Short answer: the Sony ULT Field 7, if you are buying new. The Sony SRS-XG500 ranks higher than the Zealot S78 (#65 vs #97 of 98 boombox speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Sony ULT Field 7, is rated 3.2/5 at $448.99 and is still sold new.
The Sony SRS-XG500 is the better-sounding choice. 30 hour battery life; 10-min quick-charge gives 3 hours. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Zealot S78 lacks. It links with other speakers (Party Connect up to 100 speakers), which the Zealot S78 cannot. Watch for: Thuddy upper bass, not as deep bass as others.
The Zealot S78 is the longer-running, lighter pick. A robust 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) party speaker with claimed 120W RMS output, IP67 protection, USB-C charging, a power-bank function, aux, USB and microSD playback, TWS pairing and multiple EQ modes. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 30 for the Sony SRS-XG500. At 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Sony SRS-XG500 at 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg). The catch: At high volume, reviews report distortion and fluctuating level, so its headline power is more useful below its maximum setting.
Buy the Sony ULT Field 7, the replacement for the discontinued Sony SRS-XG500; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Zealot S78.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XG500 | Zealot S78 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 Discontinued | $159.68 |
| Ranked | #65 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #97 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| App | Yes (Music Center, Fiestable) | No |
| EQ | Yes (App + ClearAudio+) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Amplifier Power | 2x 25W + 2x 10W | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| Dimensions | 18.1” x 10.1” x 8.5” (460 x 256 x 215 mm) | 16.1” x 6.6” x 7.3” (410 x 167 x 185 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer | 2x ~120mm (4.72”) woofers + 2x ~42mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Sony SRS-XG500:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs Sony SRS-XG500
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs Sony SRS-XG500
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Sony SRS-XG500
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs Sony SRS-XG500
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Sony SRS-XG500
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XG500: $399.99 Discontinued Amazon $399.99 eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 7, ranked higher, rated 3.2/5, released Apr 2024. It drops app control. Water resistance goes from IP66 to IP67. See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
Pros: 30 hour battery life; 10-min quick-charge gives 3 hours. Battery care function stops charging at 90% to extend longevity. IP66 water/dust resistant. Two USB-A ports (one charges devices), mic/guitar inputs, AUX. Party mode links 100+ speakers. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Thuddy upper bass, not as deep bass as others. Speaker will not remain at max volume and will turn itself down automatically. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XG500 review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 2x 25W + 2x 10W |
| App | Yes (Music Center, Fiestable) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1” x 10.1” x 8.5” (460 x 256 x 215 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer |
| EQ | Yes (App + ClearAudio+) |
| IP Rating | IP66 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DLX Willington: Sony SRS-XG500 vs JBL Encore Essential Sound Battle More from DLXWillington →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Tribit Stormbox Blast 🆚 Sony SRS-XG500 - Tailgater Special - Battery Powered ☢️ Bass Boost Enabled. More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jagist reviews: Tribit Stormbox Blast vs Sony SRS XG 500 More from Jagistreviews →
- GYMCADDY: Soundboks Go Vs JBL Boombox 2 Vs UE Hyperboom Vs Sony XG500 More from GYMCADDY →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs JBL Partybox On the Go
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs JBL Boombox
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Onn Medium Party Speaker Gen 2
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Soundcore Motion Boom+
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Soundcore Rave Party 2
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Sony ULT Field 7
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Skullcandy Barrel
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Teufel Boomster NG (2017)
- See all 53 comparisons
Zealot S78: $159.68 Amazon $159.68 AliExpress $91.38 eBay
Pros: A robust 4.4kg party speaker with claimed 120W RMS output, IP67 protection, USB-C charging, a power-bank function, aux, USB and microSD playback, TWS pairing and multiple EQ modes. Reviews find it very loud with useful bass and long claimed battery life, making it a credible choice for outdoor gatherings.
Cons: At high volume, reviews report distortion and fluctuating level, so its headline power is more useful below its maximum setting. It has no app-based EQ, and the bass and midrange refinement do not match better-established boombox speakers; assess its sound in person if tonal accuracy matters.
Full Zealot S78 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 16.1” x 6.6” x 7.3” (410 x 167 x 185 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x ~120mm (4.72”) woofers + 2x ~42mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: DBSOARS F29 Max vs Zealot S78 🛜 (5B) Budget Bluetooth Boombox Basement Battle 🔊 Bass Modes Enabled More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: W-King X20 vs Zealot S78 Bluetooth Boombox Battle Outdoor Tailgater Special 🚗 Let the Whoopin’ Begin
- Head-to-Head Comparisons