Short answer: the Zealot ZE51. It ranks #16 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $235.33; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #46, rated 3.5/5, and costs $299.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the longer-running, lighter pick. A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power. It is rated for 8 hours of battery against 4 for the Zealot ZE51. At 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) it weighs much less than the Zealot ZE51 at 26 lbs (11.81 kg). Watch for: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
The Zealot ZE51 is the better-sounding, tougher option. A big stereo boombox with clean, wide sound and low distortion at high volume for outdoor parties. It is rated IPX5, while the JBL Authentics 300 has no water resistance. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Authentics 300 lacks. The tradeoff: The Zealot ZE41 still wins on raw bass depth and price.
Buy the Zealot ZE51. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Authentics 300 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A retro styled smart speaker with both Alexa and Google Assistant, a leather handle and battery power.
A big stereo boombox with clean, wide sound and low distortion at high volume for outdoor parties.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Authentics 300 | Zealot ZE51 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.95 | $235.33 after coupon |
| Ranked | #46 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #16 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 4 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) | Yes (Hi-Res, 3D Surround, Extra Bass, Vocal and other sound modes) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | Type-C |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) | 26 lbs (11.81 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 100W | 250W |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) | 22.1” x 9.4” x 13” (562 x 238 x 331 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators | 1x 133mm + 2x 93mm + 2x 45mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) | - |
| Strap | No | Yes (strap) |
| Battery Capacity | - | 48000mAh (12x4000mAh) |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode) |
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