
InputsBluetooth 5.4, USB, 3.5 mm aux, line-in, guitar-in, two XLR mic inputsBluetooth and USB
Voice assistantNoneAmazon Alexa support

Price history

$879.95$199.00
Nov 1Nov 10
  • JBL PartyBox 520: lowest $561.37 on Nov 1 at Microless.com; $879.95 on Nov 10.
  • JBL PartyBox Encore 2: lowest $199.00 on Nov 4 at Walmart; $329.90 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

JBL PartyBox 520

  • Microless.comNew

    In stock

    $561.37Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Microless.com
  • Universal Knowledge World- UKWNew

    In stockPriced in INR (₹59,999.00)Return policy

    $638.76Checked 1 h ago
    Visit Universal Knowledge World- UKW
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by VF DISTRIBUTORS

    $642.36Free shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • PayMore MassapequaNew

    Availability unknown

    $574.99Checked Nov 1
    Visit PayMore Massapequa

Also available at

  • Singtronic.comCheck price at Singtronic.com
  • Electronics ExpoCheck price at Electronics Expo
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
All 39 stores and price history →

JBL PartyBox Encore 2

  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $199.00Checked Nov 4
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by itscorvette1 (99.5% positive, 2,800 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $269.99+ $60.65 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • 961souq.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $360.00Checked Oct 31
    Visit 961souq.com
  • Sam's ClubNew

    Availability unknown

    $361.90Checked Nov 4
    Visit Sam's Club

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 11 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecJBL PartyBox 520JBL PartyBox Encore 2
Assistant SupportWithout voice assistantAmazon Alexa
Max Wattage400 watts100 W
PortableYesYes
ColorBlackBlack
ConnectivityBluetooth, USB, AUX, XLRBluetooth, USB
Battery Capacity4584 mAh / 99.02 Wh4,800 mAh
OutdoorYes—
BluetoothBluetooth 5.4, Yes—
Connectivity TechnologyWireless, Bluetooth—
Ports And InterfacesLine-In, Aux-In (3.5 mm connector), Guitar-In, …—
Wi-FiNo—
Smart FunctionsMulti-speaker connection by Auracast™—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecJBL PartyBox 520JBL PartyBox Encore 2
Speaker PlacementPortable—
Design HighlightsPortable—
MaterialRecycled plastic (plus FSC certified paper pack…—
StyleRounded, bulbous tower design, Large tower-styl…—
Driver Size7.5 inch (208 mm) (woofers)—
Driver ConfigurationFront-firing—
Driver TypeWoofer—
Number Of Drivers2 (woofers)—
Max Output Power400 W—

What reviewers say

JBL PartyBox 520

  • 4.8 / 5548 ratings

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 548 ratings, owners treat the PartyBox 520 as a loud, room-filling party speaker. They praise the bass and light show and accept the size as the price of the output.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedOwners describe the output as loud and bass-heavy, enough to fill a yard.
  • BatteryPraisedThe 15-hour rating and quick top-up charge are called out as useful for all-day parties.
  • PortabilityMixedThe wheels and handle help, but owners still find 26 kg hard to lift into a car.
  • Light showPraisedBuyers like the glowing patterns and strobe effects for evening events.

JBL PartyBox Encore 2

  • 4.9 / 5724 ratings

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 724 ratings, buyers mostly describe it as great-sounding and fun for karaoke. They call it good for small parties and say it plays well at both low and high volume.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedBuyers call the sound really decent and great for the size.
  • KaraokePraisedOwners say the included wireless mics make it fun for family and friends.
  • VolumePraisedReviewers note it can play not too loud or not too low, so it suits quiet and loud use.
  • Party sizeMixed
Reviews
  • Best portable party speakers: From budget bangers to backyard monsters

Questions and answers

Which is better for a large outdoor party?
The PartyBox 520. Its 400W output and two 7.5-inch woofers fill a yard or patio far better than the 100W Encore 2. The 520's wheels help, but you still need two people for stairs.
Which is better for karaoke?
The Encore 2. It includes two digital wireless microphones, so you can sing out of the box. The 520 has mic and guitar inputs but you supply your own microphones.
Which is easier to move around?
The Encore 2. It is compact and light enough to carry by hand. The 520 weighs 26 kg and relies on its wheels and telescopic handle, which work well on flat ground.
Is the PartyBox 520 worth stepping up to?
Yes if volume and bass matter more than portability. It is a clear step up in output over the Encore 2 and over the PartyBox 320. If you mostly host small gatherings, the Encore 2 covers them.
Do both last the same on battery?
Both are rated up to 15 hours. The 520 adds a fast charge that gives about 2 hours after 10 minutes plugged in. Real runtime drops at high volume on either speaker.
Can I link them together?
Both support Auracast, so you can pair two of the same model for stereo or link multiple Auracast-enabled JBL speakers. Mixing a 520 with an Encore 2 works for coverage, but the 520 will dominate the volume.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best party speakers
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Nominal Output Power
400W RMS
—
Nominal Impedance20 Ohms—
Output Level (SPL)Not specified—
Weight26 kg—
Depth37 cm—
Height77 cm—
Signal to Noise Ratio>80 dB—
Frequency Response40 Hz to 20 kHz—
Power Output400 W—
Battery Voltage21.6 V—
Estimated Battery Life15 Hours—
Battery ChemistryLithium-Ion—
Input Power100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz—
Battery Charging Time3 Hours—
Environmental ResistanceWater-Resistant (IPX4)—
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)33.5 x 19 x 19"—
Package Weight64.38 lb—
Bluetooth Transmitter Modulationπ/4 DQPSK, 8DPSK, GFSK—
Supported Bluetooth ProfilesA2DP 1.4AVRCP 1.6—
Buyers rate it good for small parties, which suggests it is not meant for large crowds.