Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Mini for better sound quality, the Sony XB33 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Mini ranks #56 of 136 medium speakers at $128.67. The Sony XB33 ranks #59 at $110, $18.67 cheaper.
The case for the Bose Soundlink Mini: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. The tradeoff: Boosted upper bass like most Bose speakers.
What the Sony XB33 gets right: IP67 rated and lightweight (2.4 lb). The catch: Not very loud.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Mini if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony XB33 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony XB33 is rated for 24 hours versus 10 hours for the Bose Soundlink Mini.
If water resistance matters to you, the Sony XB33 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Bose Soundlink Mini at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Mini | Sony XB33 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $128.67 Discontinued | $110 |
| Ranked | #56 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #59 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz | 50Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP67 |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2" x 2.3" (180 x 51 x 58 mm) | 9.7" x 3.8" x 4.2" (246 x 97 x 106 mm) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector | - |
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) | Yes (Sony Music Connect App) |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 2x 48x70mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 110ms |
| EQ | - | Yes (3 band) |
| Max Volume | - | 97dB |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Output Power | - | 16W RMS |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Bose Soundlink Mini: $128.67 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Compact aluminum build feels sturdy and dense. Comes with a charging cradle.
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 →
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~58Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 50mm full-range driver with passive radiators |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Proprietary connector |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony XB33: $110
Pros: IP67 rated and lightweight (2.4 lb). App-controlled color LED lighting, Party Connect links up to 100 speakers. ~19 hour real-world battery without lights.
Cons: Not very loud. Upper bass peaks, midrange dip, upper midrange peaks, not very neutral. Speaker will not remain at max volume and will turn itself down automatically.
Full Sony XB33 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Music Connect App) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 110ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.7" x 3.8" x 4.2" (246 x 97 x 106 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48x70mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 97dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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