B&O Beosound Explore vs Sony SRS-XB20

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Short answer: the Sony SRS-XB20. It ranks #94 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $129; the B&O Beosound Explore ranks #109 and costs $299, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.

What the B&O Beosound Explore offers: IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. Set against that: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.

The case for the Sony SRS-XB20: IPX5 rated pill shape slides easily into a bag. The catch: Sounds thin at higher volumes.

Buy the Sony SRS-XB20. It ranks higher for sound quality than the B&O Beosound Explore and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.

If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the B&O Beosound Explore. It ranks near the bottom of the 136 medium speakers, so look higher up the list instead.

If battery life is a priority, the B&O Beosound Explore is rated for 27 hours versus 12 hours for the Sony SRS-XB20.

Buy the B&O Beosound Explore at Amazon ($299.00) →

B&O Beosound Explore vs Sony SRS-XB20

Specifications Side By Side

B&O Beosound Explore Sony SRS-XB20
Price$299.00$129
Ranked#109 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers#94 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
Bass Extension (-10dB)~70Hz-
Battery Life27 hours (Manufacturer specified)12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
IP RatingIP67IPX5
Digital Aux InputYes (USB-C)No
Weight1.4 lbs / 631 g1.3 lbs / 590 g
Bluetooth Version5.24.2
Bluetooth CodecsSBCSBC, AAC, LDAC
Dimensions3.2" x 4.9" x 3.2" (81 x 124 x 81 mm)7.8" x 2.7" x 2.7" (198 x 68 x 69 mm)
Drivers2x 1.8" (46mm) full-range drivers2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators
TWSYesYes
Built in MicrophoneNoYes
StereoYesYes
OmnidirectionalNoNo
Power InputUSB-CMicro USB
Power BankNoNo
Output Power60W20W
Max Volume91dB-
Aux Input-Yes
Party Mode-Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers)
App-Yes (SongPal)
EQ-No
Buy the B&O Beosound Explore at Amazon ($299.00) →

More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:

The Two Speakers In Full

B&O Beosound Explore: $299.00 Amazon

B&O Beosound Explore ranking card

Pros: IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. Real-world battery life around 20-24 hours. Distinctive anodized-aluminum design.

Cons: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble. Colored midrange. Just not great sounding overall.

Full B&O Beosound Explore review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)~70Hz
Battery Life27 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Bluetooth Version5.2
Built in MicrophoneNo
Digital Aux InputYes (USB-C)
Dimensions3.2" x 4.9" x 3.2" (81 x 124 x 81 mm)
Drivers2x 1.8" (46mm) full-range drivers
IP RatingIP67
Max Volume91dB
OmnidirectionalNo
Output Power60W
Power BankNo
Power InputUSB-C
StereoYes
TWSYes
Weight1.4 lbs / 631 g
Check current price at Amazon ($299.00) →Search eBay for B&O Beosound Explore →

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Sony SRS-XB20: $129

Sony SRS-XB20 ranking card

Pros: IPX5 rated pill shape slides easily into a bag. 12 hour battery life.

Cons: Sounds thin at higher volumes. Bass falls away quickly.

Full Sony SRS-XB20 review and specifications →

AppYes (SongPal)
Aux InputYes
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth CodecsSBC, AAC, LDAC
Bluetooth Version4.2
Built in MicrophoneYes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions7.8" x 2.7" x 2.7" (198 x 68 x 69 mm)
Drivers2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators
EQNo
IP RatingIPX5
OmnidirectionalNo
Output Power20W
Party ModeYes (Partychain up to 100 speakers)
Power BankNo
Power InputMicro USB
StereoYes
TWSYes
Weight1.3 lbs / 590 g
Search eBay for Sony SRS-XB20 →

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.