The JBL PartyBox 100 is one of the largest Bluetooth speakers out there. It’s a karaoke box as well as a party speaker with a built-in LED light show, so it more than lives up to its name.
The PartyBox has a killer bass, and can even double as a guitar amp if needed. It certainly qualifies as a mega-speaker with a smaller footprint than its big brother the JBL PartyBox 300. Let’s get on with the JBL Partybox 100 Review.
Features
The portable JBL PartyBox 100 has an impressive 160 Watts of power and 12-hour playback time. So, you have what you need to get your party started.
It also includes two 5.25” woofers and two 2.25” tweeters. Don’t forget the full light show. You can choose among several RGB LED patterns or shut it off altogether.
The Bluetooth, combined with the guitar/microphone input, converts the PartyBox from a speaker to a karaoke system in a snap.
Alternately, you can hardwire a second speaker into your PartyBox using the AUX input/output option. If all that isn’t enough, you can move to True Wireless Stereo Mode (TWS) to connect two party speakers.
One of the most unique features is the option to mount your PartyBox 100 on a post. This gives it more versatility than the competition. You essentially have a portable PA system for any number of occasions, anything from a child’s birthday party to a tailgating event.
The LED light show is a great bonus for any party speaker. On the PartyBox 100, you just tap the button on the control panel to light up the LED strips that surround the drivers.
The mini strobe lights flash on and off. You can choose from three color patterns. The lights blink, flash, and follow the beat of the music. You can cycle through the patterns plus one more tap to shut the lights off.
Speaker Design
Coming in at just under 25 pounds, the PartyBox 100 is a pretty hefty speaker, but it is portable.
It has built-in handles and rubber feet on the bottom panel as well as the two side panels so that you can turn it horizontally or vertically. Though, you probably want it vertical because the controls are on the top panel.
The speaker includes an input channel on the back with connections for a 3.5mm aux, RCA, and USB devices. As we mentioned, it also had guitar inputs and a dedicated mic. Each of those has its own gain knob.
The inputs are a quarter-inch, so you may need an adapter in some cases, for example, if you have an XLR mic.
Finally, there’s also one RCA output and a left/right channel button, with which you can pair your PartyBox with another speaker for even more power.
The top panel contains your controls for power, Bluetooth, volume, play/pause, the bass boost, and the on/off for the LED light show.
Sound Performance
Under its metallic grille panel, the PartyBox 100 houses dual 5.25-inch woofers and dual 2.5-inch tweeters, which deliver sound within a frequency range of 45Hz to 20kHz and an impressive 160 watts RMS.
Volume
As for volume, the volume level works with whatever mobile device you pair with it (as do all Bluetooth speakers). So, you’ll adjust the master volume on your mobile device.
The difference with the PartyBox is that you can set it to about 25% for regular listening and only 40% for a knockout sound. What does that mean? It means this little speaker can get as loud as you need it to for a booming, PA-system level sound.
Bass
This speaker delivers some kickass bass as well when you turn on the bass boost feature. Even with the bass boost turned off, you get some serious low-end bass with the PartyBox100.
The drivers in this speaker do not distort even when you turn the volume up, thanks to the compression circuitry that kicks in to avoid distortion.
The audio compressor’s job is to decrease the bass level automatically while increasing the mid-range frequencies. To avoid diminishing bass levels, try keeping your volume at around 70%. That way, you get a loud volume and a pumping bass at the same time.
In terms of overall sound quality, listen to tracks with the bass boost off. You will find that the bass still resonates while the vocals come through with the intended tone.
Your high and mid frequencies are balanced, though keep in mind that this is a party speaker. So, you get the expected and desired big low end and sharp highs. Activate the bass boost and, well, let the rumble roll.
As a Guitar Amp
If you’re using the PartyBox 100 as a guitar amp, the speaker will come through. Though, we don’t recommend it for professional stage performances. You can count on it, however, to keep the party rocking and your guitar screaming.
As a Karaoke Speaker
The speaker works well for a karaoke speaker, and the sound will depend more on the microphone than the PartyBox in this case. You’ll want to have someone adjusting the gain settings for different singers.
Ruggedness
We find that this small party speaker is pretty mighty despite its size. At 25 pounds, it’s not exactly lightweight, but it is smaller than some of its counterparts. Still, the handle holds up, and the overall build is stocky and durable.
Battery Life
The diehard PartyBox 100 operates for up to 12 hours on battery alone. Of course, if you’re using all the features at once, including the LED light show, you’ll get less battery life.
The battery takes about five hours to charge, so be sure to bring the AC adapter to take advantage of any available electrical outlet.
Pros and Cons
We really can’t find much wrong with this PartyBox. The sound is consistently on target, and all the features work as they should, down to the LED light show.
Plus, the fact that you can mount this speaker on a pedestal puts it a step above the competition – yes, pun wholly intended here!
The only downside we see is that, because of the compact size, the input panel can get a little hot if you have multiple things going at once, like a mic, guitar amp, and so on.
Product and Warranty Information
The PartyBox 100 takes one lithium polymer battery, which is included with your purchase. The speaker also comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, though you’ll need to contact JBL through their website to get the details.
Conclusion
The PartyBox 100 is a fantastic Bluetooth party speaker for the loudest of parties. With it, you can blast music at top volume with rolling bass.
Add a mic for some karaoke, and even use it as a guitar amp. Add the LED light show, and you’re good to go all night long.
We hope that this JBL Partybox 100 Review helps you make your decision easier when choosing your next bluetooth speaker for your parties.