Short answer: the Zealot S95 for value, the JBL Authentics 300 for smart features. The Authentics 300 runs Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant at the same time, which is rare for smart speakers, but it sounds narrow and its bass is not as deep as others. The S95 is a good value in the boombox class, a little rolled off up top and not that balanced through the rest of the range.
Buy the Zealot S95. 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.
If water resistance matters to you, the Zealot S95 at IPX6 (powerful water jets) holds up far better than the JBL Authentics 300 at no water resistance.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S95 | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $157.41 | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #34 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #41 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 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 | 11.3 lbs (5.11 kg) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 120W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 14.1” x 9.6” x 6.6” (358 x 243 x 167 mm) | 13.5” x 7.7” x 7.1” (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 130W subwoofer + dual drivers | 1” tweeter + 4” woofer + passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant (simultaneous) |
| Strap | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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 S95: $157.41 Amazon AliExpress eBay
Pros: A good value for the boombox class. Appears to be the same internals as the ZE01. Bigger case and goes deeper than the ZE01. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-10dB).
Cons: A little rolled off up top and not that balanced through the rest of the range. Clarity isn’t as good as better speakers.
Full Zealot S95 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 120W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1” x 9.6” x 6.6” (358 x 243 x 167 mm) |
| Drivers | 130W subwoofer + dual drivers |
| 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, 5V/2A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 11.3 lbs (5.11 kg) |
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Authentics 300: $299.95 Amazon eBay
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 →
| 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
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- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - update
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- Alan Ross Reviews: Not quite! JBL Authentics 300 review and sound test vs Boombox 3, Encore and Stormbox Blast More from alanrossreviews →
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