Short answer: the JBL Partybox Encore 2, if you are buying new. The JBL Partybox Encore ranks higher than the Zealot ZE51 (#7 vs #16 of 112 boombox speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the JBL Partybox Encore 2, is rated 4.4/5 at $330 and is still sold new.
Why pick the Zealot ZE51: A big stereo boombox with clean, wide sound and low distortion at high volume for outdoor parties. Watch for: The Zealot ZE41 still wins on raw bass depth and price.
The JBL Partybox Encore is the lighter choice. A great sounding stereo party speaker with two wireless mics included and plenty of volume; now discontinued but worth buying used. At 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) it weighs much less than the Zealot ZE51 at 26 lbs (11.81 kg). Watch for: Only IPX4 splash resistance.
Buy the JBL Partybox Encore 2, the replacement for the discontinued JBL Partybox Encore; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Zealot ZE51.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A big stereo boombox with clean, wide sound and low distortion at high volume for outdoor parties.
A great sounding stereo party speaker with two wireless mics included and plenty of volume; now discontinued but worth buying used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Zealot ZE51 | JBL Partybox Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $235.33 after coupon | $230 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #16 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #7 of 112 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (JBL PartyBox app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Capacity | 48000mAh (12x4000mAh) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 22.1” x 9.4” x 13” (562 x 238 x 331 mm) | 10.9” x 12.9” x 11.5” (276 x 327 x 293 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (Hi-Res, 3D Surround, Extra Bass, Vocal and other sound modes) | Yes (3 band App EQ) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode) | - |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Amplifier Power | 250W | 100W RMS |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A + USB-C) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | Type-C | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 26 lbs (11.81 kg) | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC |
| Drivers | 1x 133mm + 2x 93mm + 2x 45mm | 135mm woofer + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| Battery Life | 4 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | - |
| Aux Latency | - | 17ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 38Hz |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 100ms |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
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