Both models offer an outstanding solution for party hosts, but for larger gatherings or outdoor events the 720 is the winner.
If you need a lot of volume and bass, but find the PartyBox Ultimate overkill and the PartyBox 320 underwhelming, there’s two top choices from JBL. The PartyBox 520 and the newly released PartyBox 720. They aren’t as monstrously large as the PartyBox Ultimate, but can still fill a room. If you’re on the fence about which to buy, keep reading as we compare these Bluetooth party speakers side by side.
Key Takeaways
- The PartyBox 520 strikes an awesome balance between convenience and performance.
- The PartyBox 720’s larger size and added weight make it more cumbersome, but it can fill larger spaces and has deeper bass.
- Both speakers feature similar sound profiles, with a focus on balance.
- Expect similar playtimes with both models, despite the 720 having two batteries.
Winner
PartyBox 520
The PartyBox 520 is our top pick. It’s several hundred dollars cheaper and doesn’t fall too far behind the 720. The fact that it’s a smaller and lighter speaker also makes it more convenient.
Runner Up
PartyBox 720
The 720 is the louder of the two speakers, with more bass – but its taller design and added weight make it a bit more cumbersome. Consider this speaker if you need more volume than the 520 provides.
JBL PartyBox 520 Vs PartyBox 720
| Model | PartyBox 520 | PartyBox 720 |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Output Power | 400W | 800W |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 Hours | Up to 15 Hours |
| Charging Time | 3 Hours | 3 Hours |
| Woofers | 2x 7.5″ Woofers | 1x 9″ Woofers |
| Tweeters | 2x 1″ Tweeters | 2x 1.25″ Tweeters |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Speaker Pairing | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Weight | 56 lbs | 68.3 lbs |
| Dimensions | 16 x 30 x 15″ | 16.38 x 37.1 x 16.0″ |
| App Support | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Design & Size
- Shared design language since 2024: dual front woofers, dual tweeters behind a grille, top controls, rear I/O, and front lighting.
- The PartyBox 720 is larger/heavier: 37″ tall and 12lbs heavier than the 520; both have wheels for easy maneuvering.
PartyBox 520
PartyBox 720
There are obvious similarities in the design of these speakers, and for the most part, JBL retained the same general shape and style for all its PartyBox releases since 2024. There are two large woofers in the front along with dual tweeters nestled behind the grille, and the front face of both models offers a range of lighting effects. Controls are located on the top panel, and all connection ports can be found on the back.
The PartyBox 720 is the larger of the two, weighing 12 lbs more than the 520. It’s also a taller and thinner speaker, sitting at 37″ tall, compared to 30″ on the PartyBox 520.
This additional weight and height make it a bit more of a burden to pack into a vehicle, but since both speakers have built-in wheels, they can still be maneuvered around quite easily, despite their large build.
Durability
- Both are IPX4 only. Fine for light splashes but not rain; no dust rating, so avoid dusty environments.
- Materials are similar: can handle minor knocks but scuff easily; handle with care.
Although suitable for use outdoors, these aren’t what one could consider an outdoor speaker. Sure, there’s basic waterproofing (IPX4) on both, but neither can be used in the rain, and one should keep in mind that they don’t offer dust protection – so while they can be used to throw the occasional outdoor party, be mindful about the environmental conditions and avoid areas with excess dust.
In terms of the durability of materials, there are no real differences between them. They can take a few accidental knocks, but the plastic is prone to scuffs of paint should they be accidentally knocked against a wall. So always practice care when handling them.
Lighting Effects
- The PartyBox 720 adds vertical side strips and larger top/bottom light coverage; bigger woofer rings make it brighter overall.
- The PartyBox 520 has more modest lighting: woofer rings plus shorter top/bottom strips; both include the “starry night” effect.
If lighting effects are important to you, the PartyBox 720 has a few advantages over the smaller PartyBox 520. It has a vertical lighting strip down either side of the face, which the 520 lacks, and on the top and bottom, the area of coverage for the horizontal light strips is larger, spanning further back on the speaker.
Because the PartyBox 720 is a larger speaker, there’s a larger area of lighting around the woofers, which gives it a boon in brightness over the 520.
The PartyBox 520’s lighting is a bit more modest. With front panel lighting around the woofers, with limited top and bottom light strips.
Both speakers feature the ‘starry night’ effect, which features several smaller white LED lights across the front face of the speaker.
Controls
- Identical top control layout across both models; JBL standardized this generation.
- Three zones: primary playback/volume/bass boost/lighting/skip, 3 FX buttons (app-configurable), and rear mic controls.
PartyBox 520
PartyBox 720
The control panel is identical on both speakers, with JBL having largely standardized this area across this new generation of PartyBoxes.
The controls are split into three distinct areas:
Playback & Volume Controls
The buttons closest to the front of the speaker control things like volume, pairing, bass boost, lighting, and track skipping. These are considered the primary controls.
Sound Effects Buttons
In the middle of the controls are a series of 3 buttons, which are shortcuts to sound effects that can be adjusted through the JBL mobile app.
Microphone Adjustments
The back control panel is solely for adjusting the microphone input and allows users to adjust:
- Volume
- Bass
- Treble
- Echo
Wired Connections (Inputs and Outputs)
- Same ports on both: dual XLR mic (one doubles as instrument) with its own volume, gain control, daisy-chain.
- USB-C output available to charge a phone.
The ports on the back of these speakers are identical. You’ll get dual XLR microphone inputs, with one also doubling as an instrument input, which has its own volume control. There’s a USB-C output too, which can be used to charge your phone. There’s also a gain control and daisy chain ports for connecting multiple speakers.
Wireless Connectivity & Wireless Pairing
- Same Bluetooth 5.4 radios with strong range and wall penetration.
- Auracast enables TWS and larger group pairings with other JBL Auracast speakers.
Neither speaker offers inherently better Bluetooth connectivity than the other. They both use the exact same Bluetooth receiver, which is built on Bluetooth 5.4 technology, the latest release.
Both speakers provide excellent wireless connectivity with great reception at a range and through walls.
These speakers utilize Auracast to offer exceptional multi-speaker pairing options. They support TWS and larger group pairings and can be paired with any of JBL’s Auracast speakers.
Mobile App
You’re going to get the same features from the JBL PartyBox app across both models. The app allows for lighting effect adjustments, EQ, and pairing.
Sound Quality
- Both follow JBL’s newer “balanced with big bass” tuning; less bass-overpowering than the 710.
- 720 plays louder with deeper, more prominent lows; mids/vox clarity is similarly good on both.
PartyBox 520
PartyBox 720
When it comes to audio performance, these speakers adopt JBL’s recent approach on balanced sound with big bass. The 720 for instance, is less of a bass-monster than its predecessor, the PartyBox 710, which has been a polarizing issue for it. But the goal here has clearly been to produce a more balanced sound that’s easier to adjust to one’s personal preferences via EQ.
The sound profile on both speakers is similar, but the PartyBox 720 is louder and achieves both deeper and more prominent lows. If maxing out on bass is important to you, consider the 720 over the 520.
The midrange is mostly balanced on both speakers with very little difference between them. This is where most vocals lie, and there’s no denying the way vocals come through on both these speakers, a step up from the bass-heavy 710, if one is most concerned with clarity.
Battery Life
- Rated 15 hours at 30–40% volume; 10 hours louder, around 8 hours with lights + bass boost.
- 720 uses two JBL BATTERY 600 packs vs one in the 520; both are user-replaceable and charge in around 3 hours.
PartyBox 520
PartyBox 720
Both speakers come with a 15-hour playtime average, which assumes a listening volume of 30 to 40%. At higher volume, this playtime is reduced to closer to 10 hours, or 8 hours with the lights and bass boost on.
To compensate for its larger woofers and more powerful output, the PartyBox 720 has two JBL BATTERY 600, while the PartyBox 520 only uses one. It’s important to note that these batteries are easily replaceable, unlike earlier generations of PartyBox models.
Despite the PartyBox 720 having two batteries, the charging time remains the same for both speakers, at around 3 hours.
So, which speaker is best for me?
Not sold on either, or want to keep your options open? Here are some alternatives. I’ve kept the recommendations within the JBL brand, as truth be told, they are the best party speakers out right now.
For large parties with more than 30 guests, go for the PartyBox 720
Although both speakers get loud, when entertaining large numbers of guests, the PartyBox 720 will always be a better pick. It can cover a larger area, and the deeper bass is likely to be appreciated by you and the guests.
The PartyBox 520 is ideal for storefronts and moderately sized parties.
The PartyBox 520 is still a powerful speaker, easily able to fill a medium to larger room with sound. It is a great house party speaker, as well as being more than sufficient for most storefronts.
Alternative Choices
If you need more power than the PartyBox 720 provides, consider the PartyBox Ultimate (Available on Amazon). It’s a very large speaker and doesn’t have a battery, so keep that in mind. However, the trade-off results in high-quality sound, loads of volume, and some great features that aren’t found on the other PartyBox models.
The PartyBox 320 is a great alternative for those who consider the PartyBox 520 overkill. It’s a more portable speaker that can still fill a medium-sized room, and offers almost identical features to the PartyBox 520.
