Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 for better sound quality, the Zealot S89 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 ranks #5 of 73 boombox speakers at $209. The Zealot S89 ranks #16 at $193.58, $15.42 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: Appears to have better off axis performance due to the move to dome tweeters over cone. The tradeoff: Missing a little bit of upper bass.
What the Zealot S89 gets right: A great value for the bass performance, play time and max volume in the boombox class. The catch: On the heavy side.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Zealot S89 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Zealot S89 is rated for 40 hours versus 15 hours for the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Zealot S89 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $209.00 | $193.58 |
| Ranked | #5 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #16 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX6 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Output Power | 100W RMS | 250W |
| Dimensions | 12.6" x 13.5" x 10.3" (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 21.2" x 10.4" x 9.4" (538 x 265 x 240 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25") woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75") dome tweeters | 130W subwoofer + 2x 40mm drivers + 2x tweeters |
| Max Volume | 110dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 36Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2: $209.00 Amazon Bhphotovideo
Pros: Appears to have better off axis performance due to the move to dome tweeters over cone. A little less rolled off in the highs than the first Encore. Goes slightly deeper than the old Encore. Better battery life than the first Encore.
Cons: Missing a little bit of upper bass. No wireless Microphones like the non-Essential
Full JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.6" x 13.5" x 10.3" (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25") woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75") dome tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | No |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 3
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Earfun Uboom X
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6
- See all 21 comparisons
Zealot S89: $193.58 Aliexpress Amazon
Pros: A great value for the bass performance, play time and max volume in the boombox class. Likely the same internals as the Zealot ZE21
Cons: On the heavy side. A little rolled off up top and not that balanced through the rest of the range. Clarity isn’t as good as better speakers. Bass EQ is bloated and muddy sounding
Full Zealot S89 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 21.2" x 10.4" x 9.4" (538 x 265 x 240 mm) |
| Drivers | 130W subwoofer + 2x 40mm drivers + 2x tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 250W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Oluv Patreon: Zealot S89 vs Yeahbox Boom Max3 - indoor listening test
- Oluv Patreon: Zealot S89 vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max3 - outdoor test
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- Techder Audios: ZEALOT S89 VS ZEALOT ZE01 EXTREME POWERFULL VS COMPACTER BASS PERFORMANCE!
- Reddit Search for Zealot S89 Review
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