JBL’s PartyBox Ultimate combines Dolby Atmos, hi-res audio and serious power in one crazy package

JBL Partybox Ultimate on a dancefloor surrounded by people
(Image credit: JBL)

If you’re going to throw a serious party then you need a serious wireless speaker that’s up for the challenge. And JBL thinks it has just the right product for the job in the shape of its new PartyBox Ultimate.

Having Ultimate in the name hints that the JBL means business, and this is reflected in the speaker’s specification sheet. The PartyBox uses dual tweeters, twin midrange drivers and a pair of hefty 23cm (9in) woofers. And it puts on its very own light show that synchronises with your music to really hammer home your party playlist.

Connectivity comes in the shape of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth (the speaker is also LE ready) – and you will need wi-fi (and an appropriate streaming subscription) to take advantage of the the speaker’s virtual Dolby Atmos capabilities.

Unsure whether the 1100 watts of power from one JBL PartyBox Ultimate will provide enough grunt? You can always sync two together and double-down on the party vibe with a bigger sound stage.

You use the JBL One app to control music playback and EQ settings, and to customise the colours and patterns used for the light show. JBL’s PartyPad adds an extra dimension of control as it lets you add DJ-style sound effects with a tap, hold, or slide of your fingers.

The speaker can even self-tune for the space you are using it in. It does this every time you turn it on so you know you’re getting the best balance of sound for your surroundings every time.

JBL has also thought about the more practical side of owning a big party speaker, equipping the PartyBox Ultimate with a carry handle, wheels, and a separate compartment to store your power cable when it’s not in use.

The JBL PartyBox Ultimate goes on sale from 31st August for £1300 / €1500.

MORE:

IFA 2023: news, highlights and all the key launches from Europe's biggest tech show

8 things to consider before buying a Bluetooth speaker

Our pick of the best wireless speakers you can buy

TOPICS
Andy Madden

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.

Read more
Tribit StormBox Blast 2
This powerful, party-ready Bluetooth speaker boasts 30-hour battery life and karaoke capabilities
LG XBoom Go XG8T wireless speaker on wooden garden bench
LG XBoom Go XG8T
JBL Charge 5
Best outdoor speakers 2025: portable, wireless, waterproof models tried and tested
JBL Xtreme 4 next to Bose SoundLink Max
Best Bluetooth speakers 2025: tried and tested for every budget
Sony LinkBuds Speaker wireless speaker held in hand above lawn
Sony LinkBuds Speaker
JBL Go 4 Bluetooth speaker
Best budget Bluetooth speakers 2025: top models tried and tested by our experts
Latest in Hi-Fi
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Side view of Marantz CD6007 on wooden rack with magazines in background
This Award-winning Marantz CD player is back at its Black Friday price
A woman relaxing in an armchair clasping a mug, gazing admiringly at a yellow turntable and speakers on a hi-fi cabinet.
Pro-Ject's new hi-fi system adds a splash of colour to your vinyl listening
Bristol Hi-Fi Show
Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025: we’re reporting live on new audio products from Chord, Wharfedale, and more
3 audio Temptations to look out for at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2025
Latest in News
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever