Sony ULT TOWER vs JBL PartyBox: which party speaker to buy this Diwali

Two of the biggest names in party speakers have refreshed their India lineups in the same week. Sony's second-generation ULT TOWER range goes on sale from 8 October, and Harman has just added six JBL PartyBox models. If you are spending Rs 30,000 to Rs 1 lakh on a speaker for Diwali parties, family functions or the terrace, the choice has suddenly become harder.

The short answer: Sony gives you more claimed wattage for the money in the middle of the range, while JBL is stronger on battery-powered portability at the top and on karaoke. The details below are taken from Sony India's launch announcement, the Sony India product page and Harman India's release. All prices are as announced by the brands (price as of 8 October 2026, 1:25 AM IST).

The prices side by side

Sony lists an MRP and a lower "best buy" price for each model. The ULT TOWER 5 is Rs 32,990 best buy (MRP Rs 44,490), the ULT TOWER 7 is Rs 49,990 (MRP Rs 64,990), and the ULT TOWER MAX is Rs 1,39,990 (MRP Rs 1,74,990). Sony's launch cashback is Rs 3,000, Rs 4,999 and up to Rs 15,000 respectively. The TOWER 5 and 7 are available from 8 October; the MAX from 15 November.

JBL's figures are single list prices. The PartyBox Encore 2 Plus and PartyBox On-The-Go 2 are Rs 39,999 each, the On-The-Go 2 Plus is Rs 44,999, the PartyBox 130 is Rs 46,999, the PartyBox 330 is Rs 64,999 and the PartyBox 720 is Rs 99,999.

That gives three natural face-offs: the ULT TOWER 5 against the PartyBox 130, the ULT TOWER 7 against the PartyBox 330, and, for big spenders, the ULT TOWER MAX against the PartyBox 720.

Around Rs 33,000 to Rs 47,000: TOWER 5 vs PartyBox 130

Sony rates the ULT TOWER 5 at 300W with a 230mm woofer and two tweeters, up to 20 hours of battery and IPX4. JBL rates the PartyBox 130 at 200W RMS with dual 5.25-inch woofers and up to 15 hours. On paper Sony is louder and lasts longer, and it is also cheaper by about Rs 14,000 at the best buy price.

JBL's case is connections. The PartyBox 130 has an optical input for a TV and USB-C for lossless audio, which makes it more useful as an everyday TV speaker. Sony's TOWER 5 counters with XLR and RCA inputs for DJ gear, USB-A and USB-C, and Auracast-based Party Chain. Brands rate wattage differently, so treat these numbers as a rough guide, not a lab result.

A caveat on weight: Sony lists the TOWER 5 at 12.7kg. It has four handles, but it is not something you carry casually up three floors.

Around Rs 50,000 to Rs 65,000: TOWER 7 vs PartyBox 330

This is the closest fight. The ULT TOWER 7 is rated at 420W with a 280mm woofer, two midrange drivers and four tweeters front and back, which Sony says produces 360 degree sound. Battery life is up to 30 hours and it has rear wheels. The PartyBox 330 is rated at 280W RMS with dual 6.5-inch woofers, up to 18 hours of battery, a telescopic handle and wheels.

Sony wins on claimed power and battery, and at Rs 49,990 against Rs 64,999 it is Rs 15,000 cheaper. The JBL again brings the TV-friendly optical input and lossless USB-C playback. If the speaker will spend most of its life next to a television, the PartyBox 330 has the edge. If it is mainly for parties, the TOWER 7 looks like better value.

The top end: TOWER MAX vs PartyBox 720

These two are very different machines. The ULT TOWER MAX is rated at 2,150W with three 280mm woofers and has no battery at all, so it needs a wall socket. The PartyBox 720 is rated at 800W RMS with dual 9-inch woofers and twin 30mm tweeters, runs up to 15 hours on battery, and has wheels and two XLR inputs. JBL also lists AI Sound Boost, which it says pushes volume and bass on the fly while limiting distortion.

So the question is where the party happens. For a farmhouse, a hall or a DJ setup with power on hand, the MAX is in another league for output. For a lawn, a beach or anywhere without a socket, the JBL is the practical pick. The JBL is also Rs 40,000 cheaper.

Karaoke: JBL's clear advantage

JBL's new EasySing mics can remove the singer's voice from songs in real time, so you can sing over almost any track. The On-The-Go 2 Plus and the Encore 2 Plus each include one EasySing mic, and JBL sells the mics as a pair for compatible PartyBox speakers. Harman notes that AI Vocal Removal is not available on the PartyBox 720.

Sony's towers have karaoke controls for mic volume and echo, and Sony offers a launch gift of a dual wireless mic with the ULT TOWER MAX, which it values at Rs 19,990. But Sony has not announced a vocal removal feature for these models. If karaoke is the main reason you are buying, JBL's Rs 39,999 Encore 2 Plus is the simplest route.

The NRI angle

Sony's US release lists the ULT TOWER 5 at USD 449.99, the TOWER 7 at USD 649.99 and the TOWER MAX at USD 1,499.99 before sales tax. With Sony India's best buy prices, the India price is not far from the US sticker, and these speakers are heavy, bulky and awkward to fly with. For most families, buying locally with an Indian warranty is the better plan.

Whichever you pick, check the final checkout price with card offers, and read our guide to festive sale card offers before paying. For a quieter home setup, our coverage of the Beats 360 India price and Sony ULT TOWER India launch details may help.