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JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential – Best Portable Speaker

Qaisar Abbas

January 2, 2025

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The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential is a compact yet powerful speaker designed to take your party anywhere. Whether you’re at the beach, a backyard barbecue, or a poolside gathering, this speaker delivers impressive sound quality and portability. Released in October 2020, the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential offers a blend of durable design, easy-to-use controls, and powerful audio. But is it the right choice for you? In this article, we’ll dive into all the details you need to know about this exciting speaker.

Quick Highlights

• Price: $199
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB, Dual Guitar/Mic Inputs
• Power Output: 100W
• Battery Life: Up to 4.5 hours
• Dimensions: 9″D x 19.3″W x 9.6″H
• Weight: 16.8 lbs (7.6 kg)
• Water Resistance: IPx4 rated
• RGB Lights: Yes
• Control: Physical controls for volume, play/pause, track navigation

Release Date

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential was released on October 25, 2020. It quickly gained popularity due to its portability, sound quality, and water resistance, making it perfect for outdoor events.

JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential Unboxing

Upon unboxing the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential, you’ll find:

• The speaker
• A power cable
• A quick start guide.

The speaker’s robust design is immediately noticeable. The unit feels sturdy yet surprisingly compact for its features.

Key Specifications: JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential

• Dimensions: 9″D x 19.3″W x 9.6″H
• Weight: 16.8 lbs (7.6 kg)
• Battery Life: 4.5 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Aux, USB
• Water Resistance: IPx4

See Full Specifications      

Design and Display

The design of the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential combines portability with style. It features a robust build and comes with RGB lights that make it a perfect fit for parties and outdoor events. The physical controls for volume, track navigation, and play/pause are intuitive and easy to use. Despite its compact size, this speaker delivers a punch when it comes to both audio and visual appeal.

JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Controls

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential offers simple physical controls that make it user-friendly. You can easily adjust the volume, skip tracks, or pause music with just a press of a button. However, this speaker lacks voice assistant features, which might be a downside for some users.

Differences Between Sizes and Variants

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential differs from other JBL speakers in terms of size, power, and features. The larger variants like the JBL PartyBox 1000 offer more output power and advanced features like a built-in DJ pad. However, the On-The-Go Essential is compact, portable, and ideal for those who want a portable party speaker.

JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Colors

Currently, the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential is available in black. While it offers a simple color scheme, its RGB lighting allows users to customize the atmosphere for their party.

Features: JBL PartyBox On-the-Go

1. Waterproof and Dustproof

One of the standout features of the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential is its IPx4 water resistance rating. It withstands splashes, making it suitable for poolside or beach parties. However, you should not submerge it in water, as it is not fully waterproof.

2. Sound Quality

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential provides robust sound quality despite its compact design. With 100W output, the speaker delivers deep bass and clear mids and highs. It’s perfect for outdoor events where you need to fill a large area with sound.

• Audio Performance:

With JBL’s signature sound, you can expect a balanced listening experience. Whether you’re playing rock, hip-hop, or electronic music, the PartyBox On-The-Go Essential delivers crisp audio.

3. Connectivity

This speaker excels in connectivity. It supports Bluetooth 4.2, which ensures stable connections and minimal lag. Additionally, it offers auxiliary input and USB ports for diverse connection options, giving you flexibility in how you play music.

4. Battery Life

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential is powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 4.5 hours of continuous playtime. While this may not be the longest battery life on the market, it’s sufficient for a medium-length event. The charge time is 2.6 hours, so it won’t leave you waiting too long to get back to the music.

Price and Availability

Priced at $199, the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential offers great value for its sound quality and portability. It is available for purchase on JBL’s website and from various online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

Comparison: JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential vs. JBL BoomBox 3

The JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential and the JBL BoomBox 3 are both exceptional party speakers, but they cater to different needs. The PartyBox On-the-Go Essential is designed for portability, weighing just 16.8 lbs and featuring a compact design perfect for smaller gatherings or beach trips. With 100W output, it delivers good sound, though the BoomBox 3 surpasses it with even higher sound output and a more powerful bass. The PartyBox excels in portability, while the BoomBox 3, with its larger size, is better suited for more robust audio performances at larger events.

Regarding battery life, the BoomBox 3 offers a much longer playtime, lasting far beyond the 4.5 hours of the PartyBox On-the-Go Essential. However, the latter’s compactness and lightweight build make it easier to carry, especially for those who prioritize portability. Additionally, the PartyBox On-the-Go Essential features water resistance, making it suitable for poolside parties, while the BoomBox 3 provides a more durable design with better resistance to elements.

Key Features:

• Portability: PartyBox On-the-Go Essential is smaller and lighter.
• Sound Power: BoomBox 3 delivers a stronger sound.
• Battery Life: BoomBox 3 lasts longer.
• Connectivity: Both have Bluetooth, Aux, and USB support.
• Water Resistance: Both speakers have water resistance, though the BoomBox 3 has a higher level.

Side By Side Analysis

Both the JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential and JBL BoomBox 3 are excellent party speakers, but they serve different needs and preferences. Here’s a detailed comparison of their features to help you decide which speaker suits you best.

1. Portability and Design

JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential

• The PartyBox On-the-Go Essential is crafted for maximum portability. Weighing only 16.8 lbs (7.6 kg), it remains compact and simple to carry. Consequently, it’s perfect for individuals seeking a speaker that fits easily into their car or can be transported to outdoor events.
• It features RGB lights, which adds to its party vibe, making it great for events like beach parties, poolside get-togethers, or backyard barbecues.

JBL BoomBox 3

• The BoomBox 3 is significantly larger and heavier, weighing about 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg). This makes it more cumbersome to carry, especially for smaller outdoor spaces.
• While it is also equipped with RGB lights, its larger design offers a more solid build for events requiring more power and durability.

Winner: PartyBox On-the-Go Essential – More portable and easier to handle for casual, on-the-go parties.

2. Sound Quality and Output

JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential

• The PartyBox On-the-Go Essential delivers a powerful 100W output, which is great for smaller outdoor spaces. It offers rich bass, clear mids, and high-frequency audio, making it suitable for casual gatherings.
• The sound performance is impressive for its size, but it doesn’t have the sheer output power that the BoomBox 3 can deliver.

JBL BoomBox 3

• The BoomBox 3 features a more robust sound system with greater wattage and bass. It’s built for larger spaces and bigger parties, providing deeper bass and fuller audio coverage, making it the preferred choice for users who want higher volume and more immersive sound.

Winner: BoomBox 3 – Provides a louder and more powerful audio experience.

3. Battery Life

JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential

• The PartyBox On-the-Go Essential comes with a 4.5-hour battery life on a single charge. This is ideal for short to medium-length events but may fall short for those needing all-day playtime.
• The charging time is 2.6 hours, meaning you won’t be waiting too long for a full charge to get back to the music.

JBL BoomBox 3

• The BoomBox 3 excels in battery life, providing up to 24 hours of continuous playtime. This is perfect for extended events or large gatherings where you need non-stop music.
• It also has a relatively faster charging time than the PartyBox On-the-Go Essential, making it highly reliable for extended outdoor use.

Winner: BoomBox 3 – Offers significantly longer battery life, ideal for large events.

4. Water and Dust Resistance

JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential

• The PartyBox On-the-Go Essential is IPx4 water-resistant, allowing it to withstand splashes from rain or poolside water. Consequently, it’s an excellent choice for beach or pool parties where splashing is likely.
• While not fully waterproof, it offers decent protection against the elements.

JBL BoomBox 3

• The BoomBox 3 holds an IPX7 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. Therefore, it is more durable and ideal for environments where the speaker may face harsher conditions.
• It’s also dustproof, making it a great choice for outdoor adventures.

Winner: BoomBox 3 – More water-resistant, offering better protection for adventurous, outdoor events.

5. Connectivity Options

JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential

• The PartyBox On-the-Go Essential features Bluetooth 4.2, Auxiliary input, and USB connectivity. It supports pairing with up to two devices simultaneously, which is useful for collaborative playlists.
• It also includes dual guitar/mic inputs, adding versatility for users who want to amplify instruments or vocals.

JBL BoomBox 3

• The BoomBox 3 also offers Bluetooth, Aux, and USB connectivity. However, it lacks the dual-input feature for instruments or microphones.
• It supports multi-device pairing, allowing you to connect multiple devices at once.

Winner: PartyBox On-the-Go Essential – More versatile with dual microphone and guitar inputs.

6. Price and Value

JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential

• The PartyBox On-the-Go Essential is priced at $199, offering great value for those looking for a portable, party-ready speaker with decent power, sound, and features.
• It provides an affordable option for smaller gatherings and those seeking portability over extensive battery life.

JBL BoomBox 3

• The BoomBox 3 is priced higher, usually around $499, due to its larger size, powerful sound, and longer battery life. It’s targeted at those who need a high-performance speaker for bigger events or extended playtimes.

Winner: PartyBox On-the-Go Essential – More affordable, offering great value for its features.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prioritize portability, affordability, and a speaker for smaller gatherings, the JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential is the better choice. It’s a great speaker for short events, offering quality sound and water resistance at a reasonable price.

However, if you need greater sound power, longer battery life, and a more durable design for larger parties and outdoor adventures, the JBL BoomBox 3 would be a more suitable option. It’s perfect for users who need superior sound and extra ruggedness for extreme environments.

Which is Better?

If you’re looking for a highly portable, compact speaker for smaller events, the JBL PartyBox On-the-Go Essential is the better choice. However, if you need more power, longer battery life, and a speaker suited for larger gatherings, the JBL BoomBox 3 would be the superior option.

What’s Good About the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential?

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential offers an impressive combination of portability, sound, and durability. Its Bluetooth range of 334.6 feet allows easy pairing with devices from a distance. The RGB lights enhance the party atmosphere, while the water resistance makes it great for outdoor events.

What’s Not So Good About JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential?

While the speaker delivers great sound, its relatively short battery life of 4.5 hours may limit its use for all-day events. Additionally, the lack of voice assistant support might disappoint users who rely on hands-free controls.

Should You Buy JBL PartyBox On-the-Go?

If you’re looking for a portable, powerful speaker that can be easily carried around for outdoor parties, the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential is a great choice. However, if you require longer battery life or advanced features, you might want to explore other options in JBL’s lineup.

Conclusion

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential Speaker is a portable powerhouse speaker with robust sound and a durable design. It’s great for parties, outdoor events, and gatherings. While it may not offer the longest battery life or built-in voice assistants, its compact size, ease of use, and water resistance make it an excellent choice for on-the-go entertainment. At $199, it offers great value for what it delivers. If you prioritize portability and sound quality, this speaker is worth considering.