Short answer: the JBL Boombox 4 for better sound quality, the Zealot S98 for the lower price. The JBL Boombox 4 ranks #20 of 105 boombox speakers, rated 4.0/5, at $549.95. The Zealot S98 ranks #25, rated 3.9/5, at $146.99, $402.96 cheaper.
The JBL Boombox 4 is the longer-running, tougher pick. Pretty insane output capability for the size. It is rated for 28 hours of battery against 5 for the Zealot S98. It is rated IP68 against IPX6 for the Zealot S98. Watch for: Pretty overpriced for the category.
What the Zealot S98 does well: Zealot rates the S98 at 160W through four drivers, two 134mm woofers and two 38mm tweeters, in a 51.2 x 24.1 x 28.9cm cabinet. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Boombox 4 lacks. The tradeoff: At 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) net and 51.2cm wide the S98 is a two-hand carry, not a grab-and-go speaker.
Buy the JBL Boombox 4 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Zealot S98 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Pretty insane output capability for the size.
Amazon $549.95 B&H Photo Video $549.95 eBay
Zealot rates the S98 at 160W through four drivers, two 134mm woofers and two 38mm tweeters, in a 51.2 x 24.1 x 28.9cm cabinet.
Amazon AliExpress $146.99 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 19, 2026 at 10:32 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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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 4 | Zealot S98 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $146.99 |
| Ranked | #20 of 105 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #25 of 105 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) | ~5 hours (TF card playback, manufacturer) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (3 modes: bass boost, vocal, balanced) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | AAC 144ms, SBC 48ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB Type-C (DC 5V/2A) |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg) | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) (net), 19.4 lbs (8.79 kg) gross |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3, AAC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, up to 30W) | Yes (5V/2A output) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes (TF card) |
| Amplifier Power | 210W AC / 200W battery | 160W |
| Dimensions | 20.1” x 10.2” x 8.3” (510 x 260 x 210 mm) | 51.2 x 24.1 x 28.9 cm |
| Drivers | 2x 123mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 134mm x2 + 38mm x2 |
| Strap | No | - |
| Battery Capacity | - | 36000mAh |
| Cabinet Color | - | Black |
| Features | - | BT, USB, TF card and line-in playback; RGB lights; TWS stereo pairing; power bank output |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Lights | - | RGB |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes (on the ‘S98 with Microphone’ version only) |
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