Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL Charge 3 is the better pick: it ranks #88 of 173 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.2/5), against #126 (rated 2.7/5) for the Sony SRS-XB21. If you want one new, the JBL Charge 6 replaces the JBL Charge 3 and is rated 4.2/5 at $119.95.
The JBL Charge 3 is the better-sounding, longer-running option. Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank for USB devices. ~20 hour battery life. It is rated for 20 hours of battery against 12 for the Sony SRS-XB21. Watch for: Less clarity than the JBL Flip 4.
The Sony SRS-XB21 is the lighter pick. Slightly clearer highs than the Sony SRS-XB20 in a side-by-side test, with IP67 waterproofing, Party Booster tap control, Party Chain linking and app EQ. At 1.2 lbs (530 g) it weighs noticeably less than the JBL Charge 3 at 1.8 lbs (800 g). It has an adjustable EQ, which the JBL Charge 3 lacks. The tradeoff: Against the XB20 the reviewer and most commenters preferred the older model’s bigger, warmer sound, finding the XB21’s mids weak and highs over-boosted.
Buy the JBL Charge 3 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 JBL Charge 6, which replaces the JBL Charge 3.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Doubles as a 6000mAh power bank for USB devices. ~20 hour battery life.
eBay
Slightly clearer highs than the Sony SRS-XB20 in a side-by-side test, with IP67 waterproofing, Party Booster tap control, Party Chain linking and app EQ.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 3 | Sony SRS-XB21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $80 Discontinued | $99.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #88 of 173 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #126 of 173 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/2A) | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs (800 g) | 1.2 lbs (530 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 50mm fullrange | 2x 42mm full-range drivers, 1x passive radiator |
| Dimensions | 8.4” x 3.5” x 3.5” (213 x 88 x 88 mm) | 2.8”H x 7.6”W x 2.6”D (72 x 193 x 65 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W RMS | - |
| App | Yes (JBL Connect) | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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