Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2, for cleaner off axis sound. Its dome tweeters over cone appear to give better off axis performance, though it is missing a little bit of upper bass. The Zealot S95 is a good value for the boombox class, but it is a little rolled off up top and not that balanced through the rest of the range.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $92.54 saving on the Zealot S95 is not enough to make up the difference.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Zealot S95 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $157.41 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #37 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 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, 5V/2A) |
| 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) | 11.3 lbs (5.11 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 120W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 14.1” x 9.6” x 6.6” (358 x 243 x 167 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 130W subwoofer + dual drivers |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 45Hz |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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