The PartyBox 100 and Boombox are two of JBL’s most popular portable Bluetooth speakers, and with good reason: They are light enough to be carried around and capable of producing high-quality audio to boot. Between the two, there are a few key differences that are important to take note of depending on what you’re going to use them for. For instance, the Boombox is more suited for outdoor use because of its IPX7 waterproof rating, while the PartyBox 100 can double as a guitar amp.
Compact and portable, the JBL PartyBox 100 party speakers can easily follow you wherever the party goes.
JBL PartyBox 100 vs Boombox Comparison Chart
| Model | ||
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 11.3″ x 21.7″ x 11.4″ | 19.48″ x 10.01″ x 7.69″ |
| Weight | 21.4 lbs | 11.57 lbs |
| Transducers | 2 x 5.25″ Woofers, 2 x 2.25″ Tweeters | 2 x 4″ Woofers, 2 x 0.78″ Tweeters |
| Output Power | 160W | 2 x 30W (AC mode), 2 x 20W (Battery mode) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 80dBA | 80dB |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz – 18kHz | 50Hz – 20kHz |
| Expected Battery Life | 12 hours | 24 hours |
| Waterproof | No | IP7X |
| Year of Release | 2019 | 2017 |
| Colors | Black | Black, Camouflage, Forest Green |
Design
While they’re both portable speakers, the Boombox weighs less than the PartyBox 100.
Both the PartyBox 100 and Boombox sport the familiar JBL design. The Boombox looks more like a big pill-shaped speaker rather than an upright, rectangular one, like the PartyBox 100. Since we’re talking about portable Bluetooth speakers, weight and size are two of the defining factors here. First off, the PartyBox 100 weighs at 21.4 lbs and measures at 11.3 inches by 21.7 inches by 11.4 inches (width, height, and depth, respectively).
On the other hand, the Boombox is only 11.57 lbs and measures at 19.48 inches by 10.01 inches by 7.69 inches. At that, the Boombox is smaller and weighs only about half as much as the PartyBox 100, making it the more portable speaker out of the two. The Boombox is available in three colors: Black, Camouflage, and Forest Green. Meanwhile, the PartyBox 100 only comes in Black.
Sound Quality
The PartyBox 100 can produce a weightier sound and deliver more consistently at high volume than the Boombox.
Under the hood, the PartyBox 100 packs two 5.25-inch woofers paired with two 2.25-inch tweeters, while the Boombox has two four-inch woofers and two 0.78-inch tweeters. The PartyBox 100 also has a 160W max output power, a signal-to-noise ratio of 80dBA, and a frequency response of 45Hz to 18kHz, while the Boombox offers an output of 2 x 30W when plugged in or 2 x 20W when running on battery, a signal-to-noise ratio of 80dB, and a frequency response of 50Hz to 20 kHz.
The PartyBox 100 can deliver better audio quality, but going by what’s on paper, that was more or less expected. That doesn’t necessarily mean the Boombox is bad, though. The two of them produce quality sound, although the PartyBox 100 can perform better at higher levels, while the Boombox loses some bass as the volume goes up. As its name suggests, the PartyBox 100 is the better option for parties since its sound can not only be heard but also felt farther than the Boombox.
The JBL Boombox boasts up to 24 hours of playtime and an IPX7 rating.
Features
The PartyBox 100 and Boombox each have their own unique features that set them apart.
At their core, the PartyBox 100 and Boombox share some similarities, both being portable Bluetooth speakers and all, but beyond that, they start to differ. For starters, the PartyBox 100 features Bass Boost to give it an extra oomph in the bass department and True Wireless Stereo that lets you connect to up to two party speakers via Bluetooth. It also has mic and guitar inputs with volume control so you can use it as a karaoke speaker or amp.
On top of that, it has aux-in and aux-out terminals and a USB port so you can just plug in a thumb drive with your playlist and listen to music right away. Apt for its name, it’s equipped with RGB LED lights that add a visual treat to a party you’re throwing. To make sure everyone can see it and hear it loud and clear, you can even mount it on a speaker pole stand.
The Boombox is not without its charm, though. It boasts a waterproof rating of IPX7, making it the perfect audio companion for pool parties or a day at the beach since you won’t have to worry about it getting wet or dropped in water. With JBL Connect+, the Boombox can simultaneously play alongside more than 100 other Bluetooth speakers that support the feature.
Speaking of Bluetooth connectivity, it supports up to two smart devices connected at the same time, allowing you to take turns in playing, say, from a smartphone and a tablet. Its software can be upgraded at the tap of a button too using the JBL Connect app, where you can also conveniently change the speaker’s configurations. Its Indoor and Outdoor modes make it flexible as well, adapting to your environment to produce a richer sound and deeper bass inside or an expansive sound and more powerful bass outside.
Battery
The Boombox has a longer battery life than the PartyBox 100.
Another important feature of portable wireless speakers is battery life, and in this regard, the Boombox blows the PartyBox 100 out of the water. Thanks to its 20,000 mAh battery, it can offer up to 24 hour of music playback and even charge other devices using its two USB ports. To put things into perspective, the PartyBox 100 has a 2,500 mAh battery and is rated to last up to 12 hours, which is only half of what the Boombox brings to the table.
Verdict
Not only is the PartyBox 100 a better bang for your buck, but it’s also capable of delivering better overall sound quality than the Boombox.
Compact and portable, the JBL PartyBox 100 party speakers can easily follow you wherever the party goes.
The JBL Boombox boasts up to 24 hours of playtime and an IPX7 rating.
For the record, the
FAQs
The
Yes, it has an IPX7 rating, which means it’s waterproof for up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, they are not compatible with each other. The
can only be paired with other JBL speakers that support the JBL PartyBoost wireless pairing such as the
Only if you host events and parties, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. The