JBL Party Box 520 Portable Party Speaker

[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.

Top JBL 520. Amazing product. The sound is perfect

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love this speaker it is so loud and sounds great. I couldn't get it past halfway on the volume because my neighbors would start to complain. Other than that I would definitely recommend this speaker!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The speakers are awesome, they can fill up a whole room without really needing to crank the volume. Even when it gets louder the sounds dont get muddy and you can still have a quality output. The mic plug and plug factor was very easy to set up and using it for karaoke was a breeze. Just connect a bluetooth device and get a karoake app or lyrics video going with your mic and start singing. My only wish is that there was storage of some kind for mics or the power cable but I imagine 3d printing something would be easy enough.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This review is for the new JBL PartyBox 520. It is a rather large unit for a large sound. After I received and unpacked the unit I plugged the power in and found the battery was 3/4 charged. It was easy to sync my iPhone to the unit. All I had to do was go to power up the unit, then go to Bluetooth on my phone then press the Bluetooth button on the PartyBox. In a few seconds my phone found it and I selected the PartyBox520 then it connected. When I selected a song and it started playing , I couldn’t believe the true crisp sound from the box. The sound quality was great at any volume. I have only turned the volume up 3/4 way and I think you could hear it half mile away. Where-ever you set the volume the sound was crisp and not distorted. The lights on the front would blink with the music and is adjustable. All the controls are on the top of the unit but there is an app that can be downloaded to make it easier to control the light patterns, sound effects, volume, and other things from your phone. You can also connect multiple units together for a true, fun time. I have not completely tested the battery but after 3 hours it only was down about 1/8 of the indicator. Took about 20 minutes to fully charge. If you were running on batteries only it is to last about 15 hrs. You can also connect microphones and guitars into the unit. I received this unit so we can use it for our pool parties. I’m sure we will enjoy it.

Absolutely blown away with how good this speaker is it so loud it fills a quarter acre with enough sound it's like ur wearing headphones.everything is crystal clear and u can hear every bit of the song even at max volume it isn't distorted. Standing 10-15 ft away and I could still feel the bass rumbling in my chest

What a wonderfull product. I didn't had a sound systen like this Partybox 520. Amazing sound and amazing lights. With the app we can control this true amazing sound system. We just already use for music but we test with a mic and we enjoy. Very simple to use and to pair with my smartphone. Is a little bit expensive but all pounds is justify. To buy for all family and some works

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is my first PartyBox type of product. I was a bit surprised how large and how heavy it is. But JBL does make smaller models, so I guess at 400 watts RMS, this is to be expected. Setup of the PartyBox 520 was a breeze - press the Bluetooth button on the top panel, and seconds later, my iPhone was paired.The JBL PartyBox app (a download from the app store) is very simple to use. Turn the light show on/off and select the patterns. Alter the eq. Adjust the volume. Its all right there. The top panel also has simple controls for volume and light show controls. JBL typically gives you a very limited user manual, but this one is better than others I've seen. Now for the most important part - how does it sound? I streamed music from Spotify on my iPhone, and the sound quality is incredible. It's REALLY powerful, and it can handle being turned up 1/2 way without undue distortion (it was just too loud for me to turn it up any further). There is a top panel control that lets you pause and start streaming without needing to grab your phone. The PartyBox 520 also has inputs for mics or guitars, etc. There is a drop down panel on the back of the 520 that reveals controls for these inputs. I did not test this capability. A really cool feature of the PartyBox 520 is the internal (and removable) battery. It lasts for 15 hours. of play, and can charge in just 3 hours. You can also run the 520 on wall voltage too of course. This thing does everything you would expect and it does them very well. So why didn't I give 5 stars? Price. Not that it isn't worth the price, but it is a lot of money. But I don't think you'll find a better device in this class for less. I would have given 4 1/2 stars if that was an option. All in all, if it is in your budget, I highly recommend the PartyBox 520.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] First off, the sound is incredible! It gets loud, but also has the JBL punch and clarity you’d expect. Make sure to pay attention to the size and weight specs as this is a very large device. It’s also an all-in-one setup for DJ’ing, karaoke, parties, or a shop/garage speaker. You can play sound effects (air horn, cheering, booing, etc) and control the lights, colors, and patterns via the app or the top of the PB520. This is a feature-rich, do anything kind of speaker, so I’ll try to cover as much as I can! The wheels and a sturdy, collapsible luggage-handle make it easy to move around, and there is an integrated grip/handle on the bottom in the front to assist in lifting. The back of the PB520 has a battery compartment with easy access for quick changes, a covered AC socket for the power cable, and an accessories panel. The panel has 2 microphone ports, each with a separate gain, and the 2nd one can also be used for a guitar. There is also a USB-C port for charging devices and a 3.5mm Aux In port. This panel also has ports to daisy chain compatible Party Boxes. I spend a lot of time working on cars, so having tunes is a must. Smaller speakers can easily be overwhelmed when trying to play above fan and compressor noise, but the PB520 does NOT have that issue. Controlling it from my phone also makes changing the volume or music source a breeze. I can’t speak highly enough of the PB520. It’s awesome!

The JBL PartyBox 520 is the top battery-powered model in the JBL lineup and it shows. With 400 watts RMS, massive 20 cm woofers, dome tweeters, and the new AI Sound Boost that adjusts audio in real time, the sound stays clean even at full volume with zero distortion. Yes, it’s pretty heavy (just under 30 kg), but the handle and sturdy wheels make it surprisingly easy to move around. And for outdoor party lovers, it's even IPX4 splash-proof—rain’s not a problem. The battery lasts around 15 hours, which is more than fair considering the power. It doesn't last quite as long as the PartyBox Stage 320, but in return, this one delivers a much richer sound. Plus, it has a swappable battery and supports fast charging—an underrated feature. The PartyBox app is super handy: you can tweak the 7-band EQ, customize the lighting effects, add reverb to the mic, and link multiple speakers using PartyTogether mode for an immersive setup. Personally, I love the sound and the light show that syncs perfectly with the music. It’s clearly built for easy transport and made for people who love to throw parties. If I had to nitpick, the rear panel with the input ports sometimes pops open when rolling it across uneven surfaces. Also, a side handle would’ve made lifting it even easier. But honestly, those are minor things. For power, stage presence, and versatility—this speaker is unbeatable.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This speaker is a BEAST!!! I used it for a family cookout and i swear you could hear the music throughout the neighborhood. The sound is crisp and clear, the bass is deep and perfect! Would definitely recommend to anyone in the market for a speaker.

Waw what a machine!! This party box has a lot of potential to give an amazing party! You can connect easily with bluethoor but also by cable. You can also connect 2 microphones so you can have a big karaoke party. The volume and bass are great! Very professional box. The only little point off criticism for me that it is a little bit heavy to change his place. But overall a great box for a good price!

I bought this for home use a fortnight ago. It has AI and enhances your favourite music, and gives your TV and DVDs a really outstanding sound, better than Sonos or Bose systems that I also have. It delivers a great bass boom too, that shakes the windows on blast mode. It is easy to connect and very user friendly., and it is so easy to fire music from your phone to it for the best audible experience of your music that you have ever heard

Got 2 of these a few days ago to add to my collections and theyre a great addition to my ultimate and my 320s I love the portability will almost being as loud as my 710 i am more than impressed this is my 14th and 15th JBL since the release of the 1st Boombox and all I can say is JBL has done it again cant wait to get my 720 if and when it comes out

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Wow! From the sights to the sound, I am blown away. The battery life in this massive party box keeps up with demand and is removable. This thing is loud! The bass will rattle my windows without compromising clarity. Even if I have either version of the bass boost turned on I still have high quality sound that’s clear. I love that it connects to the JBL PartyBox app and allows for detailed control of the equalizer. I can fine tune the equalizer to enhance the sound for any situation. I personally think the Party Buttons are a little silly and an unnecessary feature but to each their own. Lastly, it is large so it is heavy and while the wheels are a great feature they are smaller so you just have to be aware of that and whatever surface you’re rolling on. As a 5’ 4” female it is a little bulky to maneuver around. All that said, it is a high quality speaker that is premium in the way it looks and feels.

Its really loud . the bass is amazing , Enough to shake my walls . Definitely a go for if your looking for a party speaker with a battery.

[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.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This thing is awesome! I was very skeptical of the party box line, but I am a believer now. The 520 is absolutely amazing. It’s not just a speaker system, but a true music experience. JBL sound quality, massive sound, and lights! The entire family jammed out for hours the first night we had it. Outside, the sound carries a very open area clearly. The 520 is fantastic for outdoor parties, pool days, and night parties are that much better due to the lighting effects (kids absolutely love it!). This is now one of my top 5 JBL favorite items ever! If you need big sound, the Party Box 520 is a no brainer.

[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. Enjoy Movies as never before!

[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.