JBL keeps the party going, revealing three new PartyBox speakers at CES 2025
JBL PartyBox 520
The PartyBox 520 shares several features with the 320 (as do many of JBLâs party speakers), including a removable and replaceable battery, its AI SoundBoost feature that JBL says âanalyzes audio in real time with an AI algorithm to optimize the acoustic output level, leading to more powerful and less distorted sound,â and advanced Bluetooth LE connectivity with Auracast for linking multiple Auracast-enabled JBL speakers together to create an even bigger sound. And while itâs not as big and powerful as JBLâs largest PartyBox speakers, the behemoth 1,000-watt PartyBox Ultimate, even professional DJs may find the PartyBox 520 adequate for small-to-medium sized parties, especially when linking several of the speakers together.JBL PartyBox Encore 2 and Encore Essential 2
The JBL Encore 2 and Encore Essential 2 are very similar party speakers that add two new levels of compact-ness and portability to the JBL PartyBox lineup. Capable of 100 watts of output, both speakers are outfitted with a single 5.25-inch woofer and two 20mm tweeters (0.79 inches).
Spec-wise, theyâre almost identical, featuring Bluetooth 5.4 LE with Auracast, IPX4 water resistance, light show and sound features controlled through the PartyBox app, AUX-in, USB-C, guitar input with pore-gain and volume control, and up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge.
Where things differ is that the pricier Encore 2 ($400 MSRP) comes with two wireless mics with detachable holders on the back of the speaker and with volume controls on top and has a removable/replaceable battery, while the less-expensive Essential 2 ($200 MSRP) does not.
The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2 JBLBoth the Encore 2 and Encore Essential 2 will be available in June 2025.
