A comparative synthesis of SAPO-34 was carried out via conventional and ultrasound assisted hydrothermal methods and tested toward methanol conversion to light olefins. The synthesized catalysts were characterized using XRD, FESEM, PSD, EDX, BET and FTIR analysis. Sonochemically synthesized SAPO-34 showed higher surface area, prefect crystallinity and uniform particles size in comparison to conventional hydrothermal synthesized sample. XRD patterns showed suitable crystalline structure of sonochemically synthesized SAPO-34 and its nanoscale structure. FESEM images confirmed prefect crystallinity and narrow size distribution of sonochemically synthesized SAPO-34. BET analysis indicated remarkable surface area of sonochemically synthesized SAPO-34. Catalytic performance tests of synthesized SAPO-34 toward methanol to light olefins conversion showed higher activity of sonochemically synthesized SAPO-34. Olefins selectivity of sonochemically synthesized SAPO-34 was considerably higher than that of the conventional SAPO-34. Time on stream performance of the synthesized catalysts at 400 degrees C confirmed higher stability of sonochemically synthesized SAPO-34. (C) 2014 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.