JBL's PartyBox Ultimate 2: 1500 Watts, Karaoke AI, and a $1800 Price Tag
JBL's new flagship party speaker is the loudest and most expensive yet, but its real appeal may be its smart features and portability.
JBL has unveiled its latest flagship party speaker, the PartyBox Ultimate 2. According to Engadget, it delivers 1,500 watts of power and carries a price tag of $1,800, making it both the most powerful and the most expensive model in JBL's PartyBox lineup. The new speaker surpasses the previous 800-watt PartyBox 720, offering double the power in a much larger package.
The PartyBox Ultimate 2 stands 41.4 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds, roughly the size of a small refrigerator. To help with mobility, JBL has included wheels and a handle, acknowledging that this is not a device you'll casually move from room to room. The speaker is designed for parties and events where volume and presence are paramount.
Under the hood, the Ultimate 2 features dual pro-grade PEN tweeters, dual five-inch mid-range drivers, and dual 10-inch woofers. JBL claims its AI Sound Boost feature ensures detail and clarity with low distortion at any volume. The speaker also includes a built-in light show with ripple-wave effects, multi-layer lighting, and floor projection to add visual flair to parties.
Connectivity is extensive: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 6.0, Bluetooth LE Audio, and Auracast are all supported, along with AirPlay, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. There's also a lossless USB-C audio input, an optical input for TV karaoke setups, and an XLR line-in for DJ equipment. A top panel with touch controls—a first for PartyBox speakers—manages audio and includes JBL's EasySing AI Vocal Removal feature, which strips vocals from tracks for karaoke.
The speaker is IPX4-rated for splash resistance, so it can handle light splashes but should not be submerged or exposed to heavy rain.
JBL is now taking pre-orders for the PartyBox Ultimate 2, with shipping expected on October 25, 2026. The $1,800 price includes free shipping, but return shipping will be charged, a detail worth noting given the speaker's hefty weight.
For potential buyers, the key improvements over previous models are the increased power, the addition of Wi-Fi and touch controls, and the AI vocal removal for karaoke. The built-in light show with floor projection also adds a new dimension for parties. However, the high price and large size may limit its appeal to dedicated party hosts or professional users who need a powerful, portable sound system. Those with smaller spaces or tighter budgets may find the PartyBox 720 or other models more suitable.
As with any new audio product, the true test will be in performance and reliability, which we cannot assess until we've had hands-on time. The features sound promising, but whether they justify the premium price will depend on individual needs and expectations.
Sources and further reading
See an error? Read our corrections policy or email [email protected].
