Short answer: the Zealot S97. It ranks #63 of 115 large speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $79.98; the Xdobo X8 Max ranks #83, rated 2.9/5, and costs $105.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Zealot S97 is the better-sounding option. 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 Xdobo X8 Max cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Xdobo X8 Max 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.
What the Xdobo X8 Max does well: A feature packed waterproof boombox with a huge battery, power bank output, and enough volume for outdoor background music. The catch: The voicing is bass-heavy with thin, boosted highs that can turn harsh, and reviews report distortion rather than clean dynamics when pushed hard.
Buy the Zealot S97. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Xdobo X8 Max and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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 feature packed waterproof boombox with a huge battery, power bank output, and enough volume for outdoor background music.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot S97 | Xdobo X8 Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.98 | $105.99 |
| Ranked | #63 of 115 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #83 of 115 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | 3 EQ presets | No |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IPX7 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | 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) | 6.3 lbs (2.86 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| 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) | 11.8” x 4.3” x 5.3” (300 x 110 x 134 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 80W | 100W |
| Drivers | 2x 76mm (3”) woofers + 2x 38mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators | 2x 80mm woofers, 2x 52mm tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~52Hz |
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