Short answer: the Zealot S97. It ranks #58 of 97 large speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5) at $78.62 and is still sold new; the Soundcore Trance ranks #92 (rated 2.1/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Zealot S97 is the better-sounding choice. For a compact 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) boombox, the S97 delivers unusually deep, clean-enough bass with a more sensible default balance than many inexpensive Zealot models. The tradeoff: 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 Soundcore Trance is the longer-running option. 80W power with up to 105dB output and BassUp technology. It is rated for 18 hours of battery against 12 for the Zealot S97. The tradeoff: Hugely recessed midrange and treble.
Buy the Zealot S97. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Soundcore Trance is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S97 | Soundcore Trance | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $78.62 | 49 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #58 of 97 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #92 of 97 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | 3 EQ presets | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IPX7 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 7.3” x 5.9” (321 x 185 x 151 mm) | 7” x 7” x 13.3” (179 x 177 x 339 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 80W | 80W |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 1x 133mm woofer, 1x 51mm tweeter |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 63Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 97dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Lights | - | Yes |
| Strap | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Vifa Helsinki vs Zealot S97
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- Brane X vs Zealot S97
- Zealot S97 vs Minirig 4 with subwoofer
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 S97: $78.62 Amazon 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 | Yes |
| 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 Trance: 49 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore Rave Party 2, rated 3.1/5 (also discontinued).
Pros: 80W power with up to 105dB output and BassUp technology. 18 hours claimed battery life. IPX7 waterproof rating with custom beat-driven LED lighting. Built-in USB power bank to charge mobile devices. Soundcore app provides customizable EQ and Party Mode linking. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Hugely recessed midrange and treble. Discontinued retail variant; superseded by Soundcore Rave Neo 2 and Rave Party 2.
Full Soundcore Trance review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 80W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7” x 7” x 13.3” (179 x 177 x 339 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 133mm woofer, 1x 51mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 97dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons