Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The JBL Charge 6 ranks #12 of 173 medium speakers by sound quality at $119.95; the Zealot S97 ranks #63 of 108 large speakers by sound quality at $79.65.
The JBL Charge 6 is the longer-running, lighter choice. Seems more neutral than the JBL Charge 5. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Zealot S97. At 2.2 lbs (990 g) it weighs much less than the Zealot S97 at 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg). It is rated IP68 against IPX6 for the Zealot S97. The catch: Still some boosted bass by default.
What the Zealot S97 does well: For a compact 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) boombox, the S97 delivers unusually deep, clean-enough bass with a more sensible default balance than many inexpensive Zealot models. It keeps a wired aux input, which the JBL Charge 6 lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the JBL Charge 6. Watch for: It is not especially loud for its size, battery life is only a claimed 12 hours, and the bass preset can swamp the rest of the music.
Buy the JBL Charge 6 at $119.95 if you want a medium speaker. Buy the Zealot S97 at $79.65 if you want a large speaker instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Seems more neutral than the JBL Charge 5.
Amazon $199.95 B&H Photo Video $149.95 Woot $119.95 Lowest eBay
For a compact 3.3kg boombox, the S97 delivers unusually deep, clean-enough bass with a more sensible default balance than many inexpensive Zealot models.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 6 | Zealot S97 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.95 | $79.65 |
| Ranked | #12 of 173 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #63 of 108 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | 3 EQ presets |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX6 |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.4A) | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (990 g) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.9” x 3.7” (228.8 x 98.5 x 94 mm) | 12.6” x 7.3” x 5.9” (321 x 185 x 151 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 45W | 80W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | - |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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