
There are speakers and then there are speakers. JBL is going all-in with its latest, the PartyBox Ultimate, which is a massive lights-and-audio extravaganza designed to deliver, you guessed it, the ultimate party speaker experience.
The PartyBox Ultimate is described as "bigger, better, bolder," as there's no other model in JBL's range as loud, as large, or as highly-specified. Indeed, the PartyBox Ultimate is the first of its kind to include Wi-Fi and, when using that connectivity, can play Dolby Atmos three-dimensional audio tracks.
This much-requested Wi-Fi feature is what PartyBox fans have been waiting for, as it opens the door to better-quality audio formats, whether outputting from your own DJ source, or using the likes of Apple Music, Tidal, or Amazon Music (all of which support Dolby Atmos recordings).
While the PartyBox range isn't going to enter most people's best wireless speakers shopping list by default, JBL's range has a devoted following and significant Google keyword rank based on worldwide interest. The PartyBox 1000 was the previous top-tier model, which the new PartyBox Ultimate succeeds – and it's even louder thanks to 1100 watts of output.
Just how loud are we talking? JBL claims the Ultimate is sufficient enough to entertain a space as large as two basketball courts, thanks to dual tweeters, dual mid-range drivers, and dual 9-inch subwoofers ensuring that bass is never going to pass you by – even at the loudest volumes.
The PartyBox Ultimate is just as content outside as it is indoors, thanks to IPX4 splash-resistance, while its integrated lights feature new effects, such as starry night, in addition to strobes and light trails. And with JBL's PartyPad DJ effects, this mega-speaker has everything you need for a house party that goes off.
But you'll need a wallet as fat as your chonky beats and bass, as the JBL PartyBox Ultimate will be priced at £1299.99/€1499.99 when it goes on sale from tomorrow, 31 August.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Mike is T3's Tech Editor. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 years and his beat covers phones – of which he's seen hundreds of handsets over the years – laptops, gaming, TV & audio, and more. There's little consumer tech he's not had a hand at trying, and with extensive commissioning and editing experience, he knows the industry inside out. As the former Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for 10 years where he furthered his knowledge and expertise, whilst writing about literally thousands of products, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more.
-
A stretchologist says these 3 morning stretches will boost energy and full-body mobility
It's time to wake up on the right side of the bed
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA has AI so smart it wants to be your friend
Mercedes’ second generation of electric cars has landed and it's a technology tour de force
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Google Maps design update finally comes to iPhone after Android owners have enjoyed it for months
It should make one-handed use much easier
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
MacBook Air M4 ups the power, battery life and is surprisingly cheaper
Apple announces a new MacBook Air with a big upgrade to M4 processing
By Rik Henderson Published
-
There's an ingenious and cheap way to make sure you never lose your camera
If you're worried about losing your expensive camera, this little device could help
By Chris Hall Published
-
5 must-know iPhone 16e facts and how it compares to iPhone 16
Apple's newest iPhone is an interesting addition
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Apple's "Google Lens" update is confirmed for older iPhones too, but there's a small catch
Visual Intelligence is Apple's answer to Google Lens and it'll soon be available on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
By Rik Henderson Published
-
iPhone 16e official – Apple's entry-level iPhone gets a new name and Apple Intelligence
If you were considering an iPhone 16, this could be a more pocket-friendly alternative
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Apple Maps could soon get an update that'll certainly divide opinions
iPhone users may soon notice a change in their Apple Maps results
By Sam Cross Published
-
iPhone 17 Pro design "leaks", but if it looks like this I'll eat 100 hats
There's a new camera module tipped for Apple's next flagship iPhone
By Britta O'Boyle Published