Short answer: the JBL Boombox for better sound quality, the Zealot S78 for the lower price. The JBL Boombox ranks #46 of 73 boombox speakers at $399. The Zealot S78 ranks #73 at $159.68, $239.32 cheaper.
What the JBL Boombox offers: Connect+ up to 100 speakers. Watch for: Treble isn’t very smooth
What the Zealot S78 offers: 120W RMS output with 150W peak power, exceptional 40-hour battery life, power bank function, IP67 waterproof, EQ with multiple modes, dual woofers with tweeters and passive radiators, MicroSD and USB playback, AUX input, TWS stereo pairing, USB-C charging Watch for: Gets distorted above 50%. Not much bass. Volume level fluctuates at high volume.
Buy the JBL Boombox when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Zealot S78 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
The Zealot S78 is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 73 boombox speakers; there are better options higher up.
If battery life is a priority, the Zealot S78 is rated for 40 hours versus 24 hours for the JBL Boombox.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Boombox | Zealot S78 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 Discontinued | $159.68 |
| Ranked | #46 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #73 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs / 5.2 kg | 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (multiple modes) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| FM Tuner | No | - |
| Microphone Input | No | - |
| MicroSD Playback | No | Yes |
| Output Power | 60W AC / 40W battery | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| Dimensions | 10" x 18.1" x 7.7" (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) | 16.1" x 6.6" x 7.3" (410 x 167 x 185 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators | 2x ~120mm (4.72") woofers + 2x ~42mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 27, 2026 at 10:09 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: $399 Discontinued JBL Boombox eBay
Pros: Connect+ up to 100 speakers.
Cons: Treble isn’t very smooth. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10" x 18.1" x 7.7" (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs / 5.2 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Zealot S78: $159.68 Amazon Aliexpress eBay
Pros: 120W RMS output with 150W peak power, exceptional 40-hour battery life, power bank function, IP67 waterproof, EQ with multiple modes, dual woofers with tweeters and passive radiators, MicroSD and USB playback, AUX input, TWS stereo pairing, USB-C charging
Cons: Gets distorted above 50%. Not much bass. Volume level fluctuates at high volume.
Full Zealot S78 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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