Short answer: the Zealot S95 for better sound quality, the Skullcandy Barrel for the lower price. The Zealot S95 ranks #24 of 73 boombox speakers at $157.41. The Skullcandy Barrel ranks #39 at $150, $7.41 cheaper.
What the Zealot S95 offers: A good value for the boombox class. Watch for: A little rolled off up top and not that balanced through the rest of the range.
On the Skullcandy Barrel side: Water-resistant (IPX5) with LED lightshow synced to music. Set against that: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers.
Buy the Zealot S95 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Skullcandy Barrel if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S95 | Skullcandy Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $157.41 | $150 |
| Ranked | #24 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 11.3 lbs / 5.11 kg | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Built in Microphone | No | No |
| Output Power | 120W | 60W |
| Dimensions | 14.1" x 9.6" x 6.6" (358 x 243 x 167 mm) | 11.8" x 22.1" x 9.6" (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 130W subwoofer + dual drivers | 2x 20mm drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| FM Tuner | - | No |
| Max Volume | - | 104dB |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Zealot S95: $157.41 Amazon Aliexpress
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
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 →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 120W |
| 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jagist reviews: Jbl Boombox 4 Vs Zealot S95!!!
- Jagist reviews: Zealot S95 Vs Tribit Stormbox Blast 2!!!
- Jagist reviews: Zealot S95 Vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus!!!
- Jagist reviews: LG xboom Stage 301 Vs Zealot S95!!!
- Techder Audios: W-king X20 VS Zealot S95 DEEP BASS VS DEEPER & LOUDER BASS?!
- Reddit Search for Zealot S95 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Skullcandy Barrel: $150 Amazon
Pros: Water-resistant (IPX5) with LED lightshow synced to music. 12 hour battery life. Bass Boost mode. Multi-Link feature connects up to 99 speakers. Doubles as phone charger.
Cons: Not as deep bass as the top ranked speakers. Not as loud as the top ranked speakers. Rolled off treble.
Full Skullcandy Barrel review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Skullcandy app) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.8" x 22.1" x 9.6" (300 x 560.1 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 20mm drivers |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| FM Tuner | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 104dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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