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 Soundcore 2 ranks #86 of 144 medium speakers by sound quality at $29.99.
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.
The case for the Soundcore 2: Soundcore 2 uses 2x 38mm fullrange. The catch: Its 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification points to limited deep-bass reach for the cabinet size.
Buy the Zealot S97 at $65.86 if you want a large speaker. Buy the Soundcore 2 at $29.99 if you want a medium speaker instead.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the Soundcore 2 is rated for 24 hours, the Zealot S97 only 12 hours.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S97 | Soundcore 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $65.86 with coupon YZZL10 | $29.99 |
| Ranked | #49 of 82 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #86 of 144 in Medium 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) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 0.7 lbs (318 g) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 7.3” x 5.9” (321 x 185 x 151 mm) | 6.6” x 1.9” x 2.2” (168 x 47 x 56 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 80W | 12W |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 2x 38mm fullrange |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | No |
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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.
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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
Soundcore 2: $29.99 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2, rated 3.4/5.
Pros: Soundcore 2 uses 2x 38mm fullrange. Its 318 g, claimed 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: Its 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification points to limited deep-bass reach for the cabinet size. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment.
Full Soundcore 2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 12W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.6” x 1.9” x 2.2” (168 x 47 x 56 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (318 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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