Introduction

The JBL PartyLight Beam and PartyBox Encore Essential combo (model number JBLPLBEAMEU+JBLPBENCORE1MICUK) promises a powerful audio-visual party experience. Having spent several weeks testing this system at various gatherings, both large and small, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This review will cover its features, sound quality, light show capabilities, and overall usability.

Features

The JBL PartyLight Beam and PartyBox Encore Essential is a compelling package. The PartyBox Encore offers a surprisingly powerful 100W sound output, sufficient to fill a decent sized room. The PartyLight Beam itself is a compact but effective light show projector, boasting 20 watts of illumination. The seamless integration between the speaker and light show is noteworthy. The JBL ONE app (or PartyBox app) offers extensive control over the light show, allowing adjustment of speed, colors, and patterns. The ability to sync multiple PartyLight Beams is also a nice touch for larger venues. Auracast compatibility is a future-proof feature, suggesting ongoing development and support.

Performance

The sound quality from the PartyBox Encore Essential exceeded my expectations for a portable speaker of its size. Bass response is surprisingly robust, and the mid and high frequencies remain clear even at higher volumes. Distortion was minimal, even when pushed to its limits. The PartyLight Beam adds a significant visual element to the party experience. The light show’s intensity is adjustable, and the synchronization with the music is quite effective, creating an immersive atmosphere. In a room of approximately 400 square feet, the light show had great coverage. While the light show is impressive, it’s not overwhelmingly bright to the point of being distracting or overwhelming.

Battery life is a key consideration for any portable speaker, and the PartyBox Encore Essential delivers a solid performance here, easily lasting through several hours of continuous use. The claimed battery life is substantiated by our testing. The portability is also a significant plus—it’s relatively easy to transport, though it does have some weight. Setup is remarkably straightforward. Overall, the performance of both the speaker and light projector exceeded expectations in terms of output and functionality.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Powerful sound, impressive light show, easy setup, intuitive app control, good battery life, Auracast compatibility, compact design.
• Cons: Can be a bit heavy for extended carrying, light show pattern selection could be more extensive.

Final Verdict

The JBL PartyLight Beam and PartyBox Encore Essential (JBLPLBEAMEU+JBLPBENCORE1MICUK) delivers a fun and immersive party experience. The combination of powerful sound and vibrant light show makes it a standout option in its class. While it could benefit from a few minor improvements, such as a wider variety of light show patterns, the overall package is highly recommended for anyone looking to elevate their next gathering. Its balanced performance and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for both casual and more frequent party hosts. I would highly recommend this system to anyone seeking a portable solution that punches well above its weight in terms of sound and visuals.