Portable, Powerful & Ridiculous Fun – JBL PartyBox 520 Review

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Today we are taking a look at the new JBL PartyBox 520, a massive portable Bluetooth speaker for your next barbecue or get-together. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, Auracast wireless standards, and several physical connections to hook up your phone, guitar, or microphone, this box of fun is sure to be a hit with anyone looking for big sound in a portable package. Now let's party!

Controls & Effects

Right away, we have the return of the amazing lighting effects well known in the PartyBox line. There are six preset lighting modes that you can cycle through using the knob on the top left of the 520, and you can make further customizations within the JBL PartyBox app. If you want a more inconspicuous look, you can simply turn the lighting effects off using the center button of the light knob.

Volume & Bass Boost

On the right-hand side of the top panel is the volume knob and the play/pause button. In between the two knobs, we have the familiar Bass Boost feature for when you really want to get your neighbors' attention—or just add a little more bottom end. You get two levels of bass boost: deep and punchy. I prefer the added depth that the deep setting provides, so I left that on during my testing. I like extra bass. It's just fun.

Bluetooth & Auracast

Continuing our exploration of the top panel, we have the Bluetooth and pairing buttons to connect the PartyBox to your wireless sources. In case you don't know, Auracast is the Bluetooth standard that allows one device to broadcast to multiple other devices. Traditionally, Bluetooth has operated on a one-to-one connection, but Auracast allows multiple users to essentially tune in to the same broadcast. This is just one of several options available for linking multiple PartyBoxes at once.

Microphone Effects

The last thing to call out on the top panel is the microphone effects knob, which allows you to adjust volume, bass, treble, and echo. I actually like that they label it as "microphone," because in our last review of the PartyBox, I mistakenly thought the knobs would affect the music playback. Thanks for clarifying, JBL.

Back Panel Inputs, Outputs, & Rechargeable Battery

On the back of the PartyBox, we have three flaps that cover up some key features. The bottom cover is for the power and charging cable. Just above that is the middle cover, which houses the removable rechargeable battery—and I really need to compliment JBL on this, as battery health is the ultimate failure point for so many portable electronic devices. It's nice to have a spare battery charged up and ready to pop in if the old one dies unexpectedly, or if you're without a power supply for an extended period, like when camping, for instance. The top cover reveals the analog inputs that support both a quarter-inch jack or XLR cable—great for both the pro audio scene or rocking out in your garage. There’s also a USB-C connection for charging your device or playing music through an auxiliary connection.

JBL PartyBox App

The JBL app is not required to use the PartyBox 520—or any PartyBox speaker for that matter—but it does allow you to customize your experience a bit more. In addition to tweaking the lighting effects, you can also control three effect buttons on the top of the speaker. These come preset with a couple of fun effects, but you can select from a longer list of just ridiculous sound effects. It’s totally silly, but lots of fun. You also have the Sound Lab, where you can fulfill your amateur DJ desires and apply effects to the music, and rapidly fire off more sound effects.

Weight & Portability

The PartyBox 520 is heavy, so the handle and wheels are a wonderful addition. They make lugging it around a lot less painful—especially if you plan on toting a bunch of them around, because JBL makes it really easy to link multiple units. You can link two of these in a stereo pair via the app or daisy-chain a seemingly unlimited number of them with 3.5mm auxiliary cables. You also have Auracast to broadcast the same Bluetooth signal to multiple PartyBoxes at once.

Conclusion

I've just had an absolute blast using the new PartyBox 520—much like I have with JBL PartyBoxes from the past. JBL makes it easy to control and simple to connect to. It's just been a ton of fun playing my favorite music and messing around with the lighting and sound effects. It sounds great and really fills a large space with plenty of volume. And with up to 15 hours of battery life, you can keep the party rocking all night long.

Shop JBL Partybox 520 Portable Party Speaker

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does the Partybox 520 compare to other PartyBox models?

It fills the gap between the Stage 320 and the AC-powered 710, offering significantly more output (400 W vs. 240 W) while retaining portability. Unlike the PartyBox 710, it’s battery-powered and portable; unlike the 320, it includes XLR/guitar inputs and USB-C audio support.

How long does the battery last, and how fast does it charge?

JBL rates up to 15 hours of playback on moderate settings (about 40% volume, lights off, no bass boost). In real-world testing at 60% volume with lights and bass boost on, expect around 8 hours, still impressive for a speaker of this size. 3 hour full charge, and 10 minutes of charge gives 2 hours of extra playtime with the fast-charge USB-C function.

What connectivity options are available?

You can use Bluetooth 5.4 for a wireless connection or Auracast to send a signal to multiple JBL speakers at the same time. Plug in with aux-in (1/4” or XLR) for a microphone or guitar, or USB-C for audio playback and 30 W charging.

How portable is it?

The PartyBox 520 is heavy at 56 lbs, but the built-in wheels and telescopic handle make transporting it easier for outdoor events or large venues.

What are the lighting modes for the JBL PartyBox 520?

There are six preset lighting modes built into the speaker, which you can control and cycle through using the top left light knob. These dynamic effects sync to your music in real-time. The six preset modes are Rock Mode, Flow Mode, Cross Mode, Flash Mode, Rave Mode, and Chill Mode. You can turn the lights off entirely by pressing the center button of the light control knob.

What does the JBL PartyBox app do, and is it required to use the PartyBox 520?

The JBL PartyBox app is a free companion app that is available for iOS and Android that enhances your experience with the Partybox 520, but is not required to use the speaker. You can operate essential features such a lighting, volume, and audio playback directly from the unit. The app unlocks advanced control and customization that makes Partybox stand out even more such as lighting control, sound effects and the DJ Pad, Stereo Pairing, Equalizer Settings, and access to Firmware Updates.