Customer reviews from jbl.com
JBL - Partybox 520 Portable Wireless Party Speaker - 2025 - Black
Average customer rating
5
(27 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 27 reviews
5 Stars
26
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Star
0
100%of customers recommend this product.
(
20 out of
20)
Customer Reviews for JBL - Partybox 520 Portable Wireless Party Speaker - 2025 - Black
Customer Rating
5
Amazing sound, very powerful speaker!
on May 28, 2025
Posted by: nnutman
from Santa Clara, CA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Amazing sound! The box is huge, connect easily to my Google TV with Bluetooth and the quality of watching Basketball or a movie is just wow.
This can easily be your TV sound system, and you can move it around...
The speaker is heavy, but the wheels help to move it, I was able to connect to my Flex TV as well and to my phone.
You can connect a Mic and a guitar as well.
It comes with a battery that you can replace in the future. It was not there on older models.
What i liked about this huge speaker is that it can replace all the speakers I have, specially for TV and Desktop.
There are lights and sounds you can change on the top of the speaker and JBL App (I used the android one) provide you full control of the speaker, include updates.
This can easily be your TV sound system, and you can move it around...
The speaker is heavy, but the wheels help to move it, I was able to connect to my Flex TV as well and to my phone.
You can connect a Mic and a guitar as well.
It comes with a battery that you can replace in the future. It was not there on older models.
What i liked about this huge speaker is that it can replace all the speakers I have, specially for TV and Desktop.
There are lights and sounds you can change on the top of the speaker and JBL App (I used the android one) provide you full control of the speaker, include updates.
Enjoy Movies as never before!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
BIG Sound BIG Package!
on August 1, 2025
Posted by: Frankowitz
from Minneapolis MN
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] OK, this is a BIG speaker, with a BIG sound. If you have heard, or own, any JBL products you know that GREAT JBL bass sound and the PartyBox 520 has the same sound. It WILL fill big spaces, like a pool or deck area. It would also be great to have in a party room or for a yard party. Operation and connection, using Bluetooth, are simple; it uses the same sound effects as other JBL products to confirm things, including Bluetooth connection. When those itty-bitty speakers say that they “have a big sound….” THIS is the sound they are talking about. That said, it also performed wonderfully at lower (living room) levels for me. It would also be great as amplification for a podium Microphone or two. There are two XLR inputs, one for Line in, on the back with adapters for Stereo plugs…. perfect for an instrument and microphone if you are a performer on a Patio or medium size club space. It also takes USB-C and a mini-plug Aux input. On top are controls for Microphone input, including bass, treble and echo. According to the specs, the Party Box 520 is ‘Splash-proof’. It’s powered by a JBL battery that is replaceable, it takes about 3 hours to charge, also according to the specs. Mine was 50% charged when delivered and I charged it overnight before use.
First Thing: I strongly encourage getting the App for control of the PartyBox. There are features in the app which allow customization, including a seven band Equalizer with other presets and different types of Bass Response. The App is also the only way to update the speaker’s firmware, something my app did automatically on the first connection. I presume that JBL will update firmware, and the app, as different options are enabled.
Effects Lab in the app is where the sound effects originate; one time per push. The app allows customization of three separate Sounds that play from buttons on top of the speaker. All the lighting settings are on the app, and it’s the same thing, you can set up your faves to play via controls on top of the speaker. It’s also possible to turn all the lighting off if needed, via the app.
All this BIG sound, Big Control and BIG fun comes in a relatively big package, as tall as the average 4-year-old, and heavier. There is a pop-up handle and wheels for portability. If you want to lift it, I suggest getting a partner. But for someone like a music therapist who travels within a building, it would be great.
Let’s get some actual usage. The JBL Party Box 520 is perfect for a pool or deck party, including music performances and/or Karaoke. Included with the sound effects are a few record scratches to use and some encouragement shoutouts. My favorite sound effect is the applause… I have that programmed into the “Thumbs Up” button on top so I can congratulate my kids after they sing. The lighting effects are great for a night-time yard party. Recently, I observed a Party Box in use as the primary sound system for a gym sized room and it was just fine - that bass really carries the sound.
Effects Lab in the app is where the sound effects originate; one time per push. The app allows customization of three separate Sounds that play from buttons on top of the speaker. All the lighting settings are on the app, and it’s the same thing, you can set up your faves to play via controls on top of the speaker. It’s also possible to turn all the lighting off if needed, via the app.
All this BIG sound, Big Control and BIG fun comes in a relatively big package, as tall as the average 4-year-old, and heavier. There is a pop-up handle and wheels for portability. If you want to lift it, I suggest getting a partner. But for someone like a music therapist who travels within a building, it would be great.
Let’s get some actual usage. The JBL Party Box 520 is perfect for a pool or deck party, including music performances and/or Karaoke. Included with the sound effects are a few record scratches to use and some encouragement shoutouts. My favorite sound effect is the applause… I have that programmed into the “Thumbs Up” button on top so I can congratulate my kids after they sing. The lighting effects are great for a night-time yard party. Recently, I observed a Party Box in use as the primary sound system for a gym sized room and it was just fine - that bass really carries the sound.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
… The Perfect Speaker to have a Party anywhere …
on May 25, 2025
Posted by: Miguelito 350
from Denver CO.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] JBL PARTYBOX 520
I got this Speaker ( Partybox 520 ) a few days ago
and ooh my God , I am beyond impressed how good and
how loud this is . It has great sound and as deep Bass as to be
expected being a JBL Product.
and ooh my God , I am beyond impressed how good and
how loud this is . It has great sound and as deep Bass as to be
expected being a JBL Product.
We used it at a Barbecue yesterday and everyone there loved it .
They were Amazed how good it sounds and how cool and practical
the Partybox i . Also very easy to use as all the buttons and features
are pretty straight forward.
They were Amazed how good it sounds and how cool and practical
the Partybox i . Also very easy to use as all the buttons and features
are pretty straight forward.
- Design.. the Partybox 520 looks pretty cool , the suitcase idea is
very ingenious. The telescopic handle and the wheels make pretty
easy to move and maneuver.
- Sound .. as JBL Product it sounds amazing , just in a much
larger scale this time. You can become a DJ and entertain your
family and friends.
- Control Panel.. all the buttons on top and on the back are easy to use.
You can Turn ON and OFF the lights just by pressing the button
on the top panel.
I found that with the JBL Partybox App you can turn the
speaker off if you desire.
- Size.. in my opinion is comparable to a large suitcase,
it is sturdy and weighs around 50 lbs.
Overall I think is another great product from JBL.
very ingenious. The telescopic handle and the wheels make pretty
easy to move and maneuver.
- Sound .. as JBL Product it sounds amazing , just in a much
larger scale this time. You can become a DJ and entertain your
family and friends.
- Control Panel.. all the buttons on top and on the back are easy to use.
You can Turn ON and OFF the lights just by pressing the button
on the top panel.
I found that with the JBL Partybox App you can turn the
speaker off if you desire.
- Size.. in my opinion is comparable to a large suitcase,
it is sturdy and weighs around 50 lbs.
Overall I think is another great product from JBL.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
More than just a speaker
on May 28, 2025
Posted by: MABP
from Fairfax, VA
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] For this review, I’m partnering with two of our university music faculty (you’ll see them in the photos too!) who direct our campus pep band since they are audio experts and will be using this speaker with the band. After some testing, here are some key observations:
Overview: The new JBL PartyBox 520 is a powerful and practical tool for rehearsal, performance, and of course party environments. While most professional groups will want to supplement this with additional speakers (more on that in the next section), this could be used for smaller performance venues and is ideal when you need a speaker for rehearsal (whether for a band track, a dance practice, etc.), especially if you don’t want to have to worry too much about power sources, outlet locations, or are going to be outside or in an unfamiliar setting.
Sound: This speaker delivers 400 watts of clean, balanced audio with excellent clarity across the full range. The bass is deep without overwhelming the mids, and the highs cut through beautifully, which is important when you’re dealing with layered textures in an ensemble. The AI Sound Boost actively analyzes and adjusts in real-time, so it holds its clarity even when things get loud. That’s a big win for outdoor rehearsals or spaces with poor acoustics. The highs especially are really powerful can get a little overwhelming, but it’s easy to use the EQ to adjust them in the app to get the highs exactly where you want them for beautiful sound. The bass is really great up close, but as you get farther away in a larger venue, it starts to fade a little more than we’d like for a professional performance. For professionals and larger venues, it’s important to note that this speaker alone will not replace a full range PA system. In those cases, you’ll probably want to have two of these speakers along with a JBL subwoofer to have a full range sound system performance (and this speaker easily lets you daisy chain a system together to do that!), but this will work beautifully in small intimate venues and places where one speaker is more than enough.
Battery Life: The battery life is a major highlight for this speaker. The specs say you’ll get 15 hours on a full charge and that if you’re in a time crunch, a 10-minute charge will give you 2 more hours of use. We didn’t fully put that to the test, but that’s impressive battery life for such a powerful speaker and makes this incredibly versatile. You can also swap out the battery entirely, which is incredibly useful for all-day events, festivals, parade floats, or extended rehearsals without easy access to power. The power is excellent, and we have no concerns here. However, there is no place on the speaker to store the power cable, but with this battery life you will be treating this more like a cell phone where you charge it then take it in the field and charge it when you’re done. One recommendation that we would make for future iterations of these speakers, though, would be to add a small compartment that can hold the power cord so that it doesn’t get lost. You can see in one of the pictures that we’re compensating by using a velcro strap to attach the power cord to the handle, but a small compartment would be a nice addition.
Weight and mobility: This speaker felt sturdy from the moment it came out of the box, and it was especially nice that there was no assembly. It was ready to go the moment it came out of the package (including the battery being pre-charged). In terms of mobility, it’s heavy-duty but easy to move. It has built-in wheels and a telescopic handle, so I’ve been rolling it between indoor rehearsal spaces and outdoor fields with no issue. The IPX4 splash resistance makes it safe for sideline use during marching rehearsals, or even dance runs outside. The luggage arm is extremely comfortable and similar to rolling around a heavy suitcase. And it pushes down to make a compact package (about the height of a standard desk without the handle extended). Time will tell whether the wheels will hold up to heavy use if the speaker is rolled around outdoors on rough surfaces a lot, but the wheels seem pretty sturdy.
Inputs: Now from a musical standpoint, what really sets the PartyBox 520 apart is its input flexibility. It comes with dual XLR inputs, which means I can plug in a microphone for voice commands during rehearsal, or even a mic and a keyboard for pop-up performances. We set up a bass and keyboard setup as well. You can also plug your mics, keyboard, bass, and other instruments into a mixer, and then plug the mixer into this if you prefer. Additionally, you can use it for track playback in dance and guard rehearsals through the USB-C or Bluetooth 5.4 connection. We even set up a DJ rig and it seamlessly worked with the dual inputs. Plus, with Auracast, you can link multiple PartyBoxes for coverage across a larger field or gym. The inputs also have an additional gain job that you can access with a small screwdriver or key for some extra boost. When both inputs are switched to mic mode, though both inputs function on the singular knob at the top. So keep that in mind that this doesn’t replace a full range mixer on its own.
Lights: The light show is a bonus. You can keep it subtle during rehearsal, but for community events or performances, it adds a great visual element. It syncs to your music and can be customized through the JBL PartyBox app, along with EQ and playback settings. The lights add a cool, unique element that JBL holds as a staple. The light response to the sound frequencies is top notch, especially with DJ setups.
Final thoughts: This is more than just a speaker. The PartyBox 520 is a reliable tool for directors, choreographers, and performers who need portable, professional-grade sound in any environment, and its features are excellent for anyone looking for a speaker that can easily fill a room. It does not replace a full range PA system or a sound board, but for the average musician, Disk Jockey at small events, director, or party thrower, the JBL 520 is everything you need in one easiest to move powerful speakers. And investing in its wireless options with its aura cast can yield some really powerful and effective results.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
New 520 party box !! Smashing it!
on May 27, 2025
Posted by: Harley boy
from South Texas
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is real nice party box. It has a real clear sound and good base. The lights are nice and entertaining. I like that it can be linked back to other TWS units. This is not my first party box. I have a 310 in my garage and have used it for years. This new 520 has better sound quality and the volume has way more push. I use it out by the pool and it is perfect. The fact it is splash resistant is just what I needed. The AI sound is a nice addition so you aren’t adjusting it all the time. It is a heavier unit but the bigger wheels make it easy to move.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Wow! Massive portable party speaker!!
on May 22, 2025
Posted by: nismos14
from New Jersey
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Let me start with the few negatives (there’s not many of them, honestly!)
1: The styrofoam packaging inside the outer corrugated carton is pretty weak. All of it was damaged when I was opening up the box. A sturdy pressed paper triple thick formed like the speaker would probably be a better choice.
2: It is a bit challenging to take out of the box due to the sheer size. The instructions are to flip the box over after opening the top. This is not the easiest thing to do by yourself. Definitely suggest having a second set of hands to help with this.
3: At the time of this review the speaker is not yet available in the Partybox app so not able to control eq and any other functions from your phone/in the app.
4: The speaker is pricey! I might have a tough time justifying buying it at regular price even though it seems to be worth it. I am typically looking for deals to for anyone else this speaker will do it all and may be well worth the price.
Now for the good!
Now for the good!
1: This thing is ENORMOUS! You won’t need to pair two smaller speakers together anymore to get adequate sound in medium / large area.
2: The different variety of inputs are more the adequate as you can use them to connect mutiple mics which I think is a strong suit for this speaker.
3: Tons of lighting options! Nuff said :)
4: Big battery!! Huge battery that suggest very long play time which the ability charge quickly and also to play while plugged in.
5: Tons of bass! The multiple bass options are not just more bass and even more bass. One provides punchy bass one provides deep bass. Very good to play around with both and get the bass to your liking.
6: Strong wheels and handle, take this thing anywhere!
7: maybe considered bad to some but this speaker is absolutely enormous, and fairly heavy after removing the packaging I’d estimate it close to 58 pounds. Keep that in mind.
8: It maintains the JBL signature sound that those of us who are familiar with JBL love and expect.
Overall I am very pleased with this speaker. My comparison includes the 1st gen Partybox Encore, Partybox Encore Essential and a multitude of battery powered speakers and karaoke speakers that I have made myself.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic Event Speaker
on May 28, 2025
Posted by: Todd17
from Washington State
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This speaker is truly impressive! It delivers excellent sound quality at high volumes for outdoor events, while also providing clear dialogue at moderate levels for watching movies or baseball games. Setting it up and charging it after taking it out of the box was very easy.
I have tested the sound at both high and low volumes, with the Bass Boost feature turned on and off. For classic rock, I find that a mid-level Bass Boost works best for me. In larger spaces or outdoors, I believe the full Bass Boost would be quite effective.
The lights are enjoyable and enhance the party atmosphere. The JBL Party Box app allows for precise controls, enabling you to enable, disable, or customize the four lighting systems according to your preferred brightness, colors, and patterns. I can adjust them endlessly without losing any enjoyment.
The DJ/Special Effects features are entertaining for a while, but since I haven't hosted a large party since getting the speaker and I'm not trying to become a DJ, I haven't used them much. However, I’m sure that someone experienced would have a lot of fun with these options.
The battery life was more than adequate for my needs. I played music, movies, audiobooks, podcasts, and radio shows for most of three days, and the battery level was still at 50% (though I kept the volume moderate, I did use all the lighting effects). The USB-C port is easily accessible and charged my phone effectively, though not as quickly as the OnePlus OEM charger. When connected, my phone indicated that it was "charging," but there were no indications of "turbo mode" or "charging slowly."
Overall, this is a wonderful addition to my media setup—I can't wait to load it into the back of my truck for a camping trip. I want to do this before all my friends ask to borrow it for their own enjoyment.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com
Customer Rating
5
Party Big/ Party Long/ Party Loud
on June 1, 2025
Posted by: KLewt
from Cordova, TN
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] For some reason, I have always wanted a JBL Partybox. And now that I’ve got one, boy am I impressed.
Some basic instructions were included, but everything was very easy to figure out to get the party started.
To me, JBL’s signature bass thumping sound in this 400 watt Partybox speaker is unmatched. Whether you are playing music or singing karaoke you will be heard, loud and clear. And if you are a busker, there is even a plug in for your guitar.
The front of the speaker puts on an unbelievable light show in a rainbow of colors or a color of your choosing. And you can control it all in the JBL Partybox app.
The top of the Partybox has the Bluetooth connection button and the Bass Boost button. And to top it off, it also has 3 other buttons for sound effects found in the Partybox app.
The battery charges super fast and has at least a 15 hour life, so the party never stops.
The access panel on the back of the 520 Partybox is where you can plug in microphones or a guitar. And one of my favorite features is the usb-c port to charge your phone, iPad, or microphones.
The JBL 520 Partybox is heavy, but has wheels and a telescopic handle to roll it from one place to the next.
I’ve hooked it up to my tv, and am hearing sounds from sporting events I have never heard before.
You want to party loud and all night? The JBL 520 Partybox will do that and more.
Some basic instructions were included, but everything was very easy to figure out to get the party started.
To me, JBL’s signature bass thumping sound in this 400 watt Partybox speaker is unmatched. Whether you are playing music or singing karaoke you will be heard, loud and clear. And if you are a busker, there is even a plug in for your guitar.
The front of the speaker puts on an unbelievable light show in a rainbow of colors or a color of your choosing. And you can control it all in the JBL Partybox app.
The top of the Partybox has the Bluetooth connection button and the Bass Boost button. And to top it off, it also has 3 other buttons for sound effects found in the Partybox app.
The battery charges super fast and has at least a 15 hour life, so the party never stops.
The access panel on the back of the 520 Partybox is where you can plug in microphones or a guitar. And one of my favorite features is the usb-c port to charge your phone, iPad, or microphones.
The JBL 520 Partybox is heavy, but has wheels and a telescopic handle to roll it from one place to the next.
I’ve hooked it up to my tv, and am hearing sounds from sporting events I have never heard before.
You want to party loud and all night? The JBL 520 Partybox will do that and more.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting jbl.com