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. Luckily, we’ve looked through Sweetwater’s speaker inventory to select our favorite models to make choosing one 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!
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!
- Best Bluetooth Party Speakers
- Best Weatherproof Party Speaker
- Best Portable Party Speakers
- Best Party Speaker with Mics
- Best Party Speaker for House Parties
- Best Outdoor Speaker
Best Bluetooth Party Speakers
JBL Lifestyle PartyBox Encore Essential Portable Bluetooth Speaker
On the surface, the portable JBL Lifestyle PartyBox Encore Essential Bluetooth speaker is a simple, 6-sided audio station — though it’s much more. This combo of 100 watts, a 5.25-inch woofer, and two 1.75-inch tweeters makes for a fabulous party speaker option. IPX4 splashproof protection makes it capable of withstanding any rowdy environment, and six hours of battery life on a full charge allows for more than enough playback time to last the length of your get-together. Best of all, its built-in custom color lighting ensures you’ll find the right vibe to match the energy in the room. If you want to add serious sound to your party, then the PartyBox Encore Essential provides simplicity.
Klipsch Gig XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker
From its 6.5-inch woofer to its IPX4 splash protection, the Klipsch Gig XL portable Bluetooth speaker can handle any lively party situation. Klipsch is known for its superb audio detail, and this speaker is no different — it sports a 3.5mm analog input and Bluetooth compatibility to tap into crystal clear, dynamic sound with ease. Thankfully, an ABS and perforated metal design gives the Gig XL heightened performance in even the craziest party environments — not to mention up to eight hours of battery life for truly extensive usage possibilities. It’s rounded off with an RGB lighting ring and color controls, keeping visuals in sync with your party’s vibe.
Klipsch Gig XXL Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Klipsch didn’t add that extra “X” to its Gig XXL portable Bluetooth speaker just to make it look cool. It boasts double the woofer power as the Gig XL above, making for a stronger bottom end to rock larger venues and outdoor environments. As for its clarity, the Gig XXL retains the very same dynamic response as its predecessor. Likewise, rugged ABS housing, Bluetooth controls, and an easy-to-manage RGB lighting system give this speaker similar utility as the Gig XL, all at the advantage of extra power for larger venues. If you’re in the market for a larger-sized party speaker with the simplicity of a smaller device, then the Gig XXL is for you.
Best Weatherproof Party Speaker
JBL Lifestyle Xtreme 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Weatherproof equipment is handy — especially if you plan on taking your party outdoors. The waterproof JBL Lifestyle Xtreme 3 Bluetooth speaker is an exceptional choice for adventurous jam sessions. Its four drivers (two woofers and two tweeters) and dual JBL Bass Radiators emit top-notch JBL sound with a shocking amount of low-end punch. Its waterproof build and dustproof design ensure it’s safe near any beach, bonfire, or pool party — it even has a built-in bottle opener with its included carrying strap! Should you feel the need to personalize your rig even further, the Xtreme 3 has you covered, as it also comes in blue and black camo color options!
Best Portable Party Speakers
JBL Lifestyle PartyBox On-The-Go Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Block parties, campfire karaoke sessions — you name it. The portable JBL Lifestyle PartyBox On-The-Go Bluetooth speaker will perform right in stride. This uber-mobile sound system flaunts the utility of a powerful party speaker and a formidable vocal projection tool, thanks to its included wireless microphone with a 33-foot range. It also handles incredibly long-range device connections via internal Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility and allows up to six hours of continuous use to last your entire get-together. Want to jam instead? The onboard mic/guitar input will enable you to set up impromptu performance sessions in record time. Complete with a built-in light show, IPX4 splash resistance, and dedicated strap mounting points, the PartyBox On-The-Go will leave you with no problem uncovering its maximum speaker potential — no matter what environment you find yourself in.
JBL Lifestyle PartyBox 110 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
If you’re the type to move the party from place to place, then you’ll love the portable JBL Lifestyle PartyBox 110 Bluetooth speaker. Harboring the same audial strength as JBL Lifestyle’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 23-pound weight is significantly easier to tote around than larger party speakers. Plus, the speaker’s built-in TWS system allows you to link speakers and DJ from a distance to ensure ultimate control over your vibe.
JBL Lifestyle Boombox 3 Bluetooth Speaker
The JBL Lifestyle Boombox 3 Bluetooth speaker lives and breathes mobility. Its dustproof and waterproof fabric construction and silicone grips make it one of the most durable speakers on our shelves, and its metal handle makes it easy to relocate. Despite its compact size, the Boombox 3 packs stunning audio ability via its upgraded sub, midrange, and tweeter combos. Connect to your device, pump up the jams, and access the JBL Portable app for an optimized EQ output. The personalization doesn’t stop there, though. The Boombox 3 also comes in a Squad color scheme, so you’ll find the perfect look for any room in the house! Though it’s fitted for use at home, it’s also a great option to take on road trips, visits to the beach, and much more!
Best Party Speaker with Mics
JBL Lifestyle PartyBox 310 Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker
Whether you plan on performing or giving a speech, adding a microphone to your party speaker system is essential. Enter: the JBL Lifestyle PartyBox 310 speaker with dual wireless mics, a deluxe party package containing everything you need to fit the bill. The speaker alone employs an impressive 240 watts to power its twin tweeters and 6.5-inch woofers — more than enough to fill any room at the venue. Its main feature, however, is its microphone input. When the speaker is paired with the included JBL microphones, you’ll be making light work of announcements, sing-alongs, and karaoke sessions in no time flat. Plus, at up to 18 hours of operation on a single charge, the PartyBox 310 will keep the party going all night long. If you don’t need the mics, then the PartyBox 310 by itself is a great option.
Best Party Speaker for House Parties
JBL Lifestyle PartyBox Ultimate Speaker
The JBL Lifestyle 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.
Best Outdoor Speaker
JBL Lifestyle PartyBox 710 Speaker
Outdoor venues require a lot of speaker power. With an admirable 800 watts packed under its rugged shell, the JBL Lifestyle PartyBox 710 speaker is more than up to the challenge. Two 2.75-inch low-distortion tweeters and two 8-inch excursion drivers 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 710’s built-in light show, and you’ll have dozens of lighting options in mere seconds. Plus, built-in guitar and microphone inputs 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.
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.
