JBL Partybox 100 vs 310 (Which Is The Better Speaker?)

• The JBL Partybox series has become the poster child for portable, modern boomboxes
• There has been much debate around whether the Partybox 100 or 310 is the better speaker
• In this article, we breakdown both and give our verdict
• Also check out our post on the best Bluetooth speakers for parties!

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The JBL Partybox series has become the poster child for portable, modern boomboxes that allow users to enjoy powerful, high-quality audio playback without the hassle and fuss of cables and wires.

There has been a wide span of debate surrounding which speaker is better between the Partybox 100 and 310.

We’ve compiled an in-depth breakdown of both the Partybox 100 and 310 to help you decide which is the best option for you.

This breakdown includes some fundamental specifications, as well useful information on the functions and features of each speaker. 

JBL Partybox 100 vs 310: Which Is Best?

Both the Partybox 100 and the Partybox 310 offer users reliable sound performance and value for money, and determining the best speaker can’t result in a uniform answer.

The Partybox 100 delivers a tighter, cleaner sound response, and is a great choice for anyone that has budget or space restraints.

On the other hand, the Partybox 300 delivers a considerably more robust audio playback and is more appropriate for anyone that is shopping for size and power. 

JBL Partybox 100 vs 310: A Brief Comparison

We’ve compiled the table below to outline the basic specifications of both the Partybox 100 and Partybox 310.

This breakdown should help you build a basic understanding of the comparison between the two speakers.

	JBL Partybox 100	JBL Partybox 310
Price	Around $300	Around $500
Size	11.4 x 11.3 x 21.7 inches	27 x 12.8 x 14.5 inches
Weight	21.4 lbs	38.4 lbs
Battery Life	12 Hours	18 Hours
Power	160 Watts	240 Watts

The Partybox 100 was one of JBL’s first attempts at large wireless speaker design.

The speaker is built to generate a clean and strong audio playback signal to use for house parties, presentations, and intimate indoor performances.

The Partybox 100 works with wireless Bluetooth functionality, and also comes with a mic, guitar, USB, and aux input channels for direct playback. 

The Partybox 310 is the refurbished version of the 300, which JBL has discontinued. The newer model has all the design perks of its predecessor, but with a slightly more compact housing and some extra battery life.

The speaker is designed for outdoor use and has an impressive feedback range for social settings such as the park, garden, or busking. 

Build

There’s an impressive amount of sound packed into the compact housing of the Partybox 100.

The speaker consists of two 5.25’’ subwoofers for the low-end, and two 2.25’’ tweeters to cover the mid to high-frequency range.

The Partybox 100 is powered by a lithium-ion battery that provides up to 12 hours of playback time. Users can control and adjust their volumes using the controls on the speaker.

There are volume buttons on the top of the speaker, as well as an optional bass boost control. The side of the speaker has a power switch and Bluetooth button.

The speaker is housed in a relatively sturdy plastic casing that protects it from dust, moisture, and minor bumps and scratches.

The front of the speaker is covered in a light metal mesh that gives the Partybox a strong feel. 

The Partybox 310 is an understandably larger and beefier model compared to the 100. The speaker consists of two 2.25-inch tweeters, as well as two 6.5-inch subwoofers.

The Partybox’s extra punch comes from its added power outage, which carries a considerable 240 watts capacity.

The speaker comes with holes for mounting but does come with small pop-up stands to allow the speaker to allow for vertical or horizontal placement.

The speaker also comes with a handy handle and wheels for easier transport during transit. 

Sound 

JBL set out to fill a very specific set of audio design parameters with the Partybox and has mostly delivered.

The speaker generates a consistent signal across the frequency spectrum with no harsh peaks. The Partybox 100 offers a competitive listening range, which disperses noticeably after about 20ft of distance.

The guitar works best for indoor settings and should blend well with most acoustic settings.

The optional bass boost settings give users three tiers of bass feedback, and the heaviest setting can be slightly overwhelming in relation to the rest of the frequency response.

Users can also connect two Partybox 100 speakers using a simple ack connection to create a true stereo image. 

On the other hand, the Partybox 310 is geared for outdoor use and has a noticeable more robust sound compared to the prior models in its range.

The speaker comes with JBL’s signature sound models that provide a strong and even signal response across the frequency range.

The Partybox 310 delivers slightly more feedback in the higher end of the frequency spectrum, but this is mostly to compensate for all the extra weight thrown into the low-end of the speaker.

The speaker can be quite abrasive if turned up to full volume, especially in small settings with bad acoustics.

However, the overall sound quality of the Partybox 310 is strong, crisp, and quite reliable for most passive listening settings.  

Features

The most noticeable feature of the Partybox 100 is the entertaining lighting design, which changes the lighting in response to the audio playback.

There are a handful of lighting settings and patterns for users to enjoy. The speaker features a USB input which allows users to compile and play music playlists for hands-free use.

The Partybox 100 is one of the few speakers in its range to come with a mounting option, which can be crucial if users wish to use the speaker design to its full acoustic potential. 

The Partybox 310 comes with the same dazzling light show that the rest of the JBL partybox series offers, with lighting modes ranging from slow pulses to more erratic patterns.

The speaker comes with JBL’s Partybox app, which lets you control your mobile device’s music, lights, and other settings.

The speaker also comes with a few noticeable novelties, such as a few playable sound effects to use during karaoke and a backlight that switches on automatically in the dark.

These subtle additions make using the Partybox not only ergonomic but also admittedly – fun. 

Pros

Partybox 100

• Clean, consistent frequency response for reliable sound listening
• Two speakers can be linked to create a true stereo image
• Generous battery life

Partybox 310

• Very powerful audio playback with even frequency response
• Extendable handles and wheels make transporting noticeably easier
• A very impressive 18 hours battery life

Cons

Partybox 100

• The strongest bass setting can be overwhelming in certain acoustic settings
• Not ideal for large outdoor usage

Partybox 310

• Certain playback mopeds can sometimes be too boomy in the low-mid range – especially when the speaker is at high volumes
• Speakers might be too weighty for certain users such as the elderly or younger users

Final Thoughts

Bothe the Partybox 100 and 310 offer users an even amount of durability and reliability, which makes it difficult to discern the better model between the two. 

Deciding on the best speaker for you would come down to a matter of personal preferences and requirements for use.

Anyone looking for a reliable indoor speaker at an affordable price should opt for the Partybox 100.

However, if size and power are high on your list of priorities (and you have the extra money to spend) the Partybox 310 is a healthy choice for an upgrade. 

If possible, try to test both speakers in-person to build a first-hand comparison between the two models. Alternatively, reach out to your local distributor for some extra insight. 

FAQ’s

Is the JBL PartyBox 310 waterproof?

The JBL PartyBox is splashproof, which means it can withstand light water damage such as rain. However, it’s highly recommended to never submerge your Partybox310 or leave it in the rain for too long. 

Can a JBL PartyBox 310 connect to a JBL Partybox 100?

Yes. A JBL 310 and 100 can be connected using a simple 3. mm aux connection. Connecting the two speakers will create a true stereo image. 

Can you connect JBL PartyBox 310 to a TV?

JBL Partybox can be connected to most modern television sets by connecting them wirelessly via Bluetooth, or by connecting the speaker to the TV using an aux cable.