Short answer: the JBL Xtreme 2 for better sound quality, the Zealot S97 for the lower price. The JBL Xtreme 2 ranks #44 of 77 large speakers at $149.99. The Zealot S97 ranks #46 at $65.86, $84.13 cheaper.
The case for the JBL Xtreme 2: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. The tradeoff: External AC power brick for charging.
What the Zealot S97 gets right: There is nothing else for $48 with that deep of bass and a reasonable tuning. The catch: Doesn’t get very loud compared to other speakers in this class.
Buy the JBL Xtreme 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Zealot S97 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Xtreme 2 | Zealot S97 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 Discontinued | $65.86 with coupon YZZL10 |
| Ranked | #44 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 98dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | 3 EQ presets |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX6 |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 76mm (3") woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) | 12.6" x 7.3" x 5.9" (321 x 185 x 151 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Output Power | 40W RMS | 80W |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Sony SRS-XB43 vs W-King D8
- Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 4 vs Tronsmart Halo 100
- W-King D8 vs Sony SRS-XG300
- Sony SRS-XB43 vs Zealot S97
- JBL Xtreme 2 vs Doss Soundbox XL
The Two Speakers In Full
JBL Xtreme 2: $149.99 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Four drivers with refined bass balance, closer to studio monitors than typical portables. IPX7 water-resistant. Amazing real-world battery: ~20 hours at 75dB (vs 15hr claim). USB-A port charges other devices. Optional carry strap.
Cons: External AC power brick for charging. Boosted bass. Treble harsh at high volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Xtreme 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3" x 5.4" x 4.2" (287 x 137 x 107 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 70mm woofers, 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 98dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: W-King D8 speaker review 50 watts power against JBL xtreme 2 and soundcore Motion plus
- Alan Ross Reviews: W-King X10 vs JBL Xtreme 3, Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 1! Xtreme Review 🤓
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Xtreme 3 vs JBL Xtreme 2 and Xtreme 1 - review and sound test
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony xb43 JBL Xtreme 2 W-King d8 Dockin D Fine
- Ezekielo: JBL Xtreme 2 vs Sonos Move with Sound Comparison
- HT Sound: Devialet Mania VS JBL Xtreme 2 - 60% Vol (Listen with headphones)
- Reddit Search for JBL Xtreme 2 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Zealot S97: $65.86 with coupon YZZL10 Aliexpress
Pros: There is nothing else for $48 with that deep of bass and a reasonable tuning
Cons: Doesn’t get very loud compared to other speakers in this class. Short battery life. Pretty heavy. Many say the S67 has deeper bass, but also gets more distorted
Full Zealot S97 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.6" x 7.3" x 5.9" (321 x 185 x 151 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm (3") woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | 3 EQ presets |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 80W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons