Short answer: the JBL Boombox 4, because the Zealot ZE01 is not competitive. The Boombox 4 has pretty insane output for its size and improves on the Boombox 3 only through 7 EQ bands instead of 3, which allows better tuning, though it is overpriced, sounds worse than the Boombox 3 out of the box, and drops Aux. The ZE01 appears to use the same internals as the S95, is a little rolled off up top, and is not that balanced.
Buy the JBL Boombox 4 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Zealot ZE01 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox 4 | Zealot ZE01 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.95 | $126.02 |
| Ranked | #20 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #38 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 28 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX6 |
| Bluetooth Latency | AAC 144ms, SBC 48ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 115dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (5.98 kg) | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LC3, AAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, up to 30W) | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 210W AC / 200W battery | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| Dimensions | 20.1” x 10.2” x 8.3” (510 x 260 x 210 mm) | 13.1” x 11.2” x 8.1” (332 x 284 x 207 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 123mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | Dual 120mm speakers + dual 42mm speakers |
| Strap | No | - |
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