Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore Essential for better sound quality, the Zealot ZE41 for the lower price. The JBL Partybox Encore Essential ranks #7 of 73 boombox speakers at $329.95. The Zealot ZE41 ranks #14 at $219.95, $110 cheaper.
What the JBL Partybox Encore Essential gets right: A great sounding somewhat boosted bass party speaker. The catch: Only 6 hours of battery at medium volume.
What the Zealot ZE41 offers: The absolute best value for the bass performance, play time and max volume in the boombox class. Watch for: The heaviest and biggest boombox speaker around.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore Essential if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Zealot ZE41 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Partybox Encore Essential | Zealot ZE41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.95 | $219.95 |
| Ranked | #7 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #14 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Built in Microphone | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) | Yes (Vocal, Bass Boost, Normal modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) | 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 lbs / 5.9 kg | 25.3 lbs / 11.48 kg |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Output Power | 100W RMS | 300W |
| Dimensions | 10.9" x 12.9" x 11.5" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) | 22.1" x 9.4" x 13" (562 x 238 x 331 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters | 191x130mm 140W subwoofer + 2x 93mm 60W midrange drivers + 2x 42mm 20W tweeters |
| Max Volume | 110dB | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Battery Capacity | - | 48000mAh (12x4000mAh) |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Microphone Input | - | Yes (Karaoke mode) |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Partybox Encore Essential: $329.95 Amazon
Pros: A great sounding somewhat boosted bass party speaker.
Cons: Only 6 hours of battery at medium volume. Poor Water rating.
Full JBL Partybox Encore Essential review and specifications →
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Aux Latency | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 100ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9" x 12.9" x 11.5" (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| Drivers | 135mm woofer + 2x 44mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 110dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/0.5A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DLX Willington: Called It!🤣 JBL Partybox Encore VS Essential, with binaural sound sample.
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Triple Threat 💸 $200 Challenge 🔋 Soundcore Rave Party 2, W-King H10, JBL Partybox Encore Essential
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Klipsch Gig XXL vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential (Pee-Wee) - Indoors, Plugged In🔌 Bluetooth Speakers
- Reddit Search for JBL Partybox Encore Essential Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Aiwa Exos-9
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL Partybox Encore
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Vifa Copenhagen 2.0
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs JBL Partybox Encore 2
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 8
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Harman Kardon Go + Play 3
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential vs Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 6
- See all 17 comparisons
Zealot ZE41: $219.95 Aliexpress Amazon
Pros: The absolute best value for the bass performance, play time and max volume in the boombox class.
Cons: The heaviest and biggest boombox speaker around. 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 ZE41 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Capacity | 48000mAh (12x4000mAh) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 22.1" x 9.4" x 13" (562 x 238 x 331 mm) |
| Drivers | 191x130mm 140W subwoofer + 2x 93mm 60W midrange drivers + 2x 42mm 20W tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Vocal, Bass Boost, Normal modes) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 300W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | Type-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 25.3 lbs / 11.48 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Jagist reviews: Jbl Boombox 4 Vs Zealot Ze41!!! Sheer Power Vs Great Clarity!!! 😍😍😍
- Jagist reviews: Zealot Ze41 Bass Test!!! Power!!! 🤯🤯🤯
- Reddit Search for Zealot ZE41 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Zealot ZE41 vs JBL Boombox 4
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