Short answer: the Zealot ZE01. It ranks #36 of 98 boombox speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $159.90; the Zealot S78 ranks #97, rated 2.0/5, at $159.68. The price gap is small enough that the sound-quality ranking should decide it.
The ZE01 is the better-balanced Zealot. Two 120mm woofers and two tweeters reach about 45Hz before falling 10dB, it claims 40 hours of battery and charges over USB-C. Its top end is a little rolled off and its clarity trails better-tuned rivals.
The S78 is lighter and tougher but distorts when pushed. At 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) it weighs about 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) less, it is rated IP67 against IPX6, and it adds a power bank output and USB and microSD playback. Reviews find it very loud, but it distorts and its level fluctuates at high volume, and its bass and midrange are less refined.
Buy the Zealot ZE01. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $0.22 you would save on the Zealot S78 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot ZE01 | Zealot S78 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.90 | $159.68 |
| Ranked | #36 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #97 of 98 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 120W RMS / 150W peak | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| Dimensions | 13.1” x 11.2” x 8.1” (332 x 284 x 207 mm) | 16.1” x 6.6” x 7.3” (410 x 167 x 185 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 120mm speakers + dual 42mm speakers | 2x ~120mm (4.72”) woofers + 2x ~42mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Strap | - | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
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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 ZE01: $159.90 Amazon $159.90 AliExpress $126.02 eBay
Pros: Appears to be the same internals as the Zealot 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 →
| Released | Jan 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| 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
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- J_Strat Battles: ZEALOT ZE01 VS ZEALOT PT11 😲😲
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Zealot S78: $159.68 Amazon $159.68 AliExpress $91.38 eBay
Pros: A robust 4.4kg party speaker with claimed 120W RMS output, IP67 protection, USB-C charging, a power-bank function, aux, USB and microSD playback, TWS pairing and multiple EQ modes. Reviews find it very loud with useful bass and long claimed battery life, making it a credible choice for outdoor gatherings.
Cons: At high volume, reviews report distortion and fluctuating level, so its headline power is more useful below its maximum setting. It has no app-based EQ, and the bass and midrange refinement do not match better-established boombox speakers; assess its sound in person if tonal accuracy matters.
Full Zealot S78 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 120W RMS / 150W peak |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 40 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 16.1” x 6.6” x 7.3” (410 x 167 x 185 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x ~120mm (4.72”) woofers + 2x ~42mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (multiple modes) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: DBSOARS F29 Max vs Zealot S78 🛜 (5B) Budget Bluetooth Boombox Basement Battle 🔊 Bass Modes Enabled More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons