Short answer: the Zealot S97. It ranks #62 of 105 large speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5) at $78.62 and is still sold new; the Ultimate Ears Megablast ranks #87 (rated 2.8/5) 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. It links with other speakers (PartyAdd up to 100 speakers), which the Ultimate Ears Megablast cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Ultimate Ears Megablast 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 Ultimate Ears Megablast is the longer-running, lighter choice. Alexa integration (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth). It is rated for 16 hours of battery against 12 for the Zealot S97. At 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) it weighs much less than the Zealot S97 at 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg). Watch for: Bass is not very deep compared to the competition.
Buy the Zealot S97. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Ultimate Ears Megablast is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S97 | Ultimate Ears Megablast | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $78.62 | $240 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #62 of 105 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #87 of 105 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 | 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) | 2.4 lbs (1.1 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 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 12.6” x 7.3” x 5.9” (321 x 185 x 151 mm) | 9.3” x 3.5” (236.2 x 88.9 mm) (height x diameter) |
| Amplifier Power | 80W | - |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 2x 55mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 64Hz |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | - | Amazon Alexa |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 $78.62 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 →
| Released | Apr 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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
Ultimate Ears Megablast: $240 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Alexa integration (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth). 93dB loudest in UE lineup, 40% louder than Megaboom. IP67 waterproof and drop-proof. 16 hour battery. Party mode connects up to 8 speakers. Can use while charging to keep Alexa on 24/7. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is not very deep compared to the competition. Discontinued.
Full Ultimate Ears Megablast review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 64Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.3” x 3.5” (236.2 x 88.9 mm) (height x diameter) |
| Drivers | 2x 55mm fullrange, 2x 25mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
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