Short answer: the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi. It ranks #26 of 98 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $389.95. The Zealot S78 ranks #97, rated 2.0/5, at $159.68, $230.27 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The JBL Boombox 3 Wifi is the better-sounding option. Loudest speaker in the category. Watch for: Bass boosted.
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 3 Wifi. At 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi at 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi lacks. The tradeoff: At high volume, reviews report distortion and fluctuating level, so its headline power is more useful below its maximum setting.
Buy the JBL Boombox 3 Wifi. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $230.27 with the Zealot S78 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 3 Wifi | Zealot S78 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $389.95 | $159.68 |
| Ranked | #26 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #97 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (multiple modes) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 200W AC / 140W battery | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| Dimensions | 19.1” x 10.1” x 7.9” (484 x 256 x 200 mm) | 16.1” x 6.6” x 7.3” (410 x 167 x 185 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x ~120mm (4.72”) woofers + 2x ~42mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Boombox 3 Wifi compares with other leading options:
- EarFun Uboom X vs JBL Boombox 3 Wifi
- JBL Boombox 3 Wifi vs Tribit Stormbox Blast
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs JBL Boombox 3 Wifi
- JBL Boombox 3 Wifi vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs JBL Boombox 3 Wifi
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 3 Wifi: $389.95 Amazon $389.95 eBay
Newer model: the JBL Boombox 4, ranked higher, rated 4/5, released Jul 2025. It adds USB audio input, app control, adjustable EQ and party mode, but drops the aux input. Water resistance goes from IP67 to IP68. See every JBL Boombox generation.
Same family: the JBL Boombox 3 (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: Loudest speaker in the category. Slightly better frequency response than the non-wifi version. Measured bass extension of 43Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass boosted. Dip at 160Hz
Full JBL Boombox 3 Wifi review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 200W AC / 140W battery |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.1” x 10.1” x 7.9” (484 x 256 x 200 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 189mm subwoofer + 2x 81mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 111dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: WiFi Edition: JBL Boombox 3 ultimate review! vs Boombox 3 Bluetooth edition More from alanrossreviews →
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- Dominik Reviews: JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs JBL Boombox 3 WiFi - Sound Test - Wide vs Narrow Soundstage! More from Dominik Reviews →
- Mateusz Cholewa: JBL Encore 2 Partybox Deep Bass 🆚 Jbl Boombox 3 WiFi 🎶 More from Mateusz Cholewa →
- Mateusz Cholewa: Soundcore Rave 3🧐 🆚 Jbl Boombox 3 WiFi
- Mateusz Cholewa: Marshall Kilburn 3 vs Jbl Boombox 3 WiFi Czy to najlepszy Boombox? - Który lepszy w muzyce ROCK?
- Josh’s Gadgets and More: JBL Boombox 3 Wifi vs Ruimatech RM-10
- Josh’s Gadgets and More: JBL Boombox 3 WiFi vs ONN Pro X-Large Boombox Sound Comparison
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Boombox 3 Wifi vs JBL Boombox 3
- JBL Boombox 3 Wifi vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 5
- JBL Boombox 3 Wifi vs Bugani Brief Pro
- JBL Boombox 3 Wifi vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 2
- JBL Boombox 3 Wifi vs Ruimatech RM-10
- JBL Boombox 3 Wifi vs Hopestar A90
- JBL Boombox 3 Wifi vs W-King X20S
- JBL Boombox 3 Wifi vs Tribit Stormbox Blast 2
- See all 86 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