Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 is the better pick: it ranks #23 of 113 boombox speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5), against #68 (rated 3.0/5) for the Sony SRS-XG500. If you want one new, the Harman Kardon Go + Play 3 replaces the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 and is rated 4.4/5 at $385.
The Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. A stylish, light stereo speaker with good sound for moving from room to room. Its bass reaches about 40Hz before falling 10dB, against 49Hz for the Sony SRS-XG500. At 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) it weighs much less than the Sony SRS-XG500 at 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg). The catch: Not as loud as others.
The Sony SRS-XG500 is the longer-running, tougher choice. A water resistant party speaker with a 30 hour battery, quick charging, and mic and guitar inputs. It is rated for 30 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2. It is rated IP66, while the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 has no water resistance. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 lacks. The catch: Thuddy upper bass, not as deep bass as others.
Buy the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 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 Harman Kardon Go + Play 3, which replaces the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 | Sony SRS-XG500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 Discontinued | $240.06 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #23 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #68 of 113 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Latency | 0ms | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None | IP66 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 33ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| App | No | Yes (Music Center, Fiestable) |
| EQ | No | Yes (App + ClearAudio+) |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 100W AC / 30W battery | 2x 25W + 2x 10W |
| Dimensions | 20” x 9” x 9.5” (508 x 228.6 x 241.3 mm) | 18.1” x 10.1” x 8.5” (460 x 256 x 215 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 90mm (3.5”) woofers (front and rear firing) + 2x 20mm tweeters | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 5.0 |
| Strap | No | No |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Harman Kardon Go + Play 2: reviews by Alan Ross.
- Sony SRS-XG500: reviews by DLX Willington, Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More and Jagist.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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