Battery capacity
- JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
- 4,800 mAh battery capacity
- Soundcore Rave+
- 4,900 mAh battery capacity
Speaker comparison
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential vs Soundcore Rave+
Compare sound, battery life, durability and connections.
01Selected  JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
KSh 36,000In Stock | 02  Soundcore Rave+
KSh 30,830In Stock |
|---|
2 of 4 products
Add to comparison
2 spaces availableHarman Kardon Aura Studio 5KSh 36,000
Harman Kardon Go + Play 3KSh 36,500
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JBL Cinema SB550KSh 35,500
Our quick verdict
Choose the JBL PartyBox Encore Essential if you want faster recharging (3.5 hours). Choose the Soundcore Rave+ if you want a higher 160 W rated output, longer rated battery life (24 hours per charge) and a lower price (KSh 5,170 less).
Connections
- JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
- Bluetooth 5.1 connection
- Soundcore Rave+
- Bluetooth 5.0 connection
Battery life
- JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
- Up to 6 hours per charge
- Soundcore Rave+
- Up to 24 hours per charge
Output power
- JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
- 100 W rated output
- Soundcore Rave+
- 160 W rated output
Software
- JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
- Works with the JBL PartyBox app
- Soundcore Rave+
- Works with the Soundcore app
Key differences
The main differences to help you choose.
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
- Recharges faster: 3.5 hours.
- Power source: Rechargeable battery / USB charging.
Soundcore Rave+
- Higher rated output: 160 W.
- Rated for up to 24 hours per charge.
- Lower price: KSh 30,830 (KSh 5,170 less).
- Power source: Built-in rechargeable battery.
What matters most to you?
12 priorities selected.
JBL PartyBox Encore Essential
- 100 W rated output.
- 4,800 mAh battery.
- Bluetooth 5.1.
- Up to 6 hours per charge.
- Works with the JBL PartyBox app.
- 3.5 Hours.
- Link two Encore Essential speakers together wirelessly.
- Bluetooth 5.1, USB Type-A, 3.5mm AUX.
- Free-standing portable placement.
- USB Type-A, 3.5mm AUX.
- Portable speaker design.
- Built-in RGB ring lights and strobes flash perfectly in time with your music.
Soundcore Rave+
- 160 W rated output.
- 4,900 mAh battery.
- Bluetooth 5.0.
- Up to 24 hours per charge.
- Works with the Soundcore app.
- Approximately 5 hours.
- PartyCast with compatible soundcore speakers.
- USB audio: FAT32 flash drive with MP3/WMA.
- Portable upright or horizontal placement.
- AUX input, RCA wired party-chain connection.
- Not supported.
- Music-synchronised LEDs and central strobe.
Detailed comparison
Explore the full specifications, section by section.
General
| Specification | JBL PartyBox Encore Essential | Soundcore Rave+ |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | JBL | Soundcore |
| Model | PartyBox Encore Essential | A3391H12 |
| Type | Portable Party Speaker | Portable Party Speaker |
| Color | — | Black |
Design
| Specification | JBL PartyBox Encore Essential | Soundcore Rave+ |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 27.6 x 32.7 x 29.3 cm | — |
| Weight | 5.9 kg | — |
Battery & Charging
| Specification | JBL PartyBox Encore Essential | Soundcore Rave+ |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 4800mAh | 4900mAh / 7.4V × 2 battery specification |
Connectivity
| Specification | JBL PartyBox Encore Essential | Soundcore Rave+ |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Bluetooth-only portable speaker | Not supported; Bluetooth audio |
| Wired Inputs | USB Type-A, 3.5mm AUX | AUX input; RCA wired party-chain connection |
| HDMI | Portable speaker design | Not supported |
| USB | Bluetooth 5.1, USB Type-A, 3.5mm AUX | USB audio: FAT32 flash drive with MP3/WMA; PowerIQ device-charging output 5V 2.1A |
| Microphone / Guitar Inputs | 1 x 6.3mm Wired Mic Input | — |
| Multi-Speaker / Stereo Pairing | Link two Encore Essential speakers together wirelessly using True Wireless Stereo (TWS) technology for a massive, true stereo soundstage. | PartyCast with compatible soundcore speakers; up to 100 units; RCA wired party chain; earlier Rave cannot pair with Rave+ |
| App Support | JBL PartyBox App (Custom EQ & Lights) | soundcore app for EQ, BassUp, light effects, Light DJ, party games, firmware and automatic power-off |
| Bluetooth Range | — | Up to 20m / 66ft under suitable conditions; obstacles and interference reduce range |
Features
| Specification | JBL PartyBox Encore Essential | Soundcore Rave+ |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Assistant | No built-in voice assistant | No standalone voice-assistant system specified |
| Lightshow | Built-in RGB ring lights and strobes flash perfectly in time with your music, setting the ultimate party vibe automatically. | Music-synchronised LEDs and central strobe; button/app control; can be switched off |
| Home Cinema Features | Not a home-cinema speaker | No HDMI or dedicated home-cinema system |
| Party Features | — | PartyCast group sound and lights; RCA wired party chain; microphone echo; app party games and Light DJ |
| Special Features | — | PowerIQ USB mobile-device charging; USB MP3/WMA playback; automatic power-off after30min without audio, adjustable in app |
Audio
| Specification | JBL PartyBox Encore Essential | Soundcore Rave+ |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | 1 x 5.25" Woofer, 2 x 1.75" Tweeters | — |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 20 kHz | — |
| Total Power Output | 100W RMS | 160W |
| Maximum SPL | — | 103dB at 1m in an anechoic chamber; manufacturer Rave+ comparison FAQ |
| Audio Channels | — | Stereo when used alone; PartyCast group playback does not provide stereo channels |
| Sound Modes / EQ | — | BassUp; soundcore app custom EQ |
| Audio Features | — | BassUp; USB MP3/WMA playback; microphone echo control |
Power & Battery
| Specification | JBL PartyBox Encore Essential | Soundcore Rave+ |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Rechargeable battery / USB charging | Built-in rechargeable battery; AC input 100–240V 50/60Hz through included power cord |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 Hours | Up to 24h; varies with volume and music content |
| Charging Time | 3.5 Hours | Approximately 5 hours |
| Charging Port | — | AC mains input with supplied power cord |
Design & Controls
| Specification | JBL PartyBox Encore Essential | Soundcore Rave+ |
|---|---|---|
| Water & Dust Resistance | IPX4 (Splashproof) | — |
| Placement / Mounting | Free-standing portable placement | Portable upright or horizontal placement; carrying handle |
| Controls | — | Power, Bluetooth/PartyCast, source selection, playback, tracks, volume, BassUp and lighting; microphone volume/echo |
What's in the Box
| Specification | JBL PartyBox Encore Essential | Soundcore Rave+ |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker / Soundbar | PartyBox Encore Essential | One Soundcore Rave+ |
| Subwoofer | No subwoofer supplied | No separate subwoofer supplied |
| Remote Control | No remote control supplied | — |
| Power Cable | USB charging cable | AC power cord; regional plug shape not asserted |
| Audio / HDMI Cable | Not applicable | Audio and RCA cables not supplied |
| Mounting Accessories | Portable design | — |
| Other Accessories | — | Microphone and USB flash drive not supplied |
| Documentation | Quick Start Guide and safety documentation | User manual |
Similarities
- Both work with a companion app.
- Both connect over Bluetooth.
- Same type: Portable Party Speaker.
In summary
Choose Soundcore Rave+ for more total output and longer rated battery life; JBL PartyBox Encore Essential offers faster recharging.
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