Short answer: the JBL Partybox On the Go for karaoke, the Zealot ZE01 for the lower price. The Partybox includes a wireless microphone, but it has a poor water rating. The ZE01 is $169.90 against $300 and appears to use the S95’s internals, so expect the same rolled-off top end and middling balance.
Buy the Zealot ZE01. It is rated higher for sound quality than the JBL Partybox On the Go 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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot ZE01 | JBL Partybox On the Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.90 | $300 |
| Ranked | #35 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 90 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) | No |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 120W RMS / 150W peak | 100W |
| Dimensions | 13.1” x 11.2” x 8.1” (332 x 284 x 207 mm) | 19.3” x 8.8” x 9.6” (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 120mm speakers + dual 42mm speakers | 5.1” woofer + tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Maximum SPL | - | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
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- JBL Partybox Encore 2 vs Zealot ZE01
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- JBL Partybox Encore vs Zealot ZE01
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 ZE01: $169.90 Amazon AliExpress eBay
Pros: Appears to be the same internals as the S95. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-10dB).
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 →
| Amplifier Power | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| 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 |
| 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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Partybox On the Go: $300 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL PartyBox On-The-Go 2 Plus, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5.
Pros: JBL Partybox On the Go uses 5.1” woofer + tweeters. Its 7.5 kg, claimed 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input, up to 94dB and limited-stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A wireless microphone is included. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 49Hz specification. No EQ adjustment. Battery life is short, and its sound trails the rest of the Partybox line.
Full JBL Partybox On the Go review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 19.3” x 8.8” x 9.6” (489 x 224 x 244.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer + tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 94dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- See all 83 comparisons


