Short answer: the Zealot S89. It ranks #19 of 98 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $246.99 and is still sold new; the JBL Boombox ranks #67 (rated 2.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The JBL Boombox’s replacement, the JBL Boombox 4, is rated 4.0/5 at $549.95.
The Zealot S89 is the better-sounding, longer-running 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. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 24 for the JBL Boombox. It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Boombox lacks. The tradeoff: 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 Boombox is the lighter option. Claimed 24 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, ipx5 protection and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. At 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Zealot S89 at 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg). The catch: Treble is not very smooth.
Buy the Zealot S89. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Boombox is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S89 | JBL Boombox | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $246.99 | $399 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #19 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #67 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 250W | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| Dimensions | 21.2” x 10.4” x 9.4” (538 x 265 x 240 mm) | 10” x 18.1” x 7.7” (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 130W subwoofer + 2x 40mm drivers + 2x tweeters | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Microphone Input | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Zealot S89 compares with other leading options:
- Tribit Stormbox Blast vs Zealot S89
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 vs Zealot S89
- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Zealot S89
- JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus vs Zealot S89
- JBL Partybox Encore Essential 2 vs Zealot S89
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
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Zealot S89 vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3 - indoor listening fun More from Oluv’Sone →
- Joy & Oluv’Sone: Zealot S89 vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max3 - outdoor test
- Oluv Patreon: Zealot S89 vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max3 - outdoor test
- Oluv Patreon: Zealot S89 vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3
- Oluv Patreon: Zealot S89 vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3
- Oluv Patreon: Zealot S89 vs Yeahbox Boom Max3 - indoor listening test
- Dominik Reviews: Zealot S89 vs JBL Boombox 4 - JBL Alternative? Sound Test More from Dominik Reviews →
- Techder Audios: ZEALOT S89 VS ZEALOT ZE01 EXTREME POWERFULL VS COMPACTER BASS PERFORMANCE! More from techderaudios →
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Boombox 4 Vs Zealot S89!!! More from Jagistreviews →
- Jagist reviews: Zealot PT21 Vs Zealot S89!!! 😈😈😈
- YARNZO Tech: Zealot s89 vs zealot s98 Full sound comparison (with DB sound meter App) More from YARNZO Tech →
- YARNZO Tech: Zealot s98 vs zealot s89 and zealot s95 outdoor sound battle 🔊
- J_Strat Battles: Zealot S89 (Revised Version) vs PT11
- UFO SoYLX: Zealot S98 Vs Zealot S89 Deep Bass speaker 2025 📟
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Boombox: $399 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the JBL Boombox 4, ranked higher, rated 4/5, released Jul 2025. See every JBL Boombox generation.
Pros: At 5.2 kg, JBL Boombox combines 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators with Bluetooth and aux. Claimed 24 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, ipx5 protection and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. JBL Connect+ links up to 100 compatible speakers.
Cons: There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Treble is not very smooth. Discontinued.
Full JBL Boombox review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60W AC / 40W battery |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10” x 18.1” x 7.7” (254.5 x 458.5 x 195.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 65mm woofers + 2x 20mm tweeters with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) |
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