JBL Boombox 2 and JBL PartyBox On-the-Go are two Bluetooth speakers launched in 2020. JBL’s models have a similar proposal, being interesting for listening to music with higher power and promising to work well for parties and larger gatherings. Among the main differences is the presence of LED lights on the PartyBox speaker, while the successor of the Boombox has a fixed handle with a more robust look, being slightly larger and heavier than the first version of the line.
Boombox 2 vs PartyBox On-The-Go Datasheet
| Specifications | Boombox 2 | PartyBox On-The-Go |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | December 2020 | November 2020 |
| RMS power | 80 Watts (on mains) and 60 Watts (on battery) | 100 Watts (on mains) and 50 Watts (on battery) |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz to 20 kHz | 50 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Drivers | two, 20 mm each | two, 44 ​​mm |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB, auxiliary audio input | Bluetooth, USB, auxiliary audio input |
| Battery | 10,000 mAh – 24-hour autonomy | 6-hour autonomy |
| Colors | Black | Black |
Design
The speakers have a similar look because of their dimensions. However, each product has important differences. PartyBox On-The-Go measures 48.9 x 24.4 x 22.4 cm and weighs 7.5 kg, while Boombox 2 measures 48.5 x 20.1 x 25.7 cm and weighs 5.9 kg. Because they are relatively compact in size and have handles, the speakers can easily be carried by hand.
The JBL Boombox 2 has a solid, bold design with a textured fixed handle. The model features a menu with six physical buttons for volume control, Bluetooth connection, Power, and PartyBoost to connect more branded devices with the function.
The JBL On-The-Go, in turn, features more elements than its rival. As it is a product of the PartyBox line, the model has a set of LED lights that work according to the music beats. Its handle can be removed, according to the user’s needs. Its menu has physical buttons to control volume, Bluetooth, and brightness, in addition to audio settings. On the top, there is also support for attaching a cell phone or tablet.
Sound Quality
The On-The-Go contains a 5.25 inch 133mm woofer and two 1.75 inches 44mm tweeters. The Boombox 2, on the other hand, contains a set formed by two 4-inch woofers and another two tweeters with 20 mm each. In sound drivers, factors such as diameter and quantity are important to analyze, as they are usually related to the capacity of the product.
When it comes to frequency response, both versions of the JBL speaker have the same values and work from 50 Hz to 20 kHz. Even if the ranges are the same, each one has properties that should represent different reproduction patterns.
In audio power, for example, the On-The-Go can stand out the most, as it reaches 100 Watts RMS when connected to mains power and 50 Watts RMS when using battery power only. The Boombox 2 reaches 80 Watts RMS with its set of speakers when connected to mains power, a lower value overall, but exceeds the power of the PartyBox when used in battery mode, delivering 60 Watts RMS.
Battery
Both JBL speakers have rechargeable batteries, which makes them good options for use outdoors and without mains available. The difference between the two models is in the duration of the charge. The On-The-Go has a battery that promises 6 hours of autonomy with a recharge time of up to 3 hours and 30 minutes. The Boombox 2, on the other hand, takes the lead in this regard, as it promises 24 hours of battery life and takes 6 hours to reach 100% charge.
The products can still be used as a kind of power bank to charge other devices through the USB port – a function that can compromise the duration of the charge. In addition, according to JBL, battery life may vary depending on the content being played. In the On-The-Go model, another factor that can affect the duration of the charge is the use of LED lights, which can be easily turned off by the user.
Extra Features
The Boombox 2 is IPX7 certified. This means that the housing is water-resistant, and you can even immerse the speaker in water up to a depth of 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. Another extra feature present in the model is PartyBoost, a function that allows you to elevate the sound experience during parties, for example, by connecting the Boombox 2 to other JBL devices with the function. The model also has a 3.5 mm audio cable input. The connection can also be made via Bluetooth 5.1.
The On-The-Go is an amplified model that comes with a wireless microphone, and a P10 input for connecting musical instruments. The device can be used, for example, in a small voice and guitar presentations. The PartyBox model is also IPX4 certified and is splash water-resistant. The connection to the devices can be made via Bluetooth 4.2. Another highlight of the model is the handle, which includes a bottle opener.
Pricing and Availability
The JBL Boombox 2 can be purchased on the brand’s official website for $499.95. However, it can already be seen prices starting at $489.99 on Amazon. The PartyBox On-The-Go, in turn, can be purchased on Amazon for $299.95.
- Buy JBL Boombox 2
- Buy JBL PartyBox On-The-Go
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