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JBL Partybox 100 Review

Kenn Muguna Avatar
Updated Jan 25, 2024 6:27 PM

True Score

82
81
2

Experts

92
4,135

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

Expert analysts praised the JBL PartyBox 100 for its loud max volume and its bass depth. They liked that it had a long battery life and RGB lighting but were disappointed with its missing support for a voice assistant, lack of a speakerphone feature, and missing graphic equalizer.

$259.95

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The JBL PartyBox 100 is a premium Bluetooth speaker that JBL first launched in mid-2019. This speaker comes with RGB lighting, which sets it apart from some of the top speakers on the market. It is also capable of stereo sound, so it can create an immersive listening experience when watching movies or playing music. Similar to the highest-rated Bluetooth speakers in the industry, the 100 also has impressive Bluetooth connectivity as its Bluetooth connection works over a distance of up to 301 ft, and it can support two simultaneous connections. The JBL 100 can also be used indoors and outdoors and has a battery that lasts up to 10 hours. Its port selection is also rich, as it features an AUX, a Mic-in, and a USB type-A port.

Consensus

our Verdict

The JBL PartyBox 100 delighted product experts with how loud it could get, as well as its bass depth. During their sound tests, reviewers from Rtings established that the speaker’s Bass Boost feature added a substantial amount of boom to its audio content, and they also appreciated the speaker’s wide soundstage. Its build quality is also good enough for it to be used outdoors, but those who prefer a dust and water-resistant alternative might be interested in our JBL Flip 6 review. Analysts from HiFi report also liked that the JBL PartyBox 100 had a long 10-hour plus battery life and its RGB lighting. Its light show is the only significant feature it has in common with the JBL JR POP, which we’ve covered in our JBL JR POP review.

However, product reviewers were disappointed with the lack of support for a voice assistant, missing speakerphone functionality, and lack of WiFi connectivity on the PartyBox 100. They also lamented its lack of a graphic equalizer.

ReasonS to Buy

  • RGB lighting
  • Capable of stereo sound
  • Loud max volume
  • Long range of connectivity
  • Multi-device pairing

Reason to Avoid

  • No WiFi support
  • No voice assistant or speakerphone feature
  • No graphic equalizer

JBL Partybox 100 Specs

Battery LifeBattery Life12 hrs
Built In MicrophoneBuilt In MicrophoneNo
Charge TimeCharge Time6.5 hrs
DepthDepth11.4"
HeightHeight21.6"
IPX RatingIPX Ratingn/a
Smart AppSmart AppJBL PartyBox, Yes
Speaker PairingSpeaker PairingYes
Water ResistantWater ResistantNo
WattageWattage160W
WidthWidth11.3"
Wireless RangeWireless Range10 m

All Specs

Test Results

Battery Life (Hours)10
Volume Output (dB)104.7
Low End Roll Off (Hz)63.496
High End Roll Off (Hz)17,221.559

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Product Comparison

JBL Partybox 100 Review

True Score

82
84
84
79

Ranking

#

32

/

260

#

13

/

260

#

12

/

260

#

60

/

260

Market Context

The JBL PartyBox 100 is a premium Bluetooth speaker that JBL first launched in mid-2019. This speaker comes with RGB lighting, which sets it apart…

The JBL PartyBox 100 is a premium Bluetooth speaker that JBL first launched in mid-2019. This speaker comes with RGB lighting, which sets it apart from some of the top speakers on the market. It is also capable of stereo sound, so it can create an immersive listening experience when watching movies or playing music. Similar to the highest-rated Bluetooth speakers in the industry, the 100 also has impressive Bluetooth connectivity as its Bluetooth connection works over a distance of up to 301 ft, and it can support two simultaneous connections. The JBL 100 can also be used indoors and outdoors and has a battery that lasts up to 10 hours. Its port selection is also rich, as it features an AUX, a Mic-in, and a USB type-A port.

Customers might have a hard time differentiating between the JBL PartyBox 100 and the JBL PartyBox 110 since the two look very similar. However, the…

Customers might have a hard time differentiating between the JBL PartyBox 100 and the JBL PartyBox 110 since the two look very similar. However, the 110 has a water-resistant IPX4 rating while the 100 does not, and it also has a longer-lasting battery life of 14.7 hours compared to the 100, which only lasts 10 hours. Also, the 110 has a companion app, while the 100 does not. Check out our JBL PartyBox 110 review for more info.

The JBL PartyBox 100 is smaller in size than the JBL PartyBox 310, but the 310 offers a longer 17.1-hour battery life compared to the…

The JBL PartyBox 100 is smaller in size than the JBL PartyBox 310, but the 310 offers a longer 17.1-hour battery life compared to the 100’s 10-hour battery life, and it also works with the JBL PartyBox app, while the JBL PartyBox 100 does not. However, the 310 has a telescopic handle that is missing on the PartyBox 100.

The JBL PartyBox 100 has a more balanced sound profile than the Sony SRS-XG500, but the XG-500 has a much longer 25.8-hour battery life compared…

The JBL PartyBox 100 has a more balanced sound profile than the Sony SRS-XG500, but the XG-500 has a much longer 25.8-hour battery life compared to the 100’s 10 hours, and it is also water and dust resistant, unlike the PartyBox 100. Its Bluetooth range is also longer, offering stable connectivity for up to 334 ft, while the PartyBox 100 is limited to 301 ft.

Battery Life

12 hrs

12 hrs

18 hrs

30 hrs

Built In Microphone

No

No

Yes

Yes

Charge Time

6.5 hrs

3.5 hrs

3.5 hrs

3 hrs

Depth

11.4"

11.8"

8.46"

Height

21.6"

22.4"

10.7"

IPX Rating

n/a

IPX4

IP66

Smart App

JBL PartyBox, Yes

JBL PartyBox

Yes

Yes

Speaker Pairing

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dig Deeper

JBL Partybox 110 Review →

JBL Partybox 310 Review →

Sony SRS-XG500 Review →

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

81

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

92

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

82

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    100.6

    Category Trust Rating

    73
    The JBL PartyBox 100 is satisfactory for music. This speaker has a neutral, balanced sound… Read More

    By:

    Simon Barbier
  • Best Buy Blog
    44.2

    Category Trust Rating

    NR
    Soon enough, there will be a lot of parties happening and now’s the perfect time… Read More

    By:

    Andy Baryer

Customer Scores