JBL has launched its most powerful PartyBox speaker yet: the PartyBox Ultimate 2 combines a 1,500-watt sound system with an extensive built-in lighting setup. Priced at US$1,800, the large party speaker is positioned as a premium option for users who want high-volume audio and visual effects from a single device.
The new model more than doubles the stated power output of the previous PartyBox 720, which delivers 800 watts. Alongside its higher output, JBL has added newer connectivity standards, karaoke features, and a redesigned control system to make the speaker suitable for parties, DJ setups, and home entertainment.
JBL packs 1,500 watts into its largest PartyBox
The PartyBox Ultimate 2 is a substantial piece of equipment, standing 41.4 inches (1.05 metres) tall and weighing 120 pounds (54.4 kg). While its size makes it difficult to handle, JBL has fitted the speaker with wheels and a handle to make it easier to move between rooms or venues.
Its audio system combines dual pro-grade PEN tweeters, similar to those used in JBL’s professional audio products, with two five-inch mid-range drivers. Two 10-inch woofers produce the deeper bass associated with party-focused speakers. JBL says its AI Sound Boost technology delivers “detail and clarity with low distortion at every volume.”
The combination is intended to provide a wide range of sound, from clearer vocals and higher frequencies to powerful low-end audio. The increased output also gives the PartyBox Ultimate 2 a significant advantage over JBL’s previous 800-watt PartyBox 720, although the speaker’s size and weight make it less portable than many conventional Bluetooth models.
Connectivity has also improved substantially. The speaker supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 6.0, and also includes Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast. Users can stream audio through AirPlay, Chromecast and Spotify Connect, while Wi-Fi connectivity provides another option for higher-quality wireless playback.
New lighting and karaoke features target parties
JBL has placed considerable emphasis on the visual experience. The PartyBox Ultimate 2 features a new lighting system that covers the front of the speaker with animated effects, including “ripple-wave effects” that travel across the panel.
The lighting system uses multiple layers to create greater depth and movement. It can also project lighting effects onto the floor, extending the visual display beyond the speaker and creating a more immersive atmosphere in larger spaces.
The speaker’s top panel introduces touch controls, marking a first for the PartyBox range. The controls provide access to the main audio functions and support JBL’s EasySing AI Vocal Removal feature. The technology removes vocals from songs, letting users turn tracks into karaoke-style backing music.
Additional connections make the PartyBox Ultimate 2 suitable for more than wireless music playback. An optical input lets you connect it to a television for karaoke or entertainment, while an XLR line-in supports DJ equipment and other professional audio sources.
A USB-C port also supports lossless audio playback. This gives users another way to connect a source directly to the speaker without relying on wireless streaming. The combination of consumer-focused streaming services and professional-style inputs makes the system more versatile than a typical portable party speaker.
PartyBox Ultimate 2 arrives with a premium price
JBL has opened pre-orders for the PartyBox Ultimate 2 at US$1,800. The company is expected to begin shipping the speaker on 25 October 2026, with free shipping included for customers placing orders.
However, the speaker’s considerable size and weight may be a key consideration for potential buyers. At 54.4 kg, it weighs more like a large household appliance than a conventional portable Bluetooth speaker. Although wheels and a handle make transportation easier, moving it still requires considerably more effort than carrying a smaller PartyBox model.
The return policy may also be worth considering before ordering. JBL provides free shipping for the initial purchase, but customers pay return shipping costs. Given the PartyBox Ultimate 2’s weight, returning the speaker could therefore be significantly more complicated and expensive than returning a typical consumer electronics product.
With its combination of high output, upgraded wireless connectivity, karaoke tools and extensive lighting effects, the PartyBox Ultimate 2 is clearly aimed at users who want an all-in-one entertainment system rather than a compact portable speaker. Its US$1,800 price and 54.4 kg weight, however, put it firmly in the premium party-speaker category.
