The JBL PartyBox Ultimate 2 is here: With 1,500 watts of power, a completely redesigned acoustic system, and a built-in touchscreen, JBL is launching its most powerful PartyBox yet. Starting October 6, 2026, the speaker will be available for 1,599 euros from JBL and in stores. A look at the specs reveals what sets this model apart from its predecessor and whether the hefty price tag is worth it.
1,500 watts and a completely new acoustic architecture
The leap forward from its predecessor is significant: JBL lists the power output at 1,500 watts, which, according to the manufacturer, is a good 36 percent more than the first PartyBox Ultimate. To achieve this increase in power, JBL has completely redesigned the acoustic system. Two professional-grade PEN tweeters with acoustic horns—the kind typically found in JBL Professional systems—are paired with two 5-inch midrange drivers and two 10-inch woofers, complete with bass reflex ports.
Added to this is AI Sound Boost, a software component that continuously analyzes the sound and adjusts the amplification in real time to prevent distortion even at full volume. How well this works in practice remains to be seen in testing; on paper, at least, the concept sounds sound.
Touchscreen, Light Show, and Karaoke Function
A new feature is the touchscreen integrated into the volume control: It displays which song is currently playing and which light show is active, and allows direct access to music and lighting settings without having to pull out your smartphone. JBL calls the Ultimate 2 the first PartyBox with such a screen.
JBL has stepped up its game when it comes to lighting: The new PartyBox Lightshow combines multi-layered LED effects with so-called ripple effects and also projects patterns onto the floor. If you want to sing yourself, you can use the AI-powered EasySing Vocal Removal to turn virtually any song into a karaoke version in seconds; JBL also includes a selection of party games.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Specifications | JBL PartyBox Ultimate 2 |
|---|---|
| Power | 1,500 watts |
| Drivers | 2x PEN tweeters with horns, 2x 5-inch midrange drivers, 2x 10-inch woofers |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (splash-proof) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE Audio, Auracast, AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready |
| Inputs | XLR line-in, USB-C (lossless audio), optical input |
| Controls | Integrated touchscreen in the volume control |
| Special Features | AI Sound Boost, EasySing AI Vocal Removal, PartyBox Lightshow with floor projection |
| Price (MSRP) | 1,599 euros / 1,599.95 CHF |
| Availability | Starting October 6, 2026 |
Connectivity and Portability
When it comes to connectivity options, JBL has included virtually everything currently available: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast for pairing multiple speakers, plus AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Spotify, Tidal, and Qobuz Connect. If you want to connect your own equipment, use the XLR input or the USB-C port for lossless audio. For on-the-go use, it features larger, sturdier wheels designed to make transporting the heavy speaker easier, and IPX4 splash protection makes it suitable for the garden—though you shouldn’t subject it to a full dip in the pool.
Price and Availability
The JBL PartyBox Ultimate 2 costs 1,599 euros (MSRP) in Germany and 1,599.95 Swiss francs in Switzerland. It will be available starting October 6, 2026, directly from JBL and at select retailers. If you’re interested in party speakers in a lower price range, you’ll find suitable alternatives in our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers, and if you want to learn more about its smaller sibling, check out our review of the JBL PartyBox Club 120.
Conclusion
With the JBL PartyBox Ultimate 2, JBL once again positions itself as the flagship in the party speaker segment, this time with noticeably more power, completely revamped acoustics, and a touchscreen that no competing speaker currently offers. Whether the 1,500 watts and the new AI Sound Boost technology justify the steep price of 1,599 euros remains to be seen in our in-depth review. Anyone who regularly hosts large parties and already owns JBL accessories like the JBL Xtreme 5 is likely to appreciate the Ultimate 2’s Auracast connectivity anyway, since it makes it so easy to pair multiple JBL speakers.
Source: JBL Newsroom
