Short answer: the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2. It ranks #18 of 73 boombox speakers by sound quality at $350; the Sony SRS-XG500 ranks #45 and costs $399.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 offers: Warm sound with boosted bass. Watch for: Not as loud as others.
What the Sony SRS-XG500 offers: 30 hour battery life; 10-min quick-charge gives 3 hours. Watch for: Thuddy upper bass, not as deep bass as others.
Buy the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sony SRS-XG500 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XG500 is rated for 30 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2.
If water resistance matters to you, the Sony SRS-XG500 at IP66 (powerful water jets) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 | Sony SRS-XG500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 Discontinued | $399.99 |
| Ranked | #18 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #45 of 73 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 | - |
| Max Volume | 99dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | USB-C |
| Stereo | 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 |
| Output 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 |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Harman Kardon Go + Play 2: $350 Discontinued
Pros: Warm sound with boosted bass.
Cons: Not as loud as others. No water rating. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Go + Play 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Latency | 0ms |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 33ms |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 20" x 9" x 9.5" (508 x 228.6 x 241.3 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 90mm (3.5") woofers (front and rear firing) + 2x 20mm tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Output Power | 100W AC / 30W battery |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Dual Sound) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg |
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Sony SRS-XG500: $399.99 Amazon
Pros: 30 hour battery life; 10-min quick-charge gives 3 hours. Battery care function stops charging at 90% to extend longevity. IP66 water/dust resistant. Two USB-A ports (one charges devices), mic/guitar inputs, AUX. Party mode links 100+ speakers.
Cons: Thuddy upper bass, not as deep bass as others. Speaker will not remain at max volume and will turn itself down automatically.
Full Sony SRS-XG500 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Music Center, Fiestable) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1" x 10.1" x 8.5" (460 x 256 x 215 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer |
| EQ | Yes (App + ClearAudio+) |
| IP Rating | IP66 |
| Output Power | 2x 25W + 2x 10W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons