Short answer: the Zealot PT21. It ranks #15 of 50 party speakers by sound quality at $216.73; the Sony SRS-XP500 ranks #18 and costs $449.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Zealot PT21: Dual 166mm woofers and 200W output in a lighter, more compact body than the ZE41, with a bundled wireless microphone and echo effect built in for karaoke. The tradeoff: Unlike some other Zealot models, app-based EQ customization doesn’t appear to be fully supported yet, and IPX5 means it can handle splashes but not submersion.
On the Sony SRS-XP500 side: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). Set against that: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110.
Buy the Zealot PT21. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sony SRS-XP500 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If water resistance matters to you, the Zealot PT21 at IPX5 (water jets) holds up far better than the Sony SRS-XP500 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot PT21 | Sony SRS-XP500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $216.73 | $449.99 |
| Ranked | #15 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Capacity | 48000mAh (12x4000mAh) | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 21.1" x 8.6" x 11.9" (535 x 219 x 303 mm) | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 166mm woofers + tweeters + midrange drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (Bass, Voice, Standard modes) | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Output Power | 200W | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Type-C | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | - | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
| Guitar Input | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Sony SRS-XP700 vs Soundcore Rave 3/3s
- JBL Partybox 300 vs Sony SRS-XP700
- Sony SRS-XP700 vs Samsung MX-ST50B
- JBL Partybox 100 vs Zealot PT21
- Zealot PT21 vs Mackie Thump Go
The Two Speakers In Full
Zealot PT21: $216.73 Aliexpress
Pros: Dual 166mm woofers and 200W output in a lighter, more compact body than the ZE41, with a bundled wireless microphone and echo effect built in for karaoke. Quite deep bass for the price, even deeper than the JBL Boombox 4 in direct comparisons.
Cons: Unlike some other Zealot models, app-based EQ customization doesn’t appear to be fully supported yet, and IPX5 means it can handle splashes but not submersion.
Full Zealot PT21 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Capacity | 48000mAh (12x4000mAh) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 21.1" x 8.6" x 11.9" (535 x 219 x 303 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 166mm woofers + tweeters + midrange drivers |
| EQ | Yes (Bass, Voice, Standard modes) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 200W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Type-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Reddit Search for Zealot PT21 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony SRS-XP500: $449.99 Amazon
Pros: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). 20-hour battery life, immersive room-filling sound. Party Connect feature links multiple compatible Sony speakers. USB charging port for device charging on-the-go. Built-in handle and IPX4 water resistance. Microphone input and karaoke support.
Cons: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110
Full Sony SRS-XP500 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons