Short answer: the Zealot ZE01. It ranks #25 of 73 boombox speakers by sound quality at $126.02; the JBL Authentics 300 ranks #30 and costs $299.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Zealot ZE01 side: Appears to be the same internals as the S95. Set against that: A little rolled off up top and not that balanced through the rest of the range.
The case for the JBL Authentics 300: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). The tradeoff: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others.
Buy the Zealot ZE01. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL Authentics 300 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Zealot ZE01 is rated for 40 hours versus 8 hours for the JBL Authentics 300.
If water resistance matters to you, the Zealot ZE01 at IPX6 (powerful water jets) holds up far better than the JBL Authentics 300 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot ZE01 | JBL Authentics 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $126.02 | $299.95 |
| Ranked | #25 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #30 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | None |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | No |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially (1 woofer) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 6.0 kg | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Output Power | 120W RMS / 150W peak | 100W |
| Dimensions | 13.1" x 11.2" x 8.1" (332 x 284 x 207 mm) | 13.5" x 7.7" x 7.1" (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 120mm speakers + dual 42mm speakers | 1" tweeter + 4" woofer + passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Max Volume | - | 100dB |
| Wifi | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Zealot ZE01: $126.02 Aliexpress Amazon
Pros: Appears to be the same internals as the S95
Cons: A little rolled off up top and not that balanced through the rest of the range. Clarity isn’t as good as better speakers.
Full Zealot ZE01 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.1" x 11.2" x 8.1" (332 x 284 x 207 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 120mm speakers + dual 42mm speakers |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 6.0 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Bullionix_Gadgets_Reviews: ZEALOT ZE-01 VS ZEALOT S-95! 😱: Sound Comparison!!!
- Techder Audios: ZEALOT S89 VS ZEALOT ZE01 EXTREME POWERFULL VS COMPACTER BASS PERFORMANCE!
- Techder Audios: Zealot ZE01 VS Tronsmart Bang Max SOLID VOCALS VS DEEPER BASS
- Techder Audios: Zealot ZE01 VS Xdobo BMTL Wow Max DEEPER BASS VS LOUDER BASS?!
- Reddit Search for Zealot ZE01 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Authentics 300: $299.95 Amazon
Pros: Integrates both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant simultaneously (rare for smart speakers). Retro seventies design with leather and Quadrex grille. 100-watt amp, carries well with leather-trimmed handle. Rechargeable battery rated ~8 hours.
Cons: Narrow sounding, bass not as deep as others. Peaky upper mids. No TWS. No IP rating. Not as loud as others. Not much battery life.
Full JBL Authentics 300 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 13.5" x 7.7" x 7.1" (342 x 195.6 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 4" woofer + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 100dB |
| MicroSD Playback | No |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wi-Fi Multi-Room) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cable |
| Stereo | Partially (1 woofer) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg |
| Wifi | Yes |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- JOY‘s 🎧3D🔈Audio-Show: JBL Authentics 300 - sound quality test
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - update
- Oluv Patreon: JBL Authentics 300 - listening session
- Alan Ross Reviews: Not quite! JBL Authentics 300 review and sound test vs Boombox 3, Encore and Stormbox Blast
- Reddit Search for JBL Authentics 300 Review
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- JBL Authentics 300 vs Yeahbox Sonic Boom Max 3
- JBL Authentics 300 vs Tribit Stormbox Blast 2
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