Music is the lifeblood of any party, no matter the celebration. Whether you decide to play hip-hop, classic rock, or contemporary country, sound is the one thing that will keep your partygoers energetic and entertained. So, your gathering deserves a formidable speaker setup to keep the jams flowing. A dedicated stereo speaker system may seem like the easiest route, but their large size and complex setup requirements make them less suitable for mobile use, which is essential for outdoor and impromptu gatherings.
That’s why you need a party speaker. They are usually much lighter than large-scale setups and usually sound as good as their larger counterparts. However, choosing a single speaker may seem overwhelming these days. We looked through Sweetwater’s speaker inventory and picked our favorite models — the ones we have bought — to make selecting the right speaker easier for you. We’ve even categorized each speaker to ensure you find the one that best fits your specific needs. Let’s dive in!
- Best Bluetooth Party Speaker
- Best Portable Party Speakers
- Best Party Speaker with Mics
- Best Party Speaker for House Parties
- Best Outdoor Speaker
- Best Weatherproof Party Speaker
Best Bluetooth Party Speaker
JBL PartyBox On-the-Go 2 Plus Portable Party Speaker
JBL’s newest party speaker has people turning their heads with its state-of-the-art capabilities and features. The JBL PartyBox On-the-Go 2 Plus delivers 100 watts of power, making it great for big parties, outdoor events, and everything in between. If you’re looking for a speaker to host karaoke, then the PartyBox 2 Plus stands out from the rest with its onboard EasySing software that leverages cutting-edge AI to strip or turn down the lead vocals from any song in real time. Along with EasySing, the PartyBox 2 Plus comes with a wireless mic, onboard reverb, a 15-hour rechargeable battery, and more. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your new go-to party starter with the JBL PartyBox On-the-Go 2 Plus speaker.
Features
- Compatible with any Bluetooth-equipped device for easy access to your favorite music
- 1Delivers 100W of powerful, JBL Pro-fueled audio playback
- EasySing leverages cutting-edge AI to strip the lead vocals from any song in real time
- Dynamic light display dazzles your guests with a synchronized light show
Best Portable Party Speakers
JBL PartyBox Club 120 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
If you’re the type to move the party from place to place, then you’ll love the portable JBL PartyBox Club 120 Bluetooth speaker. Harboring the same audial strength as JBL’s other PartyBox products, this compact speaker is easily transported to any venue and will relentlessly pump out classic JBL sound for up to 12 hours straight. Thanks to its IPX4 splashproof design, it’s an excellent indoor and outdoor addition; its 24-pound weight is significantly easier to tote around than larger party speakers. Plus, you can link speakers for stereo with the free JBL Party Box app to ensure ultimate control over your vibe.
Features
- Dual 5.25-inch woofer and 2.25-inch tweeter combo supplies superior JBL sound with balanced tone and projection
- 160-watt operation services ample power for small event spaces and in-house play
- Built-in lightshow for immediate environment dynamics
- Up to 12 hours of continuous playtime with swappable batteries
JBL Boombox 4 Bluetooth Speaker
If you’re looking for a mobile outdoor speaker, many Sweetwater music enthusiasts recommend the JBL Boombox 4 Bluetooth speaker. Its dual woofers, dual tweeters, and three passive radiators make it sound as good as many home speakers. But rest assured — the Boombox 4 can conquer any outdoor situation. In a single 6.5-hour charge, it can utilize up to 28 hours of continuous play, and IP68-rated dustproof and waterproof protection means you can take it anywhere. Plus, connectivity via the JBL Portable app will ensure you can conjure up every sound personalization option. Available in black, blue, or squad colors.
Features
- Portable boombox with rich JBL sound and user-friendly controls
- 2 woofers, 2 tweeters, and 3 passive radiators emit full-bodied sound with plenty of punch
- AI Sound Boost analyzes your music, adjusting sound in real time to provide an optimal output anytime, anywhere
- Easily fine-tune bass response via 2 onboard Bass Boost settings
Best Party Speaker with Mics
JBL PartyBox Stage 320 Bluetooth Speaker with Dual Wireless Mics
Elevate your next event with the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 with Dual Wireless Mics, the ultimate setup for hosts who demand both power and portability. This powerhouse delivers clear, room-filling sound and includes everything you need to be the life of the party
Features
- Dual Wireless Mics: Perfect for high-fidelity karaoke duets or announcements without cable clutter with built-in pop filter and shockmount system for minimal external noise
- Dual 6.5-in.woofer and 1-in. tweeter combo supplies superior projection with proprietary JBL quality and balance
- Features a telescopic handle, sturdy wheels, and up to 18 hours of playtime.
- A swappable battery ensures the music keeps going as long as you do.
Best Party Speaker for House Parties
JBL PartyBox Ultimate Speaker
The JBL PartyBox Ultimate speaker is the epitome of an at-home party speaker. A simple Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection is all it takes to ignite the speaker’s 1,100-watt power, which manages two self-tuning 9-inch subwoofers and a collection of drivers and tweeters to produce authentic JBL Original Pro Sound. Its standout feature is its multi-speaker connectivity, enabling you to tie two speakers simultaneously for a stereo output or to ensure every square inch of the venue is covered in sound. There’s no need to worry about longevity either; the PartyBox Ultimate’s IPX4 splash resistance and rough outer housing protect your equipment from bumps, spills, and other inevitable party-time accidents.
Features
- 1,100-watt speaker provides superior power to fuel your next party or event
- Dual self-tuning 9-inch subwoofers, midrange drivers, and tweeters produce signature JBL Original Pro Sound
- Onboard PartyBox light show syncs to your music for instant, automatic immersion
- Multi-speaker connectivity — utilize 2 JBL PartyBox Ultimate speakers at once for a powerful stereo experience
Best Outdoor Speaker
JBL PartyBox 520 Speaker
Outdoor venues require a lot of speaker power. With an admirable 800 watts packed under its rugged shell, the JBL PartyBox 520 speaker is more than up to the challenge. Two 1-inch low-distortion tweeters and two 7.5-inch woofers tap into this speaker’s potential to provide crystal clear audio and an earth-shattering bass response. Once you’ve selected your playlist, engage the Partybox 520’s built-in light show, and you’ll have dozens of lighting options in mere seconds. Plus, dual XLR microphone inputs and a guitar input make impromptu jam sessions and mid-party announcements a cinch. Topped off with IPX4 splash protection, this sturdy speaker will prove to be a handy sidekick in almost any outdoor function.
Features
- 400W Bluetooth speaker for indoor and outdoor events
- Wheeled design and collapsible handle make your music mobile
- Swappable rechargeable battery pack provides 15-hr. continuous playtime with 3-hr. charge time
- JBL Auracast allows connectivity with multiple speakers, even across different models and sizes
Best Weatherproof Party Speaker
JBL Xtreme 3 and Xtreme 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speakers
Weatherproof equipment is handy — especially if you plan on taking your party outdoors. The waterproof JBL Xtreme 4 Bluetooth speaker is an exceptional choice for adventurous jam sessions. With four drivers (two woofers and two tweeters) and dual JBL Bass Radiators, it emits top-notch JBL sound with a shocking amount of low-end punch. Plus, the waterproof build and dustproof design ensure it’s safe near any beach, bonfire, or pool party! Should you feel the need to personalize your rig even further, the Xtreme 4 has you covered, as it also comes in blue and black camo color options!
Get the Party Started at Sweetwater!
There you have it: a collection of party speakers ideally suited to kick off your next special occasion! If one of these products caught your eye, then go ahead and give it a try! If you need more convincing, then you can check out our entire collection of speakers right here at Sweetwater. For questions on products, extra recommendations, and other purchasing tips, reach out to one of our expert Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700 — they’re more than happy to help you.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
