About the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential

Portable party
Portable party

Imagine tucking a music sound system, light display, and karaoke machine under your arm to take to a party. Actually, you can do just that with the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential. This all-in-one speaker has built-in Bluetooth for wireless streaming. Plus, you can plug an optional mic into it for sing-along fun. The built-in light ring on the front syncs to the beat of your tunes.
Big sound from a small box
The PartyBox Encore Essential features a 5-1/4" woofer and two 1-3/4" tweeters for big, bold sound. If you want more, you can wirelessly pair two of these speakers together for wider two-channel stereo sound or just to double the volume..
JBL PartyBox app
Get the most from your PartyBox Encore Essential with the free control app. It lets you adjust the EQ and control the volume remotely. Select the patterns and colors for the speaker's light display. Adjust the music for karaoke. The app even lets you throw in sound effects preset for your DJ sets, like dog barks and handclaps.
More connections, more music
In addition to streaming wirelessly via Bluetooth, you can also connect sound sources directly. Plug a flash drive full of party mixes into the rear-panel USB port. You can use the PartyBox Encore Essential with JBL's Dual Wireless Microphone System. Plug the system's receiver into the PartyBox's 1/4" jack and you're ready for some karaoke duets.
You can also use that 1/4" jack for an optional wired microphone. And there's a 3.5mm stereo minijack input for another compatible audio source.
Product highlights:
- Featured in our article: Best portable Bluetooth speakers for 2023
- one 5-1/4" woofer and two 1-3/4" tweeters
- frequency response: 50-20,000 Hz
- 100 watts RMS of built-in amplification
- built-in Bluetooth 5.1 for streaming music from your mobile device
JBL PartyBox app:
- free download from Apple® App Store and Google Play
- wirelessly pair two JBL PartyBox Encore Essential speakers for two-channel stereo or for double volume
- sound effects presets
- selectable light show patterns and colors
- karaoke settings
Additional info:
- stereo minijack input for portable devices
- USB port for flash drives
- IPX4-rated splashproof
- built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to 6 hours
- 1/4" input for optional wired microphone
- built-in handle
- detachable AC charging cable
- 10-7/8"W x 12-15/16"H x 11-9/16"D
- weight: 13 lbs.
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # JBLPBENCOREESSAM
What's in the box:
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential owner's manual
- Bluetooth portable speaker
- 6.5' AC power cord
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card/Important Safety Instructions
Featured video:
Reviews (21)
Customer reviews for JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
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More details on the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential

Features & specs
Physical Design | ||
---|---|---|
Width | 10.875 | |
Height | 12.9375 | |
Depth | 11.5625 | |
Weight | 13 | |
Weather Resistance | Splash-resistant (IPX4) | |
Color | Black | |
Power and Battery Info | ||
Built-in Battery | Y (6 hours) | |
Charges External Device Via USB | No | |
Runs On AC Power | Yes | |
Connections | ||
USB | USB-A | |
Aux Inputs | 1 | |
Headphone Jack | No | |
Bluetooth Version And Supported Audio Formats | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | |
aptX | No | |
aptX-HD | No | |
AAC | No | |
LDAC | No | |
SBC | Yes | |
Other Wireless Features | ||
Hands-free Calling | No | |
Wi-Fi | No | |
Apple AirPlay | No | |
Stereo Pairing | Yes | |
Unison Pairing (Party Mode) | No | |
Driver Details | ||
Tweeter Size | 1.75 | |
Tweeter Type | Soft-Dome | |
Midrange Size | 0 | |
Midrange Type | N/A | |
Woofer Size | 5.25 | |
Woofer Type | Plastic Cone | |
Audio Specs | ||
Frequency Response | 50-20k | |
Amplification (Watts RMS) | 100 | |
Warranty | ||
Parts Warranty | 1 Year | |
Labor Warranty | 1 Year |
Product Research
Features
Splashproof & Portable: The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential is splashproof (IPX4 rating) for safe placement on the deck or by the pool (it can handle light water spray). A rubber cover protects the speaker's USB, Aux, Mic, and AC power inputs. An integrated carry handle makes it easy to transport the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential speaker.
JBL Signature Sound with TWS: The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential is equipped with two 1.75" dome tweeters and one 5.25" cone woofer powered by a built-in 100 watt amplifier for dynamic JBL signature sound with clear highs and deep bass. There is rear-firing port and Bass Boost function which helps enhance the powered speaker's bass performance. True Wireless Stereo uses Bluetooth to wirelessly link two PartyBox speakers together as a stereo pair for even bigger, bolder sound.
Light & Sound Effects: The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential features lighting effects that create a dazzling light show synced with the beat of the music. You can choose from 5 Light Modes - Flash, Rock, Flow, Cross, or Ripple. You can customize the color of the lightshow or have it randomly cycle through all available colors. The PartyBox Encore Essential also features a variety of sound effects for your music. You can select from Horn, Clapping & Cheering, Booing, DJ Scratching, Dog Barking, and more.
JBL PartyBox App: Use the JBL PartyBox App (for Apple iOS 11.0+ and Android OS 7.0+) to control speaker with your compatible smartphone or tablet device. You'll be able to personalize and control the PartyBox Encore Essential from your compatible mobile device. The app also provides software updates and product support.
- Playback Controls: You can Play, Pause and Skip music tracks.
- Audio Settings: Adjust Volume, Bass, Treble, Echo, and Bass Boost.
- Customize Lightshow: Customize Lightshow effect and color.
- Sound Effects: Select between Sound Effect presets.
Bluetooth Audio Streaming: The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential is equipped with built-in Bluetooth 5.1 with support for wireless audio streaming (A2DP 1.3) and playback control (AVRCP 1.6). You'll be able to stream stored music, music apps, and other audio content on Bluetooth source device (such as your smartphone, tablet, computer, or laptop) to the PartyBox Encore Essential. You'll also be able to control basic playback functions such as Play, Pause, & Skip from the speaker. You will continue to use your Bluetooth-enabled device for advanced music navigation and to view song/artist/album information.
Note: The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential does not support Bluetooth hands-free communication for making and answering phone calls.
USB Port: The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential features a USB (type-A) port for connection of a USB mass storage class (MSC) device, such as a USB thumbdrive. The PartyBox Encore Essential supports playback of MP3 (8-48kHz; 8-320kbps), WMA (8-48kHz; 5-320kbps), and WAV (8-48kHz; 16/24-bit) music files loaded onto a compatible USB MSC device formatted in FAT16 or FAT32. The USB port (rated at 5V/2.1A) can also be used to charge a USB-enabled portable devices, like your smartphone or tablet.
Note: The USB port does not support playback of Apple iOS or Android OS devices.
Aux Input: The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential is outfitted with a 3.5mm Aux input for connecting an external audio source.
Wired or Wireless Microphone: The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential offers a 1/4" Mic input to connect an optional wired microphone (such as JBL's PBM100 PartyBox microphone; sold separately) and is also compatible with JBL's PartyBox wireless microphone system (sold separately). You can only connect the wired microphone or wireless microphone system (not both).
Rechargeable Battery: The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential is powered by a built-in, lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery (17.76Wh) that can provides up to 6 hours of playback time. The included 6.5' detachable AC power cord can be plugged into an AC wall outlet to recharge the battery. It takes approximately 3.5 hours to full recharge the battery.
Note: The 6 hour battery playback time is only for reference and may vary depending on music content and battery aging after numerous charging and discharging cycles. It's achievable with a predefined music source, light show switch off, volume level at half-way and BT streaming source.
Auto Standby: The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential will automatically enter Standby mode after 20 minutes of no audio signal or operation.
Mounting Options: The JBL PartyBox Encore Essential can be positioned on the floor, a table-top, or other stable flat mounting surface. The PartyBox Encore Essential features integrated rubber feet to help isolate and stabilize the speaker on your mounting surface.
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Customer Q&A
3 questions already asked
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Great Bluetooth speaker! Plenty of volume and extremely portable! Light show to keep everyone entertained. The JBL app makes tuning and controlling the speaker really easy.
Brandon from Maysville, KY