Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Bose Soundlink Revolve is the better pick: it ranks #61 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5), against #133 (rated 2.6/5) for the Sony SRS-XB30. If you want one new, the Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II) replaces the Bose Soundlink Revolve and is rated 3.6/5 at $194.
The Bose Soundlink Revolve is the better-sounding, lighter choice. True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers. At 1.5 lbs (660 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Sony SRS-XB30 at 2.2 lbs (1 kg). The catch: Strange sizzling treble, peaks and dips.
The Sony SRS-XB30 is the longer-running 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 12 for the Bose Soundlink Revolve. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Bose Soundlink Revolve lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Bose Soundlink Revolve lacks. The tradeoff: 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 Revolve 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 Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II), which replaces the Bose Soundlink Revolve.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Revolve | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $194.00 Discontinued | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #61 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #133 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz | 55Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (660 g) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 3.2” x 6” x 3.2” (82 x 152 x 82 mm) | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| App | Bose Connect | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x omnidirectional full-range transducer (~45mm) + 2x passive radiators | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| 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 Revolve: $194.00 Discontinued Amazon $194.00 eBay
Newer model: the Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II), ranked higher, rated 3.6/5, released Jan 2021. Water resistance goes from IPX4 to IP55. See every Bose SoundLink Revolve generation.
Same family: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ (larger model, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5).
Pros: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Not stereo. Strange sizzling treble, peaks and dips. Overly boosted boomy bass at 75Hz. Discontinued.
Full Bose Soundlink Revolve review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Bose Connect |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.2” x 6” x 3.2” (82 x 152 x 82 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x omnidirectional full-range transducer (~45mm) + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (660 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Live Reviews and Q&A! Bose Soundbar, Monoprice Monitors, Bluetooth Speakers and more. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Bose Soundlink Revolve
- Alan Ross Reviews: The Ultimate 360 Degree Bluetooth Speaker Showdown: Bose Soundlink Revolve Vs Tribit Stormbox Pro More from alanrossreviews →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Bose Soundlink Revolve vs Tribit Stormbox Flow
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- Bose Soundlink Revolve vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+
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- Bose Soundlink Revolve vs Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II
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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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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