Short answer: the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 on measured sound quality, the Zealot S61 on price. The Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 ranks #13 of 136 medium speakers at $60. The Zealot S61 ranks #134 at $20, $40 cheaper.
What the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 offers: A great sounding neutral speaker. Watch for: This old version has micro-usb charging. Only IPX5.
What the Zealot S61 offers: 20W output, IPX7 waterproof, exceptional 40-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.2, TWS stereo pairing, compact 665g design, single full-range driver, built-in microphone, AUX input, USB-C charging Watch for: Sounds like a soup can, no bass at all. Weird frequency response all over.
Buy the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Zealot S61 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Skip the Zealot S61 if sound quality matters to you. It ranks near the bottom of the 136 medium speakers.
Battery life favors the Zealot S61: rated for 40 hours against 12 hours for the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 | Zealot S61 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 Discontinued | $20 |
| Ranked | #13 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #134 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 590 g | 1.5 lbs / 665 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
| Drivers | 1.75" x 2 active drivers + passive radiator | 66mm full-range |
| Output Power | 20W (10W × 2) | 20W |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | - | 4.1" x 4.1" x 6.7" (103 x 103 x 170 mm) |
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- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Zealot S61
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Prices on this page were last checked August 27, 2026 at 10:09 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
Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021: $60 Discontinued eBay
Pros: A great sounding neutral speaker.
Cons: This old version has micro-usb charging. Only IPX5. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.75" x 2 active drivers + passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W (10W × 2) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 590 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Flip 7
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Charge 6
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Xiaomi Sound Party
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Tribit Xsound Mega
- See all 73 comparisons
Zealot S61: $20 Amazon Aliexpress eBay
Pros: 20W output, IPX7 waterproof, exceptional 40-hour battery life, Bluetooth 5.2, TWS stereo pairing, compact 665g design, single full-range driver, built-in microphone, AUX input, USB-C charging
Cons: Sounds like a soup can, no bass at all. Weird frequency response all over.
Full Zealot S61 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 6.7" (103 x 103 x 170 mm) |
| Drivers | 66mm full-range |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 665 g |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons