Short answer: these sit in different size classes, so weigh sound signature and features rather than a straight ranking. The JBL Charge 6 ranks #12 out of 120 medium speakers, while the Sony SRS-XB43 ranks lower in the larger size class, at a lower price too. The Sony SRS-XB43 is discontinued; its replacement is the Sony ULT Field 5.
The two speakers pull toward different tunings. The Charge 6’s pros describe it as more neutral than the Charge 5, with a flatter response through the mids and treble, though its cons still note some boosted bass by default, recessed mids, and a somewhat V-shaped, bright-above-2kHz signature. The XB43’s pros lean fully into a full, warm sound with deep, rich bass from twin passive radiators built for Sony’s Extra Bass tuning, at the cost of not getting as loud as others in its class and automatically turning itself down rather than sustaining max volume.
Feature-wise, the Charge 6 is the more modern, better-connected speaker. It supports Auracast party mode, USB-C digital aux input, and 7-band EQ against the XB43’s 3-band EQ and Sony’s own Party Connect for up to 100 speakers. The XB43 counters with a built-in microphone, LDAC codec support, stereo output from a single unit, and a physical aux input, none of which the Charge 6 offers.
Buy the JBL Charge 6 if you want the more neutral, balanced sound and modern connectivity in a smaller, lighter package.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB43 if you specifically want a warm, bass-forward signature and don’t mind it holding back at the very top of its volume range.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Charge 6 | Sony SRS-XB43 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.95 | $150 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #12 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #60 of 120 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Sony Music Center App) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/2.4A) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (990 g) | 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.9” x 3.7” (228.8 x 98.5 x 94 mm) | 12.8” x 4.8” x 4.6” (325 x 123 x 117 mm) |
| Drivers | 53mm x 93mm woofer, 20mm tweeter | 63mm woofer + 12.5mm tweeter + passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz - 20kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Amplifier Power | 45W | 32W RMS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | - |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 85ms |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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