JBL continues to provide the best options when it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers for party lovers. With the addition of the JBL PartyBox 100 to its PartyBox series, consumers are given a more portable speaker compared to the JBL PartyBox 200. Both models can get the party started with their top-performing sound quality and beautiful neon light effects. However, given its attractive price point and powerful features, the smaller and lighter model is ready to compete with its older brother in the battle of the best portable Bluetooth party speakers. If you are torn between these two, here’s an in-depth comparison to help you decide.
Compact and portable, the JBL PartyBox 100 party speakers can easily follow you wherever the party goes.
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JBL PartyBox 100 vs JBL PartyBox 200 Comparison Chart
| Model | ||
| Â |  |  |
| Price | Check Price  at Amazon | Check Price  at Amazon |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 11.42 x 21.69 x 11.34″ / 290 x 551 x 288Â mm | 12.2 x 27.17 x 12.6″ / 310 x 690 x 320Â mm |
| Weight | 21.38Â lb / 9.7Â kg | 34.8Â lb / 15.8Â kg |
| Drivers | 2 x 5.25″ / 13.34 cm Woofers 2 x 2.25″ / 5.71 cm Tweeter | 2 x 6.5″ / 165.1 mm Woofers 3 x 2.25″ / 57.15 mm Tweeters |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz to 18Â kHz | 45 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Power Output | 4 x 160 W | 120 W |
| Inputs | 1 x USB (Unspecified Type) (Audio) 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Stereo (Audio) 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Mono (Microphone) (Audio) 1 x 1/4″ TS (Audio) | 1 x Stereo 2RCA (Audio) 1 x 1/8″ (3.5 mm) Stereo (Audio) 2 x 1/4″ TS (Audio) 1 x USB Type-A (Audio) |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Stereo (Audio) | 1 x 2RCA Stereo (Audio) |
| Battery Capacity | 2500 mAH | NA |
Design
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The two models are actually quite similar in terms of design aside from their dimensions. For party lovers on the go, the compact design of the PartyBox 100 is a better choice. It is easier to carry around or fit into your car and other smaller spaces. Plus, the bottom of the speaker reveals a removable cap that allows you to mount this speaker to a speaker stand and easily turn it into a capable PA system, a design feature that is not available in the PartyBox 200.
Whichever model you choose, you can easily show off your singing skills during karaoke nights since both of them have a mic and guitar input. Another slight design difference between the two is the placement of the charger port. While the charger port is located on the top part of the back panel for the PartyBox 200 it is located on the lower part of the back panel of the PartyBox 100.
Both models have anti-skid rubber pads on both sides and even on the bottom panel so you can safely place the speakers on top of slippery surfaces (like the top of your car) without worrying that it will easily slide off. You can orient both speakers horizontally or vertically as desired. Both models provide the same set of control buttons on the top part which includes the volume controls, play/pause, sound boost, power on/off, Bluetooth connect button and the LED light show control button.
Sound Quality
The PartyBox 100 and PartyBox 200 offers almost the same sound performance.
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Under its metallic grille, the PartyBox 100 contains two 5.25-inch woofers and two 2.5-inch tweeters which deliver a frequency response of 45Hz-18kHz, while the PartyBox 200 has two 6.5-inch woofers and three 2.25-inch tweeters which offer a slightly wider range at 45Hz-20kHz.
Since both models are designed for party use, these speakers can get really loud. You can adjust the volume using the control buttons on the top panel or through your mobile device when the speaker is connected through Bluetooth. Both models deliver balanced high and mid frequencies coupled with a kickass bass which can be further improved using the one-click sound boost button.
Features
Both models allow you to connect to a second speaker for doubly amazing sound performance through a Bluetooth technology called the True Wireless Stereo (TWS).
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One of the best features of the PartyBox models is the ability to connect with other speakers to give you an instant booming sound system. Using the True Wireless Stereo (TWS) mode, you can set up a left and right speaker to create a stereo system and instantly double the fun at your parties.
You can also enjoy different light show modes with either model. By tapping the light show button, you can instantly light up the LED lights surrounding the drivers of the speaker. You can choose to make the lights blink, follow the beat of the music or flash on and off. Tapping the button multiple times will allow you to cycle through the different light patterns and one more tap if you want to turn it off. Since the PartyBox 200 is bigger, it provides brighter light compared to its smaller counterpart.
Take the stage and jumpstart the party with the JBL PartyBox 200, featuring JBL sound quality with fun-tastic light effects.
Both models have a USB port at the back panel which allows you to easily plug in a flash drive containing all your favorite songs.
In case you’re planning a pool party, you may want to consider the splashproof feature of the PartyBox 200 which is not present in the PartyBox 100 model.
Power
The PartyBox 100 can keep the house rocking for up to 12 hours from its 2500 mAh battery alone. The PartyBox 200, on the other hand, doesn’t have its own battery and needs a power plug.Â
The PartyBox 200 (left) has no built-in battery, while the PartyBox 100 (right) sports a more compact design and has its own lithium-ion battery. Aside from its compact size, the PartyBox 100 is indeed a perfect choice for party lovers on the go because of its 2500 mAh Lithium-ion battery that can power the speakers for up to 12 hours after 6 hours of charging. Of course, you’ll get less than 12 hours of battery life if you use power-consuming features such as the light show. It is still recommended that you bring the AC adapter with you in case you run out of power mid-party.
The PartyBox 200, on the other hand, has 100-240V AC and 12V DC power inputs. The standard package comes with one AC Power Code and one 12V DC Cable.
Verdict
The more affordable PartyBox 100 offers the same superior sound quality as the PartyBox 200.
Overall, the PartyBox 100 and PartyBox 200 don’t vary much in terms of sound quality and features. Both models can deliver in terms of volume and bass. It’s even quite surprising that although the PartyBox 100 is the cheaper model, it offers better features as compared to the older PartyBox 200.
The newer model is compact and portable but big on performance. The built-in battery also makes it a better choice since you can actually use the speaker without a power plug. The only downside with the smaller speaker is the crowded input panel which can also get hot at times if a lot of input plugs are going in at the same time. Also, you may not want to use it on the poolside or beach parties since it does not have the splashproof feature of the PartyBox 200.
All things considered, the PartyBox 100 definitely gives you better value for your money.
FAQs
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No, the
Weighing 15.8 kg, the
isn’t the most portable. It is still considered a portable Bluetooth speaker for its size, but if you really want something that’s more travel-friendly, we recommend going with the
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