Short answer: the Zealot S89. It ranks #19 of 112 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $193.58. The Skullcandy Barrel ranks #60, rated 3.2/5, at $157.40, $36.18 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Zealot S89 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A great value boombox with deep bass, very high volume, a 40 hour battery and water resistance for outdoor parties. Its bass reaches about 36Hz before falling 10dB, against 50Hz for the Skullcandy Barrel. It is rated for 40 hours of battery against 12 for the Skullcandy Barrel. It links with other speakers (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers), which the Skullcandy Barrel cannot. The catch: At high volume, listener reports describe the bass as loose or muddy and the overall balance as less clear than better boombox speakers.
The Skullcandy Barrel is the lighter option. A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers. At 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Zealot S89 at 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg). The catch: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the Zealot S89. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $36.18 you would save on the Skullcandy Barrel does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A great value boombox with deep bass, very high volume, a 40 hour battery and water resistance for outdoor parties.
A water resistant party speaker with a synced light show, bass boost and linking for many speakers.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S89 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $193.58 | $157.40 |
| Ranked | #19 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 250W | 60W |
| Dimensions | 21.2” x 10.4” x 9.4” (538 x 265 x 240 mm) | 11.8” x 22.1” x 9.6” (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 130W subwoofer + 2x 40mm drivers + 2x tweeters | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Strap | No | - |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 104dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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