Finding the ideal portable speaker often depends on how you intend to use it. If you often play for small and mid-sized crowds, this JBL Partybox 300 vs Bose S1 Pro comparison will be useful.
I am in the entertainment business and have generally relied on large, powerful speakers for events. Now I am getting more mid-sized gigs that are outdoors or at less conventional venues. I need to invest in a portable speaker which can be used without a power source and can be carried around easily.
I have some experience with JBL speakers and Bose so I am looking to find a suitable product from either one of the two manufacturers. In this JBL Partybox 300 vs Bose S1 Pro comparison, we tell you what you need to know about each of them and the different features which make both an attractive option.
What are the Differences between JBL Partybox 300 and Bose S1 Pro?
[wpdatatable id=6]JBL Partybox 300 vs Bose S1 Pro – How Do They Compare?
Design:
How big is your ideal speaker? Size and weight are major factors to think about when purchasing a portable speaker. The smaller and lighter it is, the more convenient it is to carry from one place to another.
Place these two speakers side by side and it is clear that the Bose S1 Pro is significantly smaller than the JBL Partybox. The JBL speaker measures 27 by 12 by 13 inches (HWD) and weighs about 35 pounds. A built-in handle makes it easier to carry.
The Bose speaker’s dimensions are 13 by 9.5 by 11.2 inches (HWD) and weigh 15 pounds. Considering its high sound quality, you will not be the first to be pleasantly surprised at how much sound can come out of a speaker this size.
If you often need to carry your speaker from place to place, the smaller, lighter Bose speaker is a better option.
Performance:
A key performance difference between the two speakers has to do with positioning. The JBL Partybox 300 is built with rubber feet on both side panels and the bottom. This allows you to orient the speaker either vertically or horizontally. However, it is easier to operate it in a vertical position because the controls are on the top panel.
The Bose S1 Pro speaker has a clear advantage in this regard and is even marketed as a multi-position speaker. It is shaped such that it can be placed in a variety of positions.
It can be placed vertically on a stand or elevated. If you have to place it on the ground, it can sit in a tilt-back position where it props itself up. It can also be placed horizontally as a monitor wedge.
The unique feature in the Bose speaker is that it has built-in sensors which immediately determine the position of the speaker and adjust sound output accordingly. Optimal tonal balance is maintained regardless of position.
A detail worth noting is that the Bose badge on the front grille can be rotated through 90 degrees. This allows you to make sure it is always legible no matter what position the speaker is in.
The Bose speaker is a better choice for users who use their speakers in a variety of places. You can place it in different positions without compromising sound quality.
Battery Life:
The JBL Partybox 300 has a powerful 10,000mAh battery that can last up to 18 hours. This is, however, dependent on the volume you maintain. Higher volumes tend to discharge the battery faster so you will have less time to enjoy your music.
This long battery life comes at a cost, which is charging time. You will need to leave the speaker plugged in for about 5 hours for a full recharge.
The Bose S1 Pro speaker comes with a Li-ion battery which can keep the party going for up to 11 hours. Even after enjoying the beats from this speaker for so many hours, you don’t have to keep it plugged in all night. It has a Quick Charge function which is engaged when you move the power switch towards the battery icon. It takes about 3 hours for a quick charge.
The JBL Partybox is a better option for users looking to keep the speaker on for as long as possible.
Bass Response:
We tried them out on a track with strong sub-bass content like ‘Silent Shout’ by The Knife. JBL’s Partybox did an impressive job at delivering clear low end, even without the bass boost function enabled. With the feature enabled, you can feel the room rumble.
With the Bose S2 Pro, the bass is not as strong but is still quite punchy especially in an enclosed area like a small room.
Extra Features:
When it comes to inputs, the JBL Partybox lets you choose between a USB port and dedicated mic and instrument jacks for live performances. Both of these inputs have their own gain knobs above them. There are an RCA output and a channel button (left/right) which can be used to pair two speakers. Both are quarter-inch inputs so you cannot use an XLR mic without an adapter.
The Bose speaker also has separate microphone and instrument input jacks but comes with a 3-channel mixer. Dedicated volume knobs make it easy to speak during and between songs.
The Bose S1 Pro is preferred by most users because of its mixer. Audio adjustments from the different sources are automatically balanced for you.
JBL Partybox 300 vs Bose S1 Pro – A Comparison Overview:
JBL Partybox 300 Review:
The JBL Partybox is not for that subtle music you want to enjoy with a book. As its name suggests, it is designed to rock your party with enough volume and bass to have your neighbors either complaining or crashing the party.
The JBL Partybox 300 has a large metallic grille that houses a dual 6.5- inch woofer as well as three 2.3-inch tweeters. These deliver a frequency ranging between 45Hz to 20 kHz and 100 to 120 watts RMS.
In terms of volume, you know this speaker can get very loud because your everyday listening volume is only about 25% of its volume capacity. When it comes to bass, the JBL Partybox 300 gives you two levels to work with. There are the default bass setting and ‘bass boost’ which are enabled by pushing the bass boost button on the controls.
- Very loud
- Two levels of bass
- Inputs for mic and instrument
- Large and heavy
- Takes long to charge fully
- No cables included
Bose S1 Pro Review:
This is a small, light Bluetooth speaker designed with both superior sound and portability in mind. It has a convenient carry handle which makes it easy to carry it around.
You would not be considered unkind to describe this speaker as simple and unspectacular. However, its performance makes up for any aesthetic wants. Its compact size and relatively lightweight (15.5lbs) make it conveniently portable.
The controls are offset inward to avoid protrusions which could be inconvenient during transportation.
Conspicuously missing in this speaker are gain controls for input channels. The channels are pre-leveled and this gives the advantage of quick and simple handling. You only need to connect your microphone, adjust volume levels and start playing. The downside to pre-leveling is that some microphones require more gain so you end up with less than ideal output.
- Small and light.
- Multi-position.
- Built-in mixer.
- Expensive.
Conclusion:
Both the JBL and Bose portable speakers meet the most basic and common needs. Bluetooth capability. You can connect and play music from a phone or computer wirelessly. In addition to that, both have inputs for a microphone and an instrument.
The word ‘party’ in the JBL speaker’s name is indeed fitting. It assures you of quality sound with exceptionally high volume and an ability to handle bass without distortion. The biggest inconvenience is its size and weight.
Verdict, so which one is better, JBL Partybox 300 or Bose S1 Pro?
If you, like many users are looking to strike a balance between portability and sound quality, the Bose S1 Pro is a better choice. Despite its small size, it delivers far better sound than you would expect from a speaker of its size.
FAQs:
What makes the JBL Partybox 300 different from the 200?
The difference is that the 200 version must be plugged into a power source. The 300 version has a 10,400 mAh rechargeable battery.
Is the Bose S1 Pro waterproof?
No, it is not waterproof. Make sure it never comes into contact with water.