Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro for better sound quality, the Sony SRS-XB100 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro ranks #19 of 47 small speakers at $90. The Sony SRS-XB100 ranks #33 at $63, $27 cheaper.
On the Bose Soundlink Micro side: Rugged rubberized coating, IP67 rated (1m submersion for 30 minutes). Set against that: Lack of clarity.
What the Sony SRS-XB100 gets right: Long real-world battery life (~17 hours in testing). The catch: Not much bass.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony SRS-XB100 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XB100 is rated for 16 hours versus 6 hours for the Bose Soundlink Micro.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Micro | Sony SRS-XB100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $90.00 | $63.00 |
| Ranked | #19 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #33 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms | - |
| Max Volume | 90dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 289 g | 0.6 lbs / 274 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 3.9" x 3.9" x 1.4" (98 x 98 x 35 mm) | 3" x 3.7" (76 x 95 mm) (diameter x height) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators | 46mm |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Output Power | 5W | 2.5W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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- Ultimate Ears Miniroll vs Bose Soundlink Micro 2
- Bose Soundlink Micro 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Micro: $90.00 Amazon
Pros: Rugged rubberized coating, IP67 rated (1m submersion for 30 minutes). Very compact and pocketable at 0.68 lb.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass
Full Bose Soundlink Micro review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 50ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.9" x 3.9" x 1.4" (98 x 98 x 35 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 90dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 289 g |
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- Links
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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
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