Short answer: the B&O Beosound Explore for better sound quality, the Sony SRS-XE200 for the lower price. The B&O Beosound Explore ranks #109 of 136 medium speakers at $299. The Sony SRS-XE200 ranks #111 at $69.99, $229.01 cheaper.
What the B&O Beosound Explore offers: IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. Watch for: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
The case for the Sony SRS-XE200: IP67 rated with dedicated per-function buttons. The tradeoff: Sounds hollow.
Buy the B&O Beosound Explore if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony SRS-XE200 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 136 medium speakers instead.
If battery life is a priority, the B&O Beosound Explore is rated for 27 hours versus 16 hours for the Sony SRS-XE200.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound Explore | Sony SRS-XE200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $69.99 |
| Ranked | #109 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #111 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 631 g | 1.8 lbs / 800 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Dimensions | 3.2" x 4.9" x 3.2" (81 x 124 x 81 mm) | 3.5" x 8.2" x 3.7" (90 x 208 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.8" (46mm) full-range drivers | 1x 42x51mm full-range + 2x passive radiators |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Output Power | 60W | - |
| Max Volume | 91dB | - |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beosound Explore: $299.00 Amazon
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 Life | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 3.2" x 4.9" x 3.2" (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.8" (46mm) full-range drivers |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 91dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 631 g |
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Sony SRS-XE200: $69.99 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated with dedicated per-function buttons. Can prop up a phone/tablet as a stand. Fast charging (10 min charge = ~70 min playback); Stamina mode extends battery when low.
Cons: Sounds hollow. Very muffled. Rolled off treble, weird midrange boost, just not great overall. Worse than a XB33.
Full Sony SRS-XE200 review and specifications →
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.5" x 8.2" x 3.7" (90 x 208 x 94 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 42x51mm full-range + 2x passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs / 800 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons