Short answer: the Zealot S89. It ranks #19 of 98 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $246.99; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #44, rated 3.5/5, and costs $499.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Zealot S89 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) boombox with a claimed 36Hz bass extension, 40-hour battery life, IPX6 protection, USB-C charging, aux, USB and microSD playback, TWS and multi-speaker PartyAdd. Its bass reaches about 36Hz before falling 10dB, against 45Hz for the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 8 for the JBL Authentics 300. It is rated IPX6, while the JBL Authentics 300 has no water resistance. Watch for: At high volume, listener reports describe the bass as loose or muddy and the overall balance as less clear than better boombox speakers.
The JBL Authentics 300 is the lighter choice. Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). At 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Zealot S89 at 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg). The catch: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the Zealot S89. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Authentics 300 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S89 | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $246.99 | $499.95 |
| Ranked | #19 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #44 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | None |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 250W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 21.2” x 10.4” x 9.4” (538 x 265 x 240 mm) | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 130W subwoofer + 2x 40mm drivers + 2x tweeters | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Strap | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
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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
Zealot S89: $246.99 Amazon $246.99 AliExpress $193.58 eBay
Pros: A 7.3kg boombox with a claimed 36Hz bass extension, 40-hour battery life, IPX6 protection, USB-C charging, aux, USB and microSD playback, TWS and multi-speaker PartyAdd. Listener comparisons find it capable of very high output and substantial bass for outdoor use. A great value for its bass, battery life and maximum volume. Measured bass extension of 36Hz (-10dB).
Cons: At high volume, listener reports describe the bass as loose or muddy and the overall balance as less clear than better boombox speakers. The heavy cabinet and basic finish also make it less polished for daily portability, while its multiple EQ modes cannot substitute for a genuinely neutral tuning.
Full Zealot S89 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 250W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 21.2” x 10.4” x 9.4” (538 x 265 x 240 mm) |
| Drivers | 130W subwoofer + 2x 40mm drivers + 2x tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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JBL Authentics 300: $499.95 Amazon $499.95 eBay
Same family: the JBL Authentics 200 (smaller model, rated 3.7/5) and the JBL Authentics 500 (larger model, rated 4.1/5).
Pros: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). Retro seventies design with leather and Quadrex grille. 100-watt amp, carries well with leather-trimmed handle. Rechargeable battery rated ~8 hours. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others. Peaky upper mids. No TWS. No IP rating. Not as loud as others. Not much battery life.
Full JBL Authentics 300 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Authentics 300 - sound quality test More from Oluv’Sone →
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - update
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