Short answer: the Beats Pill 2024. It ranks #78 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.3/5) at $99.95 and is still sold new; the Sony SRS-XB30 ranks #133 (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 compact waterproof speaker with long battery life, fast charging, a power bank port and stereo pairing. 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 splash resistant Sony speaker with LDAC, a power bank output, a long rated battery and Party Chain linking, now discontinued. 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 compact waterproof speaker with long battery life, fast charging, a power bank port and stereo pairing.
A splash resistant Sony speaker with LDAC, a power bank output, a long rated battery and Party Chain linking, now discontinued.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Beats Pill 2024 | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #78 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #133 of 177 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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