Different classes, so treat this as a step-up-or-not question rather than a head-to-head. The Zealot S97 ranks #49 of 82 large speakers by sound quality at $65.86; the JBL Grip ranks #80 of 144 medium speakers by sound quality at $99.95.
What the Zealot S97 does well: For a compact 3.3kg boombox, the S97 delivers unusually deep, clean-enough bass with a more sensible default balance than many inexpensive Zealot models. The catch: It is not especially loud for its size, battery life is only a claimed 12 hours, and the bass preset can swamp the rest of the music.
Why pick the JBL Grip: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. The tradeoff: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
Buy the Zealot S97 ($65.86) for a large speaker; the JBL Grip ($99.95) suits a medium speaker instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S97 | JBL Grip | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $65.86 with coupon YZZL10 | $99.95 |
| Ranked | #49 of 82 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #80 of 144 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | 3 EQ presets | Yes (7 band) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IP68 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.4 |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 7.3” x 5.9” (321 x 185 x 151 mm) | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 80W | 16W |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~68Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Strap | - | Yes (strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to JBL Grip:
- JBL Grip vs Earfun Uboom L
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs JBL Grip
- Soundcore Motion+ vs JBL Grip
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Grip
- JBL Grip vs Minirig 4
Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Zealot S97: $65.86 with coupon YZZL10 AliExpress eBay
Pros: For a compact 3.3kg boombox, the S97 delivers unusually deep, clean-enough bass with a more sensible default balance than many inexpensive Zealot models. It also brings IPX6 protection, aux and microSD playback, power-bank outputs, three EQ presets and PartyAdd linking.
Cons: It is not especially loud for its size, battery life is only a claimed 12 hours, and the bass preset can swamp the rest of the music. There is no app or fine-grained EQ, so the Vocal preset is the only practical way to improve the balance. It is still heavy for a speaker with this output ceiling.
Full Zealot S97 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 80W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 7.3” x 5.9” (321 x 185 x 151 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | 3 EQ presets |
| 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 |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Grip: $99.95 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. Measured bass extension of ~68Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange
Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral
Full JBL Grip review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons