Short answer: the Teufel Rockster Cross. It ranks #23 of 115 large speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $199.99. The Zealot S97 ranks #63, rated 3.4/5, at $79.98, $120.01 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Zealot S97: 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 Teufel Rockster Cross cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Teufel Rockster Cross lacks. 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 Teufel Rockster Cross is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. A splash resistant speaker with fairly neutral, vocal focused sound and punchy, controlled bass that suits rock and jazz. It is rated for 16 hours of battery against 12 for the Zealot S97. At 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) it weighs noticeably less than the Zealot S97 at 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg). It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the Zealot S97 lacks. The catch: Outdoor mode can sound somewhat harsh due to the 4kHz peak.
Buy the Teufel Rockster Cross. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $120.01 with the Zealot S97 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A budget boombox with surprisingly deep bass for its size, waterproofing, power bank outputs, and microSD and aux playback.
A splash resistant speaker with fairly neutral, vocal focused sound and punchy, controlled bass that suits rock and jazz.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S97 | Teufel Rockster Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.98 | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #63 of 115 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #23 of 115 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | 3 EQ presets | No |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | DC barrel jack |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, aptX |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 7.3” x 5.9” (321 x 185 x 151 mm) | 15” x 6.3” x 5.1” (380 x 160 x 130 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 80W | 30W |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 5” woofer, 2x textile dome tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 51Hz |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
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