What Are The Loudest Party Speakers? (The Ultimate Guide)

To get the party started, you must have the right kind of party speaker – the louder, the better. That’s the most important thing. I have sacrificed my ears for you and compared some of the loudest party speakers on the market. I analyzed their bass output, overall sound quality, battery performance, and additional features in order to put together my selection of the loudest party speakers on the market.

Some of the speakers included in my shortlist are made for indoor use only, but most of the speakers are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Some have built-in lighting, microphone inputs for karaoke parties, guitar inputs, DJ pads, and various other features you would expect from a party speaker. 

One thing they all have in common is that they are all designed to deliver thunderous bass and deafening sound output. That’s what this article is all about.

If you’re looking for the most powerful and loudest party speaker for your money, check out my top picks below.

AudioGrounds’ Favorites

My two top picks for big parties are JBL PartyBox 1000 (indoor parties) and SOUNDBOKS Gen 3 (outdoor parties). They are, by far, the loudest party speakers you can get. Their biggest downside is their price, but that’s something you have to accept. These speakers are worth it.

The list also incorporates a few more affordable options, but they are simply not as loud as my top two picks. 

A few months ago, I also tested some of the loudest Bluetooth speakers on the market, so you may want to check out that list as well. 

How to Find the Loudest Party Speaker for Your Party?

In theory, if the manufacturer publishes all the right specs, you can calculate the speaker’s max loudness. Two specs you should be looking for are the speaker’s sensitivity and max power output. 

Some speaker manufacturers will even publish max SPL (which stands for max Sound Pressure Level or max loudness), so you don’t have to calculate anything. 

Let’s see how calculating max SPL works in theory. 

How to Calculate the Max SPL of a Speaker?

The most important thing you need to know when calculating a speaker’s loudness is the correlation between SPL and power ratings. More precisely, you need to know what happens when you increase the power output. 

The answer is – whenever you double the power output, the speaker’s SPL (sound output or loudness) increases by 3dB. In other words, the speaker gets 3dB louder when you double the power. 

Speaker sensitivity tells us the SPL of a speaker when you supply it with just one 1W (or 2.83V). In other words, it tells you the loudness of a sound that a speaker produces when supplied with 1W. 

Based on the speaker’s sensitivity and its max power output, you can easily calculate its loudness (its max SPL) by doubling the power until you reach the max power output and adding 3dB sensitivity every time you double the power. 

Calculating the speaker’s max SPL based on its sensitivity and power output

The problem with this method, in practice, is that most manufacturers don’t publish both values (sensitivity and max power output). Some manufacturers will publish their speakers’ max SPL, but you can’t compare these values since you don’t know the testing conditions – the SPL tests are not standardized.  So, in most cases, you won’t be able to calculate the max SPL.

Because of this practical problem, you won’t be able to compare the speakers’ max SPL levels without measuring their loudness on your own or performing listening tests in person. The second-best option is to read guides like this one. 

What Sound Levels Are Considered Loud?

One thing that you probably don’t know is what kind of sound is considered loud or quiet. Also, you need to know how we perceive an increase in SPL level. 

The infographic below should put some things in perspective.

Decibel Levels

As you can see from the infographic, a vacuum cleaner produces 70dB noise and a lawn mower produces 90dB. I think we can all agree that both these noises are fairly loud. 

Health organizations (CDC, ASHA, etc.) state that SPL levels above 70dB are considered dangerous and can cause some sort of hearing damage or even hearing loss (temporary or permanent) if a person is exposed to such levels for prolonged periods. 

So, because of this, I would say that anything above 70dB can be considered loud. 

Studies show that exposure to 100dB noise could damage your hearing after just 15 minutes of exposure. For noises around 85dB, the max recommended exposure time is 8 hours. 

Do you see this huge difference in recommended exposure times between 85dB and 100dB? It’s just a 15dB difference, but the recommended exposure time reduces significantly. That’s because that 15dB difference is not a small one. 

This brings us to the second important fact about sound. A 10dB SPL increase is perceived as twice as loud. So, if one speaker’s max SPL is 100dB and the other can reach 110dB, the other speaker is twice as loud. Even when one speaker is just 3dB louder than the other speaker, the difference is noticeable. 

Loudness VS Distance

Finally, when choosing the loudest party speaker, you need to understand the correlation between the speaker’s loudness and the distance between you and the speaker. You know intuitively that the sound gets quieter when you move away from the sound source. 

The exact correlation is – when the distance between the sound source (speaker) and listener doubles, the perceived SPL (loudness) reduces by 6dB. So, if you measure 110dB SPL at a 1-meter distance, you will get 104dB at 2m, 98dB at 4m, 92dB at 8 meters, etc.

Loudness (dB) VS Distance

So, how to Find the Loudest Party Speaker?

Based on everything I have just explained, the best option would be to take your time and explore your options. Consider your budget, the space you want to cover, the number of people, and the features you want your speaker to have. 

After making a shortlist, go to the nearest audio store and test the speakers in person. If that’s not possible, check out some YouTube reviews and comparisons.

In this article, I will list the loudest party speakers I’ve tested, give you my honest opinion about them, list their pros and cons, and explain the best use scenarios for each speaker. You can use my selection as a starting point. Hopefully, it will help you narrow down your search and find the best speaker for your next party. 

My Selection of the Loudest Party Speakers on the Market

Loudest Party Speaker for Large Indoor Parties – JBL PartyBox 1000

Introducing PartyBox JBL 1000

What I Liked About JBL PartyBox 1000

This speaker is great in so many ways. It has all the features you would expect from a perfect party speaker – it’s extremely loud, the bass is great, it has built-in lighting, it’s suitable for karaoke parties thanks to the mic and guitar inputs, it supports daisy-chaining (wireless and wired), and the overall sound quality is great. 

PartyBox 1000 Review

PartyBox 1000 features one down-firing 12” woofer, two 7” mid-woofers, one 1” compression driver, and a back-firing bass reflex port. The max loudness level is 126dB (measured at 1m), and the peak power output is 1100W. 

PartyBox 1000 is a hefty speaker. it weighs 34.7kg (76.5lbs), so you may need some help to move it around. The speaker does have wheels and a handle at the top, but that doesn’t make transportation much easier. 

The speaker is very versatile. Besides Bluetooth, it has numerous physical connections including 3.5mm AUX input, RCA inputs/outputs, mic input, guitar input, and a USB port that can be used for charging and music playback. 

All the controls are on the top and are very intuitive. You won’t have problems controlling the speaker. You can also use the JBL PartyBox app (iOS/Android) to control the lighting, EQ, playback, and other features. 

PartyBox 1000 delivers the best kind of party sound. It’s bass-oriented but not too boomy. Even when you enable BASS BOOST, the sound output stays well-controlled with balanced mids and detailed highs. 

Last but not least, JBL PartyBox has built-in lights for the most immersive party experience. I don’t find this feature very important, but I have to admit it’s fun. 

Where JBL PartyBox 1000 Should Improve

The only thing this speaker is not good for is outdoor parties because of the lack of battery and IPX rating. You can, theoretically, use it for outdoor parties, but I wouldn’t recommend that. 

Loudest Party Speaker for Large Outdoor Parties – SOUNDBOKS Gen 3

Introducing SOUNDBOKS 3

What I Liked About SOUNDBOKS Gen 3

SOUNDBOKS 3 is a simple-looking and great-sounding party speaker perfect for all kinds of outdoor parties. You can team it up with up to 5 other SOUNDBOKS speakers for an amazing party experience. 

SOUNDBOKS 3 – Specifications

The speaker comes with a detachable battery that delivers up to 40 hours of wireless playback. The best thing – you can buy another battery, replace them in seconds, and keep the party going. 

SOUNDBOKS 3 weighs 15.4kg (34lbs) – it’s much lighter than the JBL PartyBox 1000 but still hefty. The build quality is impressive. The edges and corners are reinforced. The grille and handles are made of steel. All the internal components feature an IP65 ingress protection rating, which makes the speaker water-resistant.

The speaker features two 10” woofers, one 1” compression driver, and one pulse reflex port, which is their version of a bass reflex. The RMS power output is 216W (3x72W). 

The user interface is super-simple. All the controls are on the right panel, the battery port is on the left, and the inputs are on the rear panel. You can also use the SOUNDBOKS app to control the playback, EQ settings, team up speakers, etc.

SOUNDBOKS 3 – How to Use It

SOUNDBOKS 3 is fairly versatile. Aside from Bluetooth, you have 3.5mm input and output, as well as two 6.35mm/XLR combo inputs allowing you to connect a microphone or a guitar. 

Compared to the previous two SOUNDBOKS versions, I would say that this one delivers more controlled bass, but the overall output is somehow muddier. It’s still an incredibly loud party speaker, but I liked the previous two SOUNDBOKS speakers more, especially the SOUNDBOKS 2.

Where SOUNDBOKS Gen 3 Should Improve

SOUNDBOKS 3 offers a fantastic set of features and performance. It’s good for all kinds of parties, including karaoke parties. It can also be used as a PA speaker or for live performances. 

One thing it doesn’t have is the built-in lighting. If you find this feature important, check out my other recommendations. 

One of the best alternatives to SOUNDBOKS 3 is the JBL PartyBox 310. The best thing about it is that it’s significantly cheaper – you can get two PartyBox 310 speakers for the price of one SOUNDBOKS 3.

SOUNDBOKS 3 – Review

Loudest Party Speaker for Small Indoor Parties – Sony SRS-XP700

Introducing SONY SRS-XP700

What I Liked About SONY SRS-XP700

SONY’s XB series was their answer to JBL’s PartyBox series. XP speaker series is an upgraded version of XB speakers. For example, XP700 is an upgraded version of the XB90.

What I really liked about this speaker, and this is strictly subjective, is its design and party lights. The build quality did not impress me even though this speaker features an IPX4 splash-proof rating. The plastic and the grille on the XP700 don’t feel as sturdy as those on the JBL PartyBox speakers. However, for the price, this speaker is built well. 

XP700 weighs 16.9kg (37lbs), similar to the SOUNDBOKS 3. So, it’s another hefty speaker. It features two 6.75” woofers, three 2.5” tweeters (front), and one 2” tweeter (rear). The max SPL is 100dB, while the RMS power output is 76W. 

SONY SRS-XP700 Review

The speaker has a decent battery life. You will get those advertised 25 hours at 25% volume and with the lights off and MEGA BASS off. With every feature turned on and the volume at max level, you will get 5 hours max (probably less). 

XP-700 features discrete lighting at the top and bottom. It also has a variety of inputs including two USB ports (one of them can be used for music playback), one 3.5mm input, one mic input, and one mic/guitar combo input. 

Thanks to the Party Connect feature, you can daisy-chain up to 100 compatible speakers. This Party Connect feature doesn’t always work as expected, but it works most of the time. 

The sound signature is on the warmer side with a slightly elevated bass and mids. The treble is there, but not fully present. Most importantly, this thing is loud. You can easily entertain up to 50 people with one (ideally two) SONY XP-700 speaker. 

Where SONY SRS-XP700 Should Improve

While the speaker is IPX4-certified, it’s not as rugged as JBL’s PartyBox 310. It simply doesn’t feel as rugged as PartyBox 310. That’s why I think it’s better for house parties than outdoor parties, even though you can use it outdoors.

PartyBox 310 VS SONY XP-700

Loudest Party Speaker for Small Outdoor Parties – SOUNDBOKS Go

What I Liked About SOUNDBOKS Go

SOUNDBOKS Go is a mini version of the original SOUNDBOKS. Most things I said about SOUNDBOKS 3 apply to this speaker as well. 

SOUNDBOKS GO is built like a tank. It’s rugged and sturdy with silicone reinforcements around the edges and a beautiful metal grille on the front. All the components are IP65 dustproof and water resistant. It weighs 9.2kg (21lbs), so it’s not exactly light as a feather, but it’s still fairly portable. 

The speaker features one 10” woofer and one 1” horn-loaded tweeter. Its RMS power output is 144W. The advertised max SPL is 121dB, but the speaker reached only 107dB in my tests. Still, that’s quite impressive for such a compact speaker. 

One of the biggest highlights of all SOUNDBOKS speakers is the battery. They call it the BATTERYBOKS. It can deliver 40h of playtime at moderate volumes and up to 10h at max volume.

SOUNDBOKS GO Review

The controls are intuitive and simple – you only have the power/volume button and the HOST/JOIN button (for linking multiple speakers together). When it comes to connections, you only have a 3.5mm audio input and Bluetooth.

You can also control the speaker and playback through the SOUNDBOKS app. The app is also used to link multiple speakers together, adjust EQ settings, and update the speaker. 

Thanks to SKAA technology (TEAMUP feature), you can daisy-chain up to 5 SOUNDBOKS GO speakers together wirelessly.

SOUNDBOKS GO gets surprisingly loud for its size. The bass is punchy and well-controlled. It doesn’t bleed into the midrange. The vocals are clean and the whole midrange is dynamic. The treble lacks some detail at low volumes but gets much better at higher volumes. Overall, it’s an enjoyable sound signature. 

Where SOUNDBOKS Go Should Improve

This speaker is not as versatile as its bigger brother, the SOUNDBOKS 3. It doesn’t have mic or guitar inputs. 

Also, SOUNDBOKS GO, like the SOUNDBOKS 3 doesn’t have built-in lights. 

Finally, SOUNDBOKS GO is more expensive than some other compact outdoor party speakers. For example, JBL PartyBox 310 is $250 cheaper than the SOUNDBOKS GO and delivers similar if not better audio performance. 

Loudest Tailgate Party Speaker – Monster Rockin’ Roller 270

Introducing Monster Rockin’ Roller 270

What I Liked About Monster Rockin’ Roller 270

Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 is one of the most affordable speakers on this list. I don’t think you can spend less than this and get loud enough output for parties. So, besides being my top recommendation for tailgating, it’s also one of the loudest budget party speakers. 

The speaker is mostly made of thick, robust plastic and has a metal grille on the front and left and right panels. Overall build quality is more than satisfying. The speaker is also IPX4-certified, so it’s suitable for outdoor use. 

It weighs 12.2kg (26.9lbs), so it’s not the lightest, but it has carrying handles, as well as a telescopic handle and wheels for easier transportation. 

The speaker has 4 drivers. There’s one 8” woofer, one 2” tweeter, and one bass reflex port on the front. On the left and right panels, you have two additional 3” mid-woofers (one on each side). The advertisement on the box says 200W but, according to the user manual, the peak power output is 90W. The max loudness level in my test was 101.5dB. 

All the controls are on the top. The control panel is a bit crowded, but it’s still intuitive and easy to use.  You can also control some aspects of the playback and other features through the Monster Zone Control App (iOS/Android).

Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 Review

The built-in battery delivers great playtime, even at high volumes. The advertised playtime at moderate volumes is 100h. At max volume, you will get 5-10 hours. 

Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 offers numerous playback options. Besides Bluetooth, you have an AUX input, headphone output, mic input (6.35mm), mic/guitar input, and a USB port. Finally, the speaker has a built-in FM tuner, so you can even listen to the radio.

The sound signature is fun, perfect for parties. Higher bass frequencies and low midrange are slightly elevated, which gives the speaker a nice punch. Some vocals may sound muddy when listening to bass-heavy music. 

Where Monster Rockin’ Roller 270 Should Improve

The speaker doesn’t have RGB party lights, which isn’t a big downside if you ask me. A bigger downside could be the battery. It does deliver good battery life at first but, according to user reviews, the battery life gets significantly shorter over time. 

Loudest Budget Party Speaker – Soundcore Anker Rave Party 2

What I Liked About Soundcore Anker Rave Party 2

I am a big fan of Anker Soundcore speakers and other audio equipment. Their speakers are cheaper than those made by reputable brands like JBL, SONY, or SOUNDBOKS, but their performance is often on par with those more expensive speakers.

Anker Rave Party 2 is a compact party speaker. It’s mostly made of hard plastic with some rubber reinforcements and rubber flaps protecting the inputs. 

The unit weighs 15lbs. It’s not too heavy, so you can easily carry it around using the handle on the top. 

Inside the speaker you have two woofers (4” each) and two 2” tweeters. On the back, there’s a bass-reflex port. 

The control panel with all the important buttons is located on the top. You also have some additional controls hidden on the right panel, under the rubber flap. This flap protects physical inputs – mic input (6.35mm), AUX input, and a USB port (for charging and music playback). 

Soundcore Rave Party 2 Review

To control the speaker, create custom lighting effects, and adjust the sound signature, you can also use the Soundcore app (iOS/Android). 

The speaker supports the so-called PartyCast 2.0 feature, which allows you to pair 100 or more compatible Soundcore speakers together. If you just want to pair two Rave Party 2 speakers and play them in stereo, you can do that as well. 

The battery inside the speaker is not the most impressive thing about it. The advertised battery life is 16h, but that’s measured at moderate volumes and probably without the lights. When the lights are on and the volume is at max level, you should get 3-4 hours. 

The speaker delivers loud sound output. The best way to describe sound signature is mid-centric. You won’t get that supper-low thumping bass, but the upper-bass frequencies are slightly elevated, which gives some punch and warmth to the sound. 

Where Soundcore Anker Rave Party 2 Should Improve

Anker Rave Party 2 has its fair share of downsides, but you can’t expect much more for this price. I would like to see an upgraded version of this speaker with a bigger battery and maybe even bigger woofers, but I can’t tell I’m not happy with this speaker. 

Loudest Compact Speaker – Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM

Introducing HYPERBOOM

What I Liked About Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM

HYPERBOOM is, by all means, a premium speaker. It is packed with features and connections, and it delivers an amazing sound for its size. 

The speaker is robust and feels rugged and durable. It’s wrapped in that recognizable UE protective fabric. The physical connections are protected with a rubber flap. The speaker is IPX4-certified, so it can survive a few splashes but not submersion in water.

The unit has dual 4.5” woofers and dual 1” tweeters. They are paired with two passive bass radiators on the back.

HYPERBOOM features Bluetooth, but it also has a few physical connections, including AUX input, a USB port (just for charging), and a TOSLINK input. TOSLINK input is probably the most confusing thing about it – it’s like someone from the UE wanted to suggest that you should use it as a TV speaker. 

The battery inside the HYPERBOOM is impressive. It can deliver 24 hours of playtime at moderate volumes (5-7h at max volume). 

To control the speaker, you can use the buttons on the top or the BOOM app. The speaker also features the so-called Adaptive EQ, which is a smart function that adjusts the sound output according to the ambient to deliver the best possible sound quality. 

The sound is very clear with almost no distortion, even at high volumes. The bass is impressive – it’s punchy, controlled, and doesn’t overpower the vocals. You won’t get that rumbling low bass, but other than that, this speaker sounds great. 

HYPERBOOM Review

Where Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM Should Improve

I’m not sure that UE HYPERBOOM is the best party speaker under $400. Don’t get me wrong – this is a great premium speaker, it’s super-compact, and it’s very loud. But you can get JBL PartyBox 110 for $300. This one doesn’t feel or look as premium, but it has a better bass reproduction, it’s louder, and it has built-in lights.

Another thing that this premium speaker lacks is Wi-Fi connectivity. 

UE HYPERBOOM VS JBL PartyBox 110

Does a Bigger Speaker Mean Louder Sound?

Usually, a bigger speaker does mean louder sound, but it’s not a general rule. 

Also, bigger speakers usually have better bass reproduction, but that’s just a matter of physics. Bigger speakers have bigger woofers, and bigger woofers can push more air and produce deeper notes (lower frequencies).

My selection of loudest party speakers definitely proves that bigger speakers deliver louder sound than small speakers, but the speaker size is not the most important factor. The speaker size can be your starting point when looking for a party speaker, but it should not be your only priority.

You should be aware that a bigger speaker doesn’t mean better sound. Some big speakers, especially cheap ones, tend to be too boomy or bassy due to poor crossover implementation, poor woofer/tweeter pairing, or poor speaker enclosure design. 

Do More Watts Mean Louder Sound?

If we are talking about two speakers with the same sensitivity ratings, then yes. A speaker with higher wattage will deliver a louder sound. 

However, if you don’t know sensitivity ratings, higher wattage doesn’t have to mean a louder sound. If speaker A has a 4dB higher sensitivity than speaker B, and speaker B has 2x higher power output (let’s say 500W Vs. 1000W), speaker A will still be louder than speaker B. 

So, wattage is not everything. It’s important and it can make a difference, but it’s not the only important factor. Remember, a speaker with a 1000W power rating will be 3dB louder than a 500W speaker, assuming the sensitivities are the same. For a sound to be perceived as twice as loud, you need a 10dB difference. 

Important Factors to Consider When Looking for a Party Speaker?

Loudness

A party speaker has to be loud. For other occasions, like smaller gatherings, you can get away with a small portable speaker, but you need something bigger, louder, and more powerful for parties. 

Every speaker on my list of the loudest party speakers can reach above-average SPL levels. Some are good for big, some for small parties. Some are suitable for outdoor use, while others have to be plugged in and are designed for indoor use. Some can be used for karaoke parties or live performances. Regardless of the use case you have in mind, there’s at least one that is perfect for your needs.

Bass Reproduction and Overall Sound Quality

The mood at parties is usually driven by bass, so it’s only natural to look for a speaker with good bass reproduction. However, you shouldn’t forget about the overall sound quality. If the bass is too heavy or too distorted, it will overpower the vocals and instruments making the whole mix muffled. 

You need to look for a good balance between loud sound, powerful bass, and overall sound quality. Unfortunately, getting a speaker that checks all the boxes will be expensive, so you may have to make some compromises when trying to save money. 

Budget

Budget plays a huge role when looking for a party speaker. These speakers are bigger, louder, and consequently more expensive than regular portable speakers. You can get a decent party speaker for $200 (Anker Rave Party 2 or Monster Rockin’ Roller 270), but I would recommend spending $400-$600 if you want a great performance. 

If you want the best possible performance and loudest sound for large parties, you will have to spend $1000 per speaker (JBL PartyBox 1000 and SOUNDBOKS Gen 3). 

Lighting

If you want to spice things up, get a speaker with built-in party lights. People like these shiny things and manufacturers love to make their buyers happy, so you have a bunch of speakers with built-in lights. 

The JBL PartyBox series is my top recommendation for party speakers with lights, but it’s definitely not your only option. You also have Sony speakers with party lights (SRS XP and GTK XB series), Soundcore Anker Rave Party speakers, and a bunch of other party and tailgate speakers. 

Party-Chain

Party-chain or daisy-chain feature is supported by numerous party speakers. Most speakers included in my selection support either wired or wireless daisy chaining. 

It’s not a crucial feature but it can definitely be useful if you have more than one speaker and want to connect them together. Even if the speakers don’t support the daisy-chain feature, there are workarounds (splitter cables, mixers, etc.). 

Karaoke Features – Mic and Guitar Inputs

If you like karaoke parties, mic and guitar inputs are a must. A bunch of party speakers today have one or two mic inputs; some even have guitar/instrument inputs. 

Even cheaper speakers have them – you don’t have to spend $1000 to get a speaker with these inputs. You can get a speaker with mic/guitar inputs for $200-$400. 

Waterproofness

Some level of waterproofness is desirable, even if you’re buying a speaker for indoor use. You never know who is going to spill something over your speaker, so having a speaker with an IPX rating is always a good thing – the higher, the better. 

Party speakers designed for outdoor use should have at least an IPX4 rating. IPX7 or IPX8 would be perfect. 

Portability (Battery Life)

This is a crucial feature for an outdoor party speaker. It’s not that important for indoor speakers, although it can be useful. 

In terms of battery life, SOUNDBOKS speakers are, by far, the best party speakers out there (up to 40h battery life). They even have swappable batteries, so you can buy a spare battery and replace an empty battery in seconds. 

JBL PartyBox 110, PartyBox 310, PartyBox On-The-Go, and Encore speakers also have decent battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hyperspike HS-60 Sound Test at 500m/1650ft

Sound Pressure Levels Compared