Short answer: the Beats Pill 2024. It ranks #76 of 172 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.3/5) at $129.95 and is still sold new; the Sony SRS-XB30 ranks #130 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Sony SRS-XB30’s replacement, the Sony ULT Field 3, is rated 3.4/5 at $208.
The Beats Pill 2024 is the better-sounding, lighter option. A 1.5 lbs (680 g) IP67 portable speaker with 24-hour battery life that doubles as a USB-C power bank. At 1.5 lbs (680 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Sony SRS-XB30 at 2.2 lbs (1 kg). It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Sony SRS-XB30. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: Boosted upper bass, somewhat thuddy.
The case for the Sony SRS-XB30: A compact 2.2 lbs (1 kg) portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Beats Pill 2024 lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Beats Pill 2024 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Beats Pill 2024 lacks. Watch for: Independent lab listening rates music fidelity only fair: bass has impact but is boomy and lacks the deepest notes, while the midrange can sound hazy, muffled and grainy.
Buy the Beats Pill 2024. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Sony SRS-XB30 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A 680 g IP67 portable speaker with 24-hour battery life that doubles as a USB-C power bank.
Amazon $129.95 eBay
A compact 1kg portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Beats Pill 2024 | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.95 | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #76 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #130 of 172 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~56Hz | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 8.6” x 2.8” x 2.8” (219 x 71 x 70 mm) | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x drivers with dual passive radiators | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Strap | Yes (lanyard) | - |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
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