Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Bose Soundlink Mini is the better pick: it ranks #74 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5), against #133 (rated 2.6/5) for the Sony SRS-XB30. If you want one new, the Sony ULT Field 3 replaces the Sony SRS-XB30 and is rated 3.4/5 at $208.
The Bose Soundlink Mini is the better-sounding, lighter pick. Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. At 1.5 lbs (680 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Sony SRS-XB30 at 2.2 lbs (1 kg). The catch: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
The Sony SRS-XB30 is the longer-running, tougher pick. A compact 2.2 lbs (1 kg) portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 7 for the Bose Soundlink Mini. It is rated IPX5, while the Bose Soundlink Mini has no water resistance. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Bose Soundlink Mini 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 Bose Soundlink Mini only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Sony ULT Field 3, which replaces the Sony SRS-XB30.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Mini | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $125.00 Discontinued | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #74 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #133 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IPX5 |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector | Micro USB |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Mini: $125.00 Discontinued Amazon $125.00 eBay
Newer model: the Bose Soundlink Mini 2, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Jul 2015 (also discontinued). It adds stereo pairing. Battery life goes from 7 to 10 hours. See every Bose SoundLink Mini generation.
Pros: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. Comes with a charging cradle. Measured bass extension of ~58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers. Upper treble rolled off. Bass doesn’t go as deep as others. Failures of the mainboard are common. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Mini review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2013 (13 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 7 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 2” x 2.3” (180 x 51 x 58 mm) |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Sony SRS-XB30: $199 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Apr 2025. See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
Pros: A compact 1kg portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. It reaches a useful 95dB maximum level and has a claimed 24-hour battery life at moderate volume, making it a convenient older outdoor option. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-10dB).
Cons: 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. Its micro-USB charging and older Bluetooth 4.2 platform now feel dated, so it is best considered for features and used-market value rather than sound quality. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB30 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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