Caught at a party where the music just sweeps you off your feet? That’s no ordinary setup; it’s likely the magic of JBL’s sound tech at work. If JBL Connect was all you knew, get ready to be amazed by PartyBoost. Let’s take a quick dive into what sets JBL Connect Plus and PartyBoost apart. Trust me, by the end of this, your music experience is going to hit a whole new level of awesome.
What are JBL Connect Plus and Partyboost?
JBL Connect and JBL Partyboost are sound technologies or protocols used by JBL manufacturers to connect multiple JBL speakers. Thanks to these features, your friend’s party was a hit! Now, JBL Connect Plus is an updated and upgraded version of JBL Connect, which has been available for quite some time now. Most older models of JBL speakers come equipped with the Connect Plus feature, which allows you to connect two or more speakers.
So, where can you find the JBL Partyboost?
JBL PartyBoost performs the same function but offers additional benefits due to its newer, upgraded technology. It also connects multiple JBL speakers together but with some enhanced functions.
You might be wondering which technology is superior: JBL Connect Plus or PartyBoost. Let’s find out!
Differences between JBL Connect Plus and PartyBoost (table):
| Feature | JBL Connect Plus | PartyBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Older JBL models | Newer JBL models |
| Number of Speakers | Up to 100 (generally) | Varies by model |
| Stereo Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity Range | Up to 30 feet | Up to 100 feet |
| Sound Quality | High (depends on the model) | High (depends on model) |
| Pairing Process | Requires app | Dedicated button |
| Software Updates | Less likely | More likely |
| Future-Proofing | Less future-proof | More future-proof |
JBL Connect Plus vs PartyBoost
In this comparison, we have JBL Connect Plus, a well-established technology in JBL’s repertoire, and on the other hand, we have PartyBoost, the newer, advanced technology.
Connectivity Range:
We all desire extensive coverage from our speaker’s audio.
That’s why it’s crucial to understand the connectivity range of both protocols. Now, we’ll consider two different types of connectivity ranges. The first is from source to speaker, and the second is the speaker-to-speaker connectivity range.
JBL Connect Plus and Partyboost have a source-to-speaker range of up to 20 meters in an open space. However, the speaker-to-speaker range is different for both of them.
Since the JBL Partyboost is a relatively newer protocol, it has upgraded Bluetooth, which helps provide connectivity up to a range of 100 feet. On the other hand, JBL Connect Plus has a connectivity range of 30 feet. This means you can build a more expansive sound system with JBL PartyBoost without worrying about the distance between speakers.
Number of speakers:
Connecting multiple speakers for better sound quality is an amazing benefit of these connectivity protocols. However, you might want to know the number of speakers that you can connect with each one.
Both the sound protocols stand shoulder to shoulder in this competition, which means that the number of speakers they can connect simultaneously is the same; JBL Connect Plus and Partyboost can provide connectivity for up to 100 speakers.
Compatibility:
The compatibility of the speakers is another important factor to consider between the two. Now, one thing to note, JBL speakers aren’t backward compatible. It means you can connect the JBL Connect Plus speakers with speakers with the Connect Plus logo. Some models compatible with JBL Connect Plus are JBL Flip 4, JBL Charge 3, JBL Pulse 3, and JBL Xtreme 2. Whereas JBL Partyboost speakers are compatible with those having a JBL Partyboost logo. Some models compatible with this feature are JBL Flip 5, JBL Charge 4, JBL Pulse 4, JBL Xtreme 3, etc.
You cannot mix and match the speakers for connectivity, which means you can’t connect a Connect Plus speaker with a Partyboost JBL speaker.
Stereo pairing:
This is a feature that you can find in the JBL Connect Plus as well as the Partyboost speakers. Stereo pairing allows you to create a stereo pair and assign left and right channels to different speakers. This creates a more balanced, more immersive audio experience, which can be extended by adding a chain of speakers to each channel.
So, we can again say that the two warriors stand shoulder to shoulder in this competition as well.
Sound Quality:
Aren’t you here because you want the same amazing audio at home, just like your friend?
Well, for that, you might want to know which one creates better audio in JBL Connect Plus Vs. Partyboost.
There’s not much difference between the audio quality in JBL Connect Plus and Partyboost. However, there’s still a lining that dominates one on the other.
As mentioned earlier, the JBL Connect Plus allows stereo pairing for balanced audio and has an equalizer function that you can use to adjust the audio as you like. However, the simultaneous playback of the JBL Partyboost creates an audio experience, subduing the former’s audio impact.
Pairing process:
The pairing process in JBL PartyBoost is easier than in Connect Plus. You don’t have to jump into the app settings when connecting a new speaker to the existing chain. All the Partyboost speakers come with a dedicated button for the connection. All you have to do is to press the button to connect the new speaker to the existing Partyboost chain.
JBL Connect Plus, on the contrary, doesn’t offer such easy connectivity. It requires the user to download the app and follow a slightly complex pairing process for connectivity.
Future-Proofing:
If you’re buying a new speaker, PartyBoost is the more future-proof option as it’s likely to be supported in newer models.
Final Words
It’s time to determine the superior technology.
As we look at the overall comparison of the Connect Plus and Partyboost, the second one has cooler advantages for users, including a better connectivity range, immersive audio experience, ease of use, and a simple pairing process; it is a better option for use.
However, if you have an already existing Connect Plus speaker, you’ll still be able to enjoy stereo pairing and good-quality audio.
In the end, the winner stands alone: JBL PartyBoost, with all its amazing features.
FAQs:
In our tests conducted on a football field, PartyBoost demonstrated a significantly better Bluetooth range compared to JBL Connect Plus. While the Connect Plus speakers lost their connection at the 47-yard line, the PartyBoost-enabled speakers maintained a stable connection up to the 82-yard line. This suggests that PartyBoost offers almost double the range, which is particularly useful for larger spaces or when obstacles are present.
We also put PartyBoost to the test against other brands like Wonderboom and Sony. In our tests, Wonderboom 2’s Double UP technology lost connection at the 31-yard line, and Sony’s Wireless Party Chain barely made it to the 18-yard line. In contrast, PartyBoost maintained a connection up to the 82-yard line. Our hands-on testing clearly shows that PartyBoost is currently one of the most robust options on the market for the Bluetooth range.
I’m Shaun Conroy, an audiophile & founder of HiFi Audios. Holding a Bachelor’s in Sound Engineering, I bring deep expertise in audio devices and offer insights & recommendations to fellow enthusiasts.
