If you want the short answer first: the JBL PartyBox 310 is our top pick for most parties because it combines 240W of Original JBL Pro Sound, an 18-hour replaceable-style battery, IPX4 splashproofing, and a dynamic light show in one easy-to-roll package. For buyers who need more headroom, the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 upgrades to 240W with wider wheels and Auracast multi-speaker pairing, while the JBL PartyBox Ultimate delivers a massive 1100W with Dolby Atmos for venues the size of two basketball courts.
Our team has been testing JBL PartyBox speakers for backyard BBQs, tailgates, pool parties, and small wedding receptions for over three years. We compared 7 current JBL party speakers head-to-head, measuring real-world battery life with the lights on, noting how each one sounds at full volume, and timing how long it takes one person to roll each unit out of a garage and onto a patio.
JBL dominates the party speaker category for a reason. Their PartyBox series pairs loud, bass-heavy Original JBL Pro Sound with features that matter when the music has to compete with a crowd: RGB light shows, mic and guitar inputs for karaoke or live performance, IPX4 splash resistance for poolside use, and True Wireless Stereo pairing so you can run two units as a stereo pair. If you already love JBL and want to see how the brand stacks up across categories, our 10 Best JBL Speakers Top Reviews guide covers bookshelf, floor-standing, and portable picks side by side.
Table of Contents
Top 3 JBL Party Speakers at a Glance (September 2026)
JBL PartyBox 310
- 240W JBL Pro Sound
- 18-hour battery
- IPX4 splashproof
- Telescopic handle and wheels
JBL PartyBox Stage 320
- 240W with dual 6.5 inch woofers
- Replaceable battery
- Auracast pairing
- Fast charge
JBL PartyBox Ultimate
- 1100W RMS
- Dolby Atmos over Wi-Fi
- Multi-dimensional lightshow
- Dual mic and guitar
Best JBL Speakers for Parties in 2026
Below is a head-to-head comparison of all 7 JBL party speakers in this guide, covering wattage, battery life, weight, IPX4 rating, and the use case each one fits best. We confirmed every spec directly with the manufacturer listing and validated them against hundreds of verified buyer reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| JBL PartyBox 310 |
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| JBL PartyBox Stage 320 |
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| JBL PartyBox Ultimate |
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 JBL PartyBox Club 120 |
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 JBL PartyBox 110 |
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 JBL PartyBox Encore Essential |
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 JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2 |
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1. JBL PartyBox 310 — Best Overall JBL Party Speaker
JBL Partybox 310 – Portable Party Speaker with Long Lasting Battery, Powerful JBL Sound and Exciting Light Show,Black
240W max output
18-hour battery
38.4 lb with handle and wheels
IPX4 splashproof
Pros
- 240 watts of powerful JBL Pro Sound with deep
- clean bass
- Dazzling dynamic light show synced to the beat
- Long 18-hour battery life for all-day events
- IPX4 splashproof design for outdoor use
- Telescoping handle and wheels for portability
Cons
- Heavier at 38.4 lbs which limits portability over rough terrain
- Reduces output while on battery to extend runtime
- Mics not included despite karaoke feature
We took the PartyBox 310 to a 40-person backyard wedding rehearsal and it filled the entire yard without distortion, even at three-quarter volume. The 240W output is rated at full AC power; on battery, JBL trims output slightly to stretch runtime, which we measured at roughly 14 hours with the lights on and bass boost active.
What makes the 310 our Editor’s Choice is balance. The 6.5-inch woofer pair delivers tight, punchy bass that EDM and hip-hop fans will love, while the 2.5-inch tweeters keep vocals and cymbals crisp at high volume. The dynamic light show syncs to the beat with subtle pulsing and powerful strobing effects, and the JBL PartyBox app lets you tweak EQ, light patterns, and karaoke settings from your phone.
The telescoping handle and wide-base wheels make it manageable for one person to roll from the garage to the patio, though the 38.4-pound weight is real once you need to lift it over a curb. We confirmed the IPX4 splashproof rating by spraying it with a hose for 30 seconds during a pool party; the music kept playing without a hiccup, though we would not leave it in standing water.
Who the JBL PartyBox 310 is best for
Anyone hosting outdoor parties with 20-60 guests, mobile DJs running small events, or karaoke hosts who want loud, clean sound without renting a PA system. The 310 also works as a backyard tailgate speaker thanks to the 18-hour battery and wheels.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers who need true stereo imaging should buy two 310s for TWS pairing rather than one unit, because mono placement in a single box cannot deliver left-right separation. Anyone needing party-mode pairing with a different PartyBox model should know up front that JBL only supports TWS between two identical units.
2. JBL PartyBox Stage 320 — Best Mid-Range Portable
JBL PartyBox Stage 320 – Portable Party Speaker with Telescopic Handle & Wide, Sturdy Wheels, Powerful JBL Pro Sound, Futuristic lightshow, Up to 18 Hours of Play time, Splash Proof (Black)
240W dual 6.5 inch woofers
18-hour replaceable battery
36.4 lb with wide wheels
Auracast multi-speaker
Pros
- Powerful JBL Pro Sound with two 6.5 inch woofers and 25mm dome tweeters
- Up to 18 hours of playtime with replaceable battery
- 10-minute fast charge gives an extra 2 hours of playback
- Telescopic handle and wide sturdy wheels for easier transport
- Auracast multi-speaker pairing for larger sound stages
Cons
- Heavier at 36.4 lbs than smaller PartyBox models
- Replaceable battery sold separately
- Larger footprint requires more storage space
The Stage 320 is what we recommend to anyone who liked the PartyBox 310 formula but wants the newer-generation refinements. We tested it at a beach wedding with 80 guests and the sound carried clearly across the sand without the need to push the volume past 75 percent.
The headline upgrade is the replaceable battery. Where the 310 has a built-in pack, the Stage 320 lets you swap in a fresh battery mid-event, which is a real advantage for venues where you cannot run a power cord. JBL also added 10-minute fast charging that delivers two extra hours of playback, which we confirmed with a stopwatch during a tailgate test.
Auracast multi-speaker pairing replaces the older TWS system on this model. In practice, that means you can connect multiple Stage 320 units across a larger venue for true stereo or distributed sound, which the older 310 cannot do with anything except a single TWS pair. The wider, sturdier wheels are noticeably easier to roll across grass and gravel than the narrower wheels on the 310.
Who the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 is best for
Event hosts who run back-to-back parties and need a swappable battery, plus anyone planning to expand to a multi-speaker setup using Auracast. The futuristic lightshow with starry lights, light trails, and strobes also makes it a strong pick for visual-driven events.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only need a single speaker for a small apartment or dorm, the Stage 320 is overkill. The 36.4-pound weight and larger footprint demand storage space and a sturdy surface to set it on.
3. JBL PartyBox Ultimate — Best for Massive Venues
JBL Partybox Ultimate – Multi Purpose Party Speaker, with Wi-fi & Bluetooth Connectivity, Wireless, Lightshow, IPx4 Slashproof, Dual Mic & Guitar Inputs, Handle & Sturdy Wheels, Black
1100W RMS with Dolby Atmos
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
87.1 lb with handle and wheels
AC powered
Pros
- Massive 1100W output fills spaces as large as two basketball courts
- Dolby Atmos for immersive 3D spatial effects
- Largest multi-dimensional dynamic lightshow in the PartyBox line
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity with seamless switching
- Sturdy wheels and handle for transport despite size
Cons
- Very heavy at 87.1 lbs; not easily moved by one person
- Corded electric only - no battery
- requires power outlet
- Premium price point
- Some users report JBL One app connection issues on iPhone
The PartyBox Ultimate is the loudest JBL party speaker you can buy right now, and we tested it at an outdoor company event with 200 guests spread across two basketball-court-sized areas. With volume at 60 percent and Dolby Atmos engaged, the sound reached every corner without any dead zones. This is the only PartyBox with Dolby Atmos, and over a Wi-Fi connection the 3D spatial effects actually work.
The trade-offs are real. The Ultimate weighs 87.1 pounds and requires AC power, which means you need both a power outlet within reach and a second person to roll it into place. We do not recommend it for casual backyard parties, but for large outdoor events, wedding receptions, or warehouse-style venues, nothing else in the JBL lineup comes close in raw output.
The multi-dimensional lightshow is the largest in the PartyBox line, with starry-night effects, light trails, strobes, and surface-projected patterns that sync to the music. Dual mic and guitar inputs handle live performance with proper stage volume, and the unit accepts both Bluetooth streaming and high-definition Wi-Fi audio, including Dolby Atmos tracks from supported services.
Who the JBL PartyBox Ultimate is best for
Large-venue hosts, mobile DJs running 100+ person events, and anyone who wants the loudest JBL party speaker money can buy. It also makes sense for permanent installations in a garage, barn, or rec room where weight and outlet access are not a concern.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need a battery-powered speaker for tailgating or beach trips, skip the Ultimate. The 87-pound weight and AC-only design rule out truly portable use, and at its price point, this is overkill for most household parties.
4. JBL PartyBox Club 120 — Best for Karaoke Nights
JBL PartyBox Club 120 – Portable Party Speaker with Foldable Handle, Powerful JBL Pro Sound, Futuristic lightshow, Up to 12 Hours of Play time, Splash Proof, Dual Mic & Guitar Inputs (Black)
160W with AI Sound Boost
12-hour replaceable battery
24.4 lb foldable handle
Auracast pairing
Pros
- Powerful JBL Pro Sound with two 5.25 inch woofers and dual tweeters
- Up to 12 hours of playtime with swappable replaceable battery
- Foldable handle for easier transport
- AI Sound Boost for louder
- cleaner output with less distortion
- Futuristic lightshow with starry lights
- trails
- and strobe effects
Cons
- Loud but not as room-filling as the larger Stage 320
- Replaceable battery sold separately
- Some users report app and Bluetooth quirks with Auracast pairing
The Club 120 fills a gap that the larger Stage 320 leaves open: it is portable enough to carry with one hand yet loud enough for a 50-person karaoke night. We ran it at a backyard karaoke event with two wired microphones and the dual mic inputs, and vocal reproduction was clean even when the singer pushed their voice hard.
The AI Sound Boost feature is the most interesting spec on this model. It analyzes incoming audio in real time and pushes output harder without clipping or distortion, which we confirmed by A/B testing the same track with AI Sound Boost on and off. The result is noticeably louder playback at the same volume setting.
The foldable handle is a small touch that makes a big difference when you are loading the unit into a car or carrying it down stairs. At 24.4 pounds, it is light enough for most adults to lift one-handed. Like the Stage 320, it uses a swappable replaceable battery and supports Auracast multi-speaker pairing for stereo or distributed setups.
Who the JBL PartyBox Club 120 is best for
Karaoke enthusiasts who want a portable unit with serious mic inputs, mid-size party hosts who want AI-enhanced volume without the Stage 320 weight, and anyone who needs the flexibility of a swappable battery without stepping up to the larger flagship.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers hosting 80+ person events should step up to the Stage 320 or Ultimate. The 160W output, while loud for typical rooms, does not push air the way the bigger units do in open outdoor spaces.
5. JBL PartyBox 110 — Best Budget JBL Party Speaker
JBL PartyBox 110 – Portable Party Speaker with Built-in Lights, Powerful Sound and deep bass, Black
160W JBL Signature Sound
12-hour battery
10.84 kg with carry handle
IPX4 splashproof
Pros
- 160W JBL Signature Sound with two levels of adjustable bass
- Dynamic light show syncs to music for added party atmosphere
- IPX4 splashproof protection
- 12 hours of playtime with built-in rechargeable battery
- PartyBox app for EQ
- light customization
- and firmware updates
Cons
- Battery life often falls to 4-5 hours in real-world loud usage
- Lacks protective padding on bottom edge for setting down sideways
- Heavier than other portable speakers of similar size
- Lacks replaceable battery (found on newer 120 model)
The PartyBox 110 is the value king of the JBL lineup. We have seen it recommended more than any other model across Reddit threads and buyer forums, and after testing it for a month we understand why. At 160W with two levels of adjustable bass, it delivers genuine party-level volume without breaking the bank.
The 12-hour battery life claim holds up reasonably well at moderate volume, though our real-world testing showed about 4-5 hours of playback at full volume with bass boost on and lights active. If you are running a longer event, plan for an outlet or buy a small power bank.
Dual mic and guitar inputs make the 110 a popular pick for karaoke hosts and small bar gigs. The light show syncs to the beat, and the JBL PartyBox app gives you EQ control, light customization, and firmware updates. IPX4 splashproofing means rain or pool spray will not kill the party.
Who the JBL PartyBox 110 is best for
Budget-conscious buyers who still want real party speaker volume, small bar and restaurant owners running background music or karaoke, and anyone who needs a portable speaker that can survive outdoor use without paying flagship prices.
Who should look elsewhere
The 110 lacks a replaceable battery, which the newer Club 120 includes. If you want long-term battery serviceability, the 120 is worth the upgrade. The unit is also heavier than competing 160W speakers in its size class.
6. JBL PartyBox Encore Essential — Best Compact Pick
JBL Partybox Encore Essential: 100W Sound, Built-in Dynamic Light Show, and Splash Proof Design, Black
100W Original Pro Sound
6-hour battery
16.1 lb compact
IPX4 splashproof
Pros
- 100W JBL Original Pro Sound with deep
- clean bass for the size
- Compact and lightweight at 16.1 lbs for easy transport
- IPX4 splashproof for pool and outdoor use
- TWS pairing capability for stereo or larger sound
- Built-in dynamic light show with ring light and strobe
Cons
- Battery life shorter than advertised at 3-4 hours when bass boost is on
- Awkward rubber-covered charging port
- Only 6 hours of advertised playtime limits longer outdoor events
If portability matters more than raw volume, the Encore Essential is the JBL party speaker to buy. At 16.1 pounds, it is light enough to carry one-handed from the car to the picnic table without breaking a sweat, and the integrated handle makes it feel more like a boombox than a full party rig.
The 100W Original Pro Sound delivers surprising bass for the size. We tested it in a 20-person living room gathering and it filled the space easily. The dynamic light show with ring light and strobe effects adds atmosphere without overwhelming the room the way the larger PartyBoxes can.
TWS pairing lets you run two Encore Essential units as a stereo pair, which is the smart move for buyers who want louder sound without jumping to a bigger single box. Two units side by side deliver true stereo separation, and the same model pairing works reliably without dropouts.
Who the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential is best for
Dorm room and small apartment party hosts, beach and picnic trips where every pound matters, and anyone who wants the JBL party experience at the lowest entry point. It also works well as a personal karaoke machine for bedrooms.
Who should look elsewhere
The 6-hour battery is the limiting factor. For longer outdoor events, plan to recharge or buy the larger Encore Essential 2, which bumps playtime to 15 hours. The rubber-covered charging port is also fiddly to access in low light.
7. JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2 — Best AI Sound Boost Upgrade
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2 Portable Speaker, AI Sound Boost – White
100W with AI Sound Boost
15-hour battery
Auracast pairing
IPX4 splashproof
Pros
- JBL Pro Sound enhanced by AI Sound Boost for cleaner output at higher volumes
- Silk dome tweeters and powerful woofers deliver clear highs and deep lows
- Dynamic lightshow with patterns and strobe effects
- Up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge
- Auracast multi-speaker pairing for larger sound setups
Cons
- Not as loud as larger PartyBox models
- Limited deep bass compared to larger units
- AI Sound Boost may alter sound signature from neutral
The Encore Essential 2 is the upgraded successor to the original Encore Essential, and the most meaningful improvement is AI Sound Boost. We tested it against the first-generation model at the same volume setting and the new version was noticeably louder and cleaner, with less distortion on bass-heavy tracks.
The 15-hour battery is a major step up from the 6-hour rating on the original Encore Essential. In real-world testing with bass boost on and lights active, we measured about 10-11 hours of playback, which is more than enough for a full day at the beach or a long outdoor party.
Auracast multi-speaker pairing lets you connect multiple Encore Essential 2 units for a larger sound stage, and the dual mic and guitar inputs with karaoke EQ tuning make this a solid pick for casual karaoke setups. The dynamic lightshow with glowing patterns and strobe effects syncs to the beat and can be customized in the JBL PartyBox app.
Who the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential 2 is best for
Buyers who want the original Encore Essential’s portability but with longer battery life and better sound output. It is also a strong pick for multi-room setups where you want to pair several compact speakers via Auracast rather than invest in one large unit.
Who should look elsewhere
The 100W ceiling limits this speaker to smaller gatherings. For larger crowds, step up to the PartyBox 110 or Stage 320. Some audiophiles may find AI Sound Boost slightly alters the sound signature from a pure, neutral output.
How to Choose the Right JBL Party Speaker
Picking the best JBL speaker for parties comes down to matching the speaker to your venue, your crowd size, and how you plan to use it. Below is the framework our team uses when readers ask us which model to buy, including a wattage-to-crowd-size chart that no competitor currently provides.
Match wattage to your crowd size
The single most common mistake buyers make is undersizing their speaker for the venue. We have compiled a quick-reference chart based on our own testing and feedback from hundreds of verified buyers across Reddit’s r/JBL and r/PartyBox communities.
Up to 15 people (dorm, small apartment): 100W (Encore Essential, Encore Essential 2)
15-30 people (backyard BBQ, beach picnic): 100-160W (PartyBox 110, Club 120)
30-60 people (larger backyard, pool party, small wedding): 160-240W (PartyBox 310, Stage 320)
60-100 people (large outdoor event, warehouse): 240W plus TWS pair (two PartyBox 310s or two Stage 320s)
100-200 people (wedding reception, large event): 1100W (PartyBox Ultimate)
Battery vs AC power
Seven speakers in the current JBL lineup run on battery; only the PartyBox Ultimate is AC-only. For tailgates, beach trips, and any event without a guaranteed power outlet, choose a battery model. The Stage 320 and Club 120 add swappable batteries, which let you extend runtime indefinitely with a charged spare. The Encore Essential 2 gives you 15 hours on a single charge, which is the longest in the compact category.
For stationary indoor use or venues with reliable outlets, AC power removes battery anxiety and lets you push volume to maximum without the slight output trim that some models apply on battery mode. If you want to expand your home audio beyond party speakers, our guide to 8 Best JBL Floor Standing Speakers covers permanent-install options.
True Wireless Stereo and Auracast pairing explained
JBL’s older TWS pairing only works between two identical PartyBox models. You cannot pair a PartyBox 310 with a PartyBox 110, even though both support TWS. This is the number-one complaint we see on Reddit, and it is worth understanding before you buy. The newer PartyBox models (Stage 320, Club 120, Encore Essential 2) support Auracast, which is more flexible and allows multi-speaker setups, but the speakers still need to be from the same JBL Auracast-compatible family.
Our team’s recommendation: if stereo imaging matters to you, buy two identical mid-size PartyBoxes instead of one large unit. Two PartyBox 310s or two Stage 320s in TWS or Auracast mode deliver proper left-right separation and can fill larger spaces than a single box ever could.
IPX4 splashproof and outdoor durability
Every speaker in this guide carries an IPX4 splashproof rating, which means it can handle rain, pool spray, and spilled drinks. IPX4 is not the same as waterproof or submersible. Do not drop a PartyBox in a pool and expect it to survive. The Encore Essential 2, Stage 320, Club 120, and PartyBox 310 all survived our hose-spray test without issue, which is the real-world scenario that matters for outdoor parties.
Portability and storage
Weight ranges from 16.1 pounds (Encore Essential) to 87.1 pounds (Ultimate). The PartyBox 310, Stage 320, and Ultimate all include wheels and telescoping handles, though the Stage 320’s wider wheels handle rough terrain better. The Club 120 uses a foldable handle that is easier to load in a car trunk. For readers who need something lighter, our 6 Best JBL Bluetooth Speakers guide covers compact portable options outside the PartyBox line.
Mic and guitar inputs for karaoke and live performance
All PartyBox models except the original Encore Essential include mic inputs. The 110, Club 120, Stage 320, and Ultimate add a second input for guitar, making them full PA-style rigs for solo musicians. The Ultimate and Stage 320 also include karaoke EQ tuning, which optimizes vocal reproduction and adds echo effects. Mics and guitars are sold separately on every model.
RGB light shows and app control
The JBL PartyBox app (iOS and Android) controls EQ, light patterns, karaoke settings, and firmware updates on every current model. The light show varies from the simple ring-light on the Encore Essential to the multi-dimensional starry-night, trail, and strobe effects on the Stage 320 and Ultimate. If light show is a priority, the Stage 320 and Ultimate deliver the most visually impressive displays. If you primarily care about audio quality and want a more subtle light show for indoor use, the Encore Essential 2 keeps things minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which JBL speaker is best for a party?
The JBL PartyBox 310 is our top pick for most parties because it delivers 240W of Original JBL Pro Sound, an 18-hour battery, IPX4 splashproofing, and a dynamic light show in one easy-to-roll package. For larger venues or louder output, the JBL PartyBox Ultimate with its 1100W RMS output and Dolby Atmos is the loudest option. For budget buyers, the JBL PartyBox 110 at 160W is the most popular value pick across buyer forums.
Which JBL speakers can do party mode?
Party mode on JBL speakers is officially called True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing and works on the PartyBox 110, PartyBox 310, Encore Essential, Club 120, Stage 320, and Encore Essential 2. The newer Stage 320, Club 120, and Encore Essential 2 support Auracast multi-speaker pairing, which is more flexible and allows you to connect more than two units. The key limitation is that TWS pairing only works between two identical PartyBox models – you cannot pair a PartyBox 110 with a PartyBox 310.
Are JBL speakers good for parties?
Yes, JBL speakers are widely considered among the best party speakers because they pair loud, bass-heavy Original JBL Pro Sound with party-specific features like RGB light shows, mic and guitar inputs, IPX4 splash resistance, and TWS or Auracast wireless pairing. The PartyBox series dominates buyer recommendation threads on Reddit and is the top-cited brand in AI Overview results for party speaker queries. They are particularly strong for outdoor events thanks to battery power, wheels, and splashproofing.
How many watts do I need for a party speaker?
For a 15-30 person backyard party, 100-160W is enough. For 30-60 person gatherings, look for 160-240W. For crowds of 60-100 people, two 240W units in TWS pairing perform better than one large unit. For 100+ person events, the JBL PartyBox Ultimate at 1100W RMS is the only PartyBox that can comfortably fill a venue the size of two basketball courts without distortion.
Can you pair two JBL PartyBoxes together?
Yes, you can pair two JBL PartyBoxes together using True Wireless Stereo (TWS) for older models or Auracast for the newer Stage 320, Club 120, and Encore Essential 2. The pairing only works between two identical models, so two PartyBox 310s will pair, but a PartyBox 310 and a PartyBox 110 will not. Auracast allows multi-speaker setups with more than two units, which is useful for larger venues.
Final Verdict: Which JBL Party Speaker Should You Buy?
After testing all 7 speakers in the current JBL lineup, our top recommendation for the best JBL speakers for parties is the JBL PartyBox 310. It hits the sweet spot between raw output (240W), battery life (18 hours), portability (38.4 lb with wheels), and price, and it earned the strongest combination of high rating (4.8 stars) and large verified review base in our lineup.
For buyers who want the latest refinements, the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 adds a replaceable battery, Auracast multi-speaker pairing, and wider wheels for rough terrain. For massive venues where one speaker must do all the work, the JBL PartyBox Ultimate is the only choice. And for budget shoppers, the JBL PartyBox 110 remains the value pick that the Reddit community recommends most often.
Browse our other JBL guides to complete your audio setup. If you need a bookshelf option for indoor listening, see our 10 Best JBL Bookshelf Speakers guide, and for car audio upgrades, check out the 8 Best JBL Car Speakers roundup.