These sit in different size classes, so this is not a straight ranking comparison. The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen ranks #37 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality at $159; the Zealot S97 ranks #66 of 120 large speakers by sound quality at $79.98.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the lighter option. A small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit. At 1.3 lbs (586 g) it weighs much less than the Zealot S97 at 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg). It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Zealot S97 lacks. The catch: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing.
Why pick the Zealot S97: A budget boombox with surprisingly deep bass for its size, waterproofing, power bank outputs, and microSD and aux playback. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. Watch for: It is not especially loud for its size, battery life is only a claimed 12 hours, and the bass preset can swamp the rest of the music.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen at $159 if you want a medium speaker. Buy the Zealot S97 at $79.98 if you want a large speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | Zealot S97 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $79.98 |
| Ranked | #37 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #66 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | 3 EQ presets |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX6 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 12.6” x 7.3” x 5.9” (321 x 185 x 151 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 80W |
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