Short answer: the JBL Boombox 4, if you are buying new. The JBL Boombox 2 ranks higher than the Zealot S78 (#43 vs #97 of 98 boombox speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the JBL Boombox 4, is rated 4.0/5 at $549.95 and is still sold new.
The JBL Boombox 2 is the better-sounding option. 24 hour battery life (default volume); 20+ hours even at 60% volume. It links with other speakers (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers), which the Zealot S78 cannot. Watch for: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy.
The Zealot S78 is the longer-running, lighter option. A robust 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) party speaker with claimed 120W RMS output, IP67 protection, USB-C charging, a power-bank function, aux, USB and microSD playback, TWS pairing and multiple EQ modes. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 24 for the JBL Boombox 2. At 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Boombox 2 at 13 lbs (5.9 kg). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox 2 lacks. Watch for: At high volume, reviews report distortion and fluctuating level, so its headline power is more useful below its maximum setting.
Buy the JBL Boombox 4, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Boombox 2; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Zealot S78.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 2 | Zealot S78 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 Discontinued | $159.68 |
| Ranked | #43 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #97 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 140ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (multiple modes) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 160W | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| Dimensions | 19.1” x 7.9” x 10.1” (485 x 201 x 257 mm) | 16.1” x 6.6” x 7.3” (410 x 167 x 185 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 2x ~120mm (4.72”) woofers + 2x ~42mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Boombox 2:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs JBL Boombox 2
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs JBL Boombox 2
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Boombox 2
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs JBL Boombox 2
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Boombox 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
JBL Boombox 2: $449.99 Discontinued Amazon $449.99 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Boombox 4, ranked higher, rated 4/5, released Jul 2025.
Older model: the JBL Boombox (ranked lower, rated 2.9/5). See every JBL Boombox generation.
Pros: 24 hour battery life (default volume); 20+ hours even at 60% volume. IPX7 rated. Doubles as a power bank. Bluetooth 5.1 with PartyBoost (up to 100 speakers). Reaches 101dB. Measured bass extension of 46Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Somewhat bass heavy and boomy. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox 2 review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 160W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 33ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 140ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.1” x 7.9” x 10.1” (485 x 201 x 257 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 3 review vs JBL Boombox 2 a subwoofer and a 3 way equals heaven? 💋 More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 2 vs Onyx Studio 7 big bass battle 💋
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Stormbox Blast vs JBL Boombox 2 big bass boombox speakers 💕
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Boombox 2 bass monster or the mature Harman Kardon Go+ Play 2 mini for bass?? 💥
- Mateusz Cholewa: 2 x 🔊Teufel Boomster 2021🎵 vs JBL Boombox 2 AC🔌 Power Test Audio🎧. More from Mateusz Cholewa →
- YARNZO Tech: Outdoor sound test between zealot s98 and jbl boombox2 👂🎧🔊 More from YARNZO Tech →
- GYMCADDY: Soundboks Go Vs JBL Boombox 2 Vs UE Hyperboom Vs Sony XG500 More from GYMCADDY →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Zealot S78: $159.68 Amazon $159.68 AliExpress $91.38 eBay
Pros: A robust 4.4kg party speaker with claimed 120W RMS output, IP67 protection, USB-C charging, a power-bank function, aux, USB and microSD playback, TWS pairing and multiple EQ modes. Reviews find it very loud with useful bass and long claimed battery life, making it a credible choice for outdoor gatherings.
Cons: At high volume, reviews report distortion and fluctuating level, so its headline power is more useful below its maximum setting. It has no app-based EQ, and the bass and midrange refinement do not match better-established boombox speakers; assess its sound in person if tonal accuracy matters.
Full Zealot S78 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 16.1” x 6.6” x 7.3” (410 x 167 x 185 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x ~120mm (4.72”) woofers + 2x ~42mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: DBSOARS F29 Max vs Zealot S78 🛜 (5B) Budget Bluetooth Boombox Basement Battle 🔊 Bass Modes Enabled More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: W-King X20 vs Zealot S78 Bluetooth Boombox Battle Outdoor Tailgater Special 🚗 Let the Whoopin’ Begin
- Head-to-Head Comparisons