Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used, though neither ranks well in its class. Used, the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is the better pick: it ranks #155 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 2.3/5), against #172 (rated 2.0/5) for the Zealot S61. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 175 medium speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the EarFun Uboom L instead, ranked #2 at $49.79.
The Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is the lighter option. Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. At 0.8 lbs (350 g) it weighs much less than the Zealot S61 at 1.5 lbs (665 g). The catch: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume.
The Zealot S61 is the longer-running, tougher pick. 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 8 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: Sounds like a soup can, no bass at all.
Buy the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Esquire 2 | Zealot S61 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 Discontinued | $20 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #155 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #172 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) | 4.1” x 4.1” x 6.7” (103 x 103 x 170 mm) |
| Drivers | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers | 66mm full-range |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | No | No (single full-range driver) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 20W |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) | 1.5 lbs (665 g) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
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- JBL Charge 6 vs Harman Kardon Esquire 2
- JBL Flip 6 vs Harman Kardon Esquire 2
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
Harman Kardon Esquire 2: $200 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. Flat, compact design packs easily. USB charge-out for topping off a phone.
Cons: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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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