The JBL PartyBox 1000 and the PartyBox Ultimate are the loudest PartyBoxes from JBL that are designed as a portable PA sound system. Both speakers have a powerful output of 1100W RMS and come with the same built-in crossover design, but the PartyBox Ultimate comes with several notable upgrades including using the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and Dolby Atmos support. The JBL PartyBox Ultimate is also IPX4 water-resistant which makes it suitable for blasting music outdoors (while the JBL PartyBox 1000 is not water-resistant).
The PartyBox 1000 features dynamic lighting effects that cover the entire front of the speaker, creating lively visuals like colorful flames. In contrast, the PartyBox Ultimate has lighting that wraps around the drivers and includes accents along the sides, top, and bottom, with a strong LED at the base casting light onto the ground, enhancing the party atmosphere.
In terms of size, the PartyBox 1000 measures 15.6 x 15.3 x 43.3 inches and weighs 76.5 pounds, while the PartyBox Ultimate is slightly wider and heavier, measuring 17.9 x 17.3 x 41.3 inches and weighing 87.1 pounds. Both models are equipped with built-in handles and wheels for mobility, though their substantial weight makes them more suitable for stationary use. Connectivity differs as well; the PartyBox 1000 uses Bluetooth 4.2 and lacks app support, whereas the PartyBox Ultimate features Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi connectivity, and integration with the JBL One app, allowing for enhanced control and streaming options. Additionally, the PartyBox Ultimate supports Auracast for multi-speaker pairing, providing greater flexibility in audio setups.
Specs Comparison
Both speakers deliver an impressive 1100W RMS output, making them suitable for large gatherings. The PartyBox 1000 features a full-panel light show that adds a dynamic visual element to events. It offers Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music and includes inputs for a microphone and guitar, making it a good choice for live performances. The speaker also comes with a DJ pad, allowing users to play drums, guitar, and piano, and to record and loop on the fly. In terms of size, the PartyBox 1000 measures approximately 39.7 cm x 39 cm x 105 cm and weighs around 34.7 kg which is very heavy, although it comes with on-board wheels for better portability.
The PartyBox Ultimate, on the other hand, also delivers 1100W RMS output and introduces Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive 3D spatial audio experience. It features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for versatile streaming options. The light show on the PartyBox Ultimate includes starry lights, light trails, and strobe effects that sync with the music, enhancing the party atmosphere. This model measures approximately 45.5 cm x 44 cm x 104.9 cm and weighs about 39.5 kg, making it slightly larger and heavier than the PartyBox 1000.
While both speakers offer powerful sound and engaging light shows, the PartyBox Ultimate provides additional features such as Dolby Atmos support and Wi-Fi connectivity, providing a more immersive audio experience and flexible streaming options.
Table Comparison
Here’s a comparison of the key specifications between the JBL PartyBox 1000 and the JBL PartyBox Ultimate:
Specification | JBL PartyBox 1000 | JBL PartyBox Ultimate |
Power Output | 1100W RMS | 1100W RMS |
Frequency Response | 30Hz – 20kHz (-6dB) | 30Hz – 20kHz (-6dB) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth Technology, USB playback, RCA L/R input and output, 3.5mm Aux-in, Mic/Guitar inputs with volume control | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, USB connectivity, Dual Mic and Guitar inputs |
Light Show | Full-panel light effects with dynamic visuals | Multi-dimensional light show moving in sync with the beat |
Additional Features | DJ Pad for playing drums, guitar, and piano; Air Gesture Wristband using BLE technology; TWS (True Wireless Stereo) connecting up to 2 party speakers using Bluetooth technology; Concealed wheels for portability | Dolby Atmos support for immersive 3D spatial effects; Self-tuning feature that automatically adjusts sound based on surroundings; IPX4 splashproof design; JBL PartyPad™; Ability to connect multiple PartyBox speakers for synchronized audio |
Dimensions (H x W x D) | 1050 mm x 397 mm x 390 mm | 1049 mm x 455 mm x 440 mm |
Weight | 34.7 kg | 39.5 kg |
Both the JBL PartyBox 1000 and the PartyBox Ultimate deliver powerful 1100W RMS output and feature dynamic light shows to enhance the party atmosphere. The PartyBox 1000 offers a DJ Pad for interactive music creation and various input options, making it versatile for performers. The PartyBox Ultimate introduces advanced features like Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio, self-tuning capabilities and a splashproof design which enhances its overall portability.
Sound Comparison
I tested both speakers with “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars to gauge their performance on upbeat tracks. On the PartyBox 1000 I felt the vocals were clear and the rhythm section had a satisfying punch. The bass was controlled and lively without overwhelming the midrange. Moving to the PartyBox Ultimate I noticed a fuller low end and a bit more warmth throughout the track. The extra drivers seemed to expand the soundstage and add depth to the brass and percussion sections (the bass frequencies felt richer and more enveloping). My reaction was that the Ultimate provided a more immersive rendition of the song while maintaining clarity in the highs, and with Dolby Atmos enabled the bass felt very deep and immersive.
I also listened to “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen to explore how each speaker handles dynamic shifts. The PartyBox 1000 managed the complex arrangement with authority and detail, reproducing the layered vocals and guitar solos cleanly. The PartyBox Ultimate, however, offered more nuance especially in the softer passages and delivered a more engaging crescendo with its enhanced power. The specifications suggested that the Ultimate’s larger drivers and increased wattage would handle these transitions better. While the PartyBox 1000 suits venues where power and clarity are key the Ultimate seems tuned for those seeking extra depth and a more pronounced low end in larger spaces.
In terms of bass, the PartyBox 1000 produced a powerful bass response, but the high frequencies seemed less crisp, possibly due to its single compression driver design. In contrast, the PartyBox Ultimate offered a more balanced soundstage, with clear highs and mids, likely attributed to its dual tweeter configuration. The PartyBox Ultimate provided a more immersive experience with greater soundstage, with each instrument and vocal layer clearly defined, enhancing the overall listening experience. This is particularly true with Dolby Atmos turned on – you get nice spatial imaging and 3D sound effects which make the music just more enjoyable to listen to.
Having said that, both speakers sound relatively similar if you are using both the PartyBox 1000 and PartyBox Ultimate as a PA sound system with microphone and guitar inputs (without using the Dolby Atmos audio codec).
Design Comparison
The PartyBox 1000 has a taller and slimmer profile, measuring approximately 43.3 inches in height and is relatively bulky to move around. Its full-panel light show adds a dynamic visual element, enhancing the party atmosphere. However, weighing around 76.5 pounds, it’s quite hefty, and despite the built-in handle and wheels, moving it can be a bit challenging.
In contrast, the PartyBox Ultimate is slightly shorter but wider, standing at about 41.3 inches tall. This design provides a more stable base, and the multi-dimensional light show, which moves in sync with the beat which provides a more immersive sound listening experience. Weighing approximately 87.1 pounds, it’s even heavier than the PartyBox 1000, making portability a consideration. The built-in handle and wheels are practical, but due to its substantial weight, it’s best suited for stationary setups.
Comparing these speakers to others in a similar price range, such as the LG XBOOM XL7S, I found that while the LG model offers excellent audio and mesmerizing visuals, it provides considerably more low-frequency thump and volume than competitors. However, the JBL PartyBox models distinguish themselves with their robust build quality and unique light shows, and are certainly designed to be more durable than the LG XBOOM XL7S.
The Verdict?
If your budget allows, I would definitely recommend going for the JBL PartyBox Ultimate. It comes with much more updated firmware including Dolby Atmos support for 3D spatial effects, self-tuning, IPX4 water-resistance and the ability to connect multiple PartyBox speakers together for syncrhonized audio performance. The PartyBox Ultimate also features a dazzling LED light show that syncs to the beat of the music and it delivers really good sound performance with deep bass.
The JBL PartyBox 1000, in contrast, uses outdated specs such as Bluetooth 4.2 and lacks support for spatial audio – it’s essentially just a large PA speaker for playing music, but lacks any additional features that make this speaker stand out. Although both speakers provide the same 1100W of output power, the sound from the PartyBox Ultimate sounds more engaging with deeper bass notes with the latest Bluetooth version and especially when playing music with Dolby Atmos support.