Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 for better sound quality, the Sony SRS-XB100 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 47 small speakers at $99. The Sony SRS-XB100 ranks #33 at $63, $36 cheaper.
What the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 gets right: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. The catch: Lack of clarity.
On the Sony SRS-XB100 side: Long real-world battery life (~17 hours in testing). Set against that: Not much bass.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony SRS-XB100 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | Sony SRS-XB100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.00 | $63.00 |
| Ranked | #18 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #33 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g | 0.6 lbs / 274 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) | 3" x 3.7" (76 x 95 mm) (diameter x height) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 2.5W |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator | 46mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs JBL Clip 5
- Bose Soundlink Micro vs Sony SRS-XB13
- Sony SRS-XB13 vs Harman Kardon Neo
- Sony SRS-XB100 vs Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs JBL Clip 4
The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro 2: $99.00 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. Compact fabric strap for clipping to bags/bikes - replaces the 1st-gen’s hook clip, which was prone to breaking. USB-C charging. Surprisingly good bass when mounted outdoors, like on a bike.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass that causes some thudding, and can overdrive/distort at higher volumes - worse in this regard than the 1st-gen model. Overly boosted treble, turn down bass and treble in the EQ. Falls clearly behind the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 on bass depth, cleanliness, and loudness.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Bose Soundlink Micro
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs B&O Beoplay P2
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Klipsch Austin
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs JBL Clip 5
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Marshall Willen
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs JBL Clip 4
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Anker Soundcore Mini
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Soundcore Select 4 Go
- See all 18 comparisons
Sony SRS-XB100: $63.00 Amazon
Pros: Long real-world battery life (~17 hours in testing). IP67 rated and pocketable at 267g, with a clip for bags/gear. Can stereo-pair two units.
Cons: Not much bass. Seems pretty much the same as the XB13, maybe a teeny bit deeper bass and a little less muddy.
Full Sony SRS-XB100 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3" x 3.7" (76 x 95 mm) (diameter x height) |
| Drivers | 46mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 2.5W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 274 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- CEONTHEMAKING: BATTLE Of The Compact Speakers Sony SRS-XB100 VS JBL Clip 4!
- Flossy Carter: Sony SRS-XB100 - Small Speaker, Huge Sound
- Danny Pops: Agreeable Gray? - The Sony XB100 is almost the same as the XB13
- Storytripper HD: JBL GO 4 vs TRIBIT MICRO 2 vs KLIPSCH AUSTIN vs SONY SRS-XB100
- Reddit Search for Sony SRS-XB100 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons