Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 for off axis sound, the Zealot ZE41 for bass per dollar. The Essential 2’s dome tweeters over cone appear better off axis, though it is missing a little bit of upper bass. The ZE41 is the absolute best value for bass performance, play time and max volume in the boombox class, but it is the heaviest and biggest boombox speaker around.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $30 with the Zealot ZE41 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 is rated for 15 hours, the Zealot ZE41 only 4 hours.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 | Zealot ZE41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.95 | $219.95 |
| Ranked | #6 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #17 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 4 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (7 band App EQ) | Yes (Vocal, Bass Boost, Normal modes) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode) |
| 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 | Type-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) | 25.3 lbs (11.48 kg) |
| Wireless Microphones | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS | 300W |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 13.5” x 10.3” (319.5 x 342 x 260.4 mm) | 22.1” x 9.4” x 13” (562 x 238 x 331 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 135mm (5.25”) woofer + 2x 20mm (0.75”) dome tweeters | 191x130mm 140W subwoofer + 2x 93mm 60W midrange drivers + 2x 42mm 20W tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| Battery Capacity | - | 48000mAh (12x4000mAh) |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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