
JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential
Score: 67/100
Soundcore Boom 3i
Score: 78/100Rankings

The Soundcore Boom 3i is a rugged outdoor speaker delivering 50 W output and powerful BassUp 2.0 bass, with an IP68 rating and floating design for water use. Its 830 g weight and lack of auxiliary input or power-bank functionality make it less portable and versatile. Ideal for active users who prioritize durability and bass over lightweight convenience.

The JBL PartyBox On-The-Go Essential is a high-output party speaker with 100 W RMS power, TWS stereo capability and built-in lighting. Its large size, heavy weight and short 6-hour battery life limit portability and endurance. Best for casual party hosts who need loud sound and karaoke features.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
6 hours | 16 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 6,100 g | 830 gbest |
100 Wbest | 50 W | |
2,500 mAhbest | — | |
— | 94 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 210 minutesbest | — |
1 years | 1.5 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 6 hours | 16 hours |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 6100 g | 830 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 490×244×229 mm mm | 78.5×85×210 mm mm |
IP Rating | IPX4 | IP68 |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 1.5 years |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
Audio(2) | ||
Output Power (W) | 100 W | 50 W |
Frequency Response (Hz) | 50-20000 Hz | 56-20000 Hz |

Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).

Professional reviewers highlight the JBL PartyBox Essential's powerful 100 W output, clear highs, deep bass, and the added value of built-in karaoke microphones and a music-synced light show. They also commend the TWS stereo capability but criticize the outdated Bluetooth 4.2 and the lack of a full on-board equalizer.
Everyday users praise the loud volume, vibrant lighting, and the convenience of included microphones for spontaneous karaoke, while repeatedly noting the short battery life and heaviness as pain points.



Editors and professional sources commend the Boom 3i for its rugged construction, IP68 waterproofing, and innovative floating capability, while emphasizing the strong bass output achieved through BassUp 2.0. The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and PartyCast/TWS features are also highlighted as reliable for group listening, though independent deep-dive reviews are limited.
User feedback in the available data is minimal, with no explicit pros or cons recorded. The official product description suggests users appreciate the bass performance and floatability, but there is no concrete evidence of recurring praise or complaints from everyday consumers.