Short answer: the Zealot S97. It ranks #66 of 120 large speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5) at $79.98 and is still sold new; the LG Xboom Go PL7 ranks #106 (rated 2.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Zealot S97 is the better-sounding choice. A budget boombox with surprisingly deep bass for its size, waterproofing, power bank outputs, and microSD and aux playback. It links with other speakers (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers), which the LG Xboom Go PL7 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the LG Xboom Go PL7 lacks. 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.
The LG Xboom Go PL7 is the longer-running, lighter option. A fun, waterproof portable with glowing light rings, a long battery, and stereo pairing for casual outdoor listening, now discontinued. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Zealot S97. At 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg) it weighs much less than the Zealot S97 at 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg). The catch: Independent testing finds weak low-bass and top-end extension, a narrow soundstage and uneven off-axis response.
Buy the Zealot S97. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the LG Xboom Go PL7 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S97 | LG Xboom Go PL7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.98 | $70 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #66 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #106 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | 3 EQ presets | No |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IPX7 |
| 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 | No | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 3.2 lbs (1.45 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 7.3” x 5.9” (321 x 185 x 151 mm) | 9.6” x 3.9” x 3.9” (245 x 98 x 98 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 80W | 30W |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 2x 58mm fullrange |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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