JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs JBL Partybox Club 120: Best party speaker?

If you entertain regularly, host backyard BBQs or pool parties, or maybe you’re finally getting a chance to design your ultimate Man Cave, you’ll need a quality speaker with decent output and perhaps a few party tricks to complete the vibe. With its built-in dynamic light show, karaoke options, and plenty of low-end on-tap, the JBL PartyBox series is undoubtedly up to the task of keeping your guests entertained.

In this JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs. Partybox Club 120 article, I’ll outline the differences between these party starting speakers to help you decide which sized Partybox suits your next backyard or basement shin-dig.

Editor’s note: This is the first version of this article, which was published on August 9th, 2024. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the JBL Partybox Stage 320 compared to the JBL Partybox Club 120?

The JBL Partybox Stage 320 and Club 120 are very similar in their build, design, operation, and lighting features. While the Stage 320 offers 240W of output and weighs 16.5kg (36 lbs), the Club 120 is the smaller speaker, offering 160W of output and weighing 11kg (24 lbs). Both speakers are IPX4-rated, meaning they can handle splashes of rain. They have almost identical physical controls, use the same companion app, and offer the same connection options.

Aside from the differences in wattage and driver size, the Club 120 has a built-in foldable handle for portability. However, if you anticipate moving your speaker often, it’s worth noting that the larger Stage 320 offers a longer, telescopic handle and a pair of wheels at the unit’s base. Both units also feature a speaker stand mount on the underside of the enclosure.

How do you control the JBL Partybox Stage 320 and JBL Partybox Club 120?

As mentioned, the PartyBox Stage 320 and Club 120 share an almost identical control layout. You’re provided with physical knobs to control both playback and light show operation, along with tactile controls for other features like Auracast, Bass Boost, and those fun DJ buttons.

However, if you’re big on the karaoke feature, it’s worth noting that the Stage 320 has a dedicated control strip for your microphone EQ settings, including volume and reverb. These same controls are available for Club 120 but only in the JBL Partybox app.

Should you use the JBL Partybox app for the JBL Partybox Stage 320 or JBL Partybox Club 120?

Whichever speaker you choose, you’ll want to download and install the JBL PartyBox app to take full advantage of all its features. Here, you can access your EQ options, including a customizable 5-band EQ, change up your light show, modify some of the Stage 320 or Club 120’s default settings, configure your Auracast settings if paired with an additional JBL speaker, and access any firmware updates.

As mentioned, since the Club 120 lacks physical microphone controls like those on the Stage 320, you will need the app to adjust microphone EQ settings.

How do the JBL Partybox Stage 320 and JBL Partybox Club 120 connect?

The Stage 320 and Club 120 offer the same connection options. Either speaker connects to your device via Bluetooth 5.4, offers multipoint connection, and is SBC and AAC only.

Since they share the same rear control panel, you’re also provided with two 1/4″ inputs for a microphone or guitar, a 3.5mm aux in for wired connection, and a USB-A port that can be used to either charge a device or play music off a thumb drive. There is also an additional pair of 3.5mm jacks for daisy chaining any additional compatible speakers.

Is battery life better on the JBL Partybox Stage 320 or JBL Partybox Club 120?

With its bigger size, the Stage 320 can house a larger battery. JBL advertises an 18-hour playback time off a single charge, but that’s at 50% volume without bass boost or lights. The Club 120 uses a smaller battery pack and states a 12-hour playback time at 25% volume without bass boost or light show.

Of course, if you’re using either speaker at home, you can always run its AC power, which will conveniently charge the battery pack simultaneously. If you plan on using either speaker outdoors, you can always purchase a second battery pack from JBL to ensure your party goes all night long.

Does the JBL Partybox Stage 320 sound better than the JBL Partybox Club 120?

While their design is highly similar, with the Stage 320 offering 240 Watts of output compared to the 160 Watts provided by the Club 120, essentially, the Stage 320 is the bigger sibling to the Club 120. With more wattage and more significant drivers behind it, it’s simply a louder speaker. Along with larger woofers—2x 6.5-inch woofers compared to the Club 120’s 2x 5.25″ woofers—the Stage 320 can also provide even more low-end.

If you’re trying to decide between these two speakers, it comes down to how much room-filling power you need. JBL states the Partybox Stage 320 can fill a “tennis-court” size outdoor area with sound, which is a good reference point. If your basement or backyard isn’t quite that large, the Club 120 will do just fine for most people while still providing a thumping bass response for you and your guests.

Should you get the JBL Partybox Stage 320 or the JBL Partybox Club 120?

When comparing the Partybox Stage 320 and Club 120 speakers, it’s clear that they share many similarities, from design to connection options to light show. If you’re deciding between the two and price isn’t a concern, I would absolutely snag the larger Stage 320. Who doesn’t want that extra volume and bass response?

Fortunately, as we’ve discovered in this article, JBL isn’t gatekeeping any features, so if your backyard or basement isn’t exactly “tennis court-sized,” the Club 120 will be fine for most potential users. You’ll still get all the fabulous party features and save a few hundred dollars at the same time.

What should you get instead of the JBL Partybox Stage 320 and JBL Partybox Club 120?

If you’re digging the idea of music and a light show in a portable package, but the PartyBox series is a tad overkill for your needs, you can save some money and check out the Anker Soundcore Boom 2 Plus ($249.99 at Amazon). This 140W speaker has plenty of bass and helps keep the party vibes going thanks to its dual built-in LED lights on its passive radiators. Like the PartyBox series, you can customize its sound and light show via the companion app. If it’s within budget, you could always buy two and run them in stereo for extra room-filling power! Party on!

Frequently asked questions