Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Bose Soundlink Mini is the better pick: it ranks #74 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5), against #172 (rated 2.0/5) for the Zealot S61. If you want one new, the EarFun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The Bose Soundlink Mini is the better-sounding choice. Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Zealot S61. The tradeoff: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
The Zealot S61 is the longer-running, tougher choice. 20W output, IPX7 waterproof, exceptional 40-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.2, TWS stereo pairing, compact 1.5 lbs (665 g) design, single full-range driver, built-in microphone, AUX input, USB-C charging. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 7 for the Bose Soundlink Mini. It is rated IPX7, while the Bose Soundlink Mini has no water resistance. The tradeoff: Sounds like a soup can, no bass at all.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Mini only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the EarFun Uboom L instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Mini | Zealot S61 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 Discontinued | $20 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #74 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #172 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX7 |
| Stereo | Yes | No (single full-range driver) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) | 1.5 lbs (665 g) |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) | 4.1” x 4.1” x 6.7” (103 x 103 x 170 mm) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector | USB-C |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | No |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 66mm full-range |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.2 |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Bose Soundlink Mini
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Mini: $125.00 Discontinued Amazon $125.00 eBay
Newer model: the Bose Soundlink Mini 2, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Jul 2015 (also discontinued). It adds stereo pairing. Battery life goes from 7 to 10 hours. See every Bose SoundLink Mini generation.
Pros: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. Comes with a charging cradle. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers. Upper treble rolled off. Bass doesn’t go as deep as others. Failures of the mainboard are common. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Mini review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2013 (13 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
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Zealot S61: $20 Discontinued eBay
Pros: 20W output, IPX7 waterproof, exceptional 40-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.2, TWS stereo pairing, compact 665g design, single full-range driver, built-in microphone, AUX input, USB-C charging
Cons: Sounds like a soup can, no bass at all. Weird frequency response all over. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
Full Zealot S61 review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1” x 4.1” x 6.7” (103 x 103 x 170 mm) |
| Drivers | 66mm full-range |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No (single full-range driver) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (665 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons