Short answer: the JBL Clip 4, since the Sony SRS-XB12 sounds muddy. The Clip 4 is very light at 0.4 lbs (181 g) with a sturdy spring clip for bags or belts, though it has quite a lack of bass. The XB12 adds an aux input and 16-hour battery life but sounds muddy with not much bass and peaky treble.
Buy the JBL Clip 4. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Sony SRS-XB12 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Clip 4 | Sony SRS-XB12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.95 | $79 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #22 of 54 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #46 of 54 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (239 g) | 0.5 lbs (243 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | 4.2 |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 135 x 46 mm) | 2.9” x 3.6”H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 7W |
| Drivers | 1x 40mm (1.57”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator | 46mm |
| Maximum SPL | 79dB (Manufacturer specified) | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 240ms |
| Charging Time | - | 4.5 hours |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Tribit Stormbox Micro vs JBL Clip 4
- JBL Clip 4 vs Tribit Stormbox Micro 3
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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
JBL Clip 4: $49.95 Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Clip 5, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5.
Pros: Very light (0.4 lb) with a sturdy spring clip that attaches to bags/belts. Real-world battery life often beats the 10-hour rating. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Quite a lack of bass. Not very loud.
Full JBL Clip 4 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3.4” x 5.3” x 1.8” (86 x 135 x 46 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 40mm (1.57”) full-range driver + 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 79dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in carabiner) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (239 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Danny Pops: MICRO SPEAKERS - my take on JBL Clip 4 VS Wonderboom 2 VS Bose Micro More from DannyPops →
- Gi Rides: Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs JBL Clip 4 - sound battle
- Storytripper HD: JBL Clip 4 vs B&O A1 2nd vs Klipsch Austin More from storytripperhd →
- CEONTHEMAKING: BATTLE Of The Compact Speakers Sony SRS-XB100 VS JBL Clip 4! More from CEONTHEMAKING →
- Sis & Bro: Muzen Mini Wild Portable vs JBL Clip 4 - Bluetooth Speaker Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony SRS-XB12: $79 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony SRS-XB100, ranked higher, rated 2.9/5.
Pros: Sony SRS-XB12 uses 46mm. Its 243 g, claimed 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection, up to 93dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A detachable strap hangs it from a bag or belt. Measured bass extension of 97Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 97Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Muddy, with little bass and peaky treble. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 7W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 240ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.9” x 3.6”H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| Drivers | 46mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (243 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB13 vs XB12 - review and full sound test - best small speaker? 🙄 More from alanrossreviews →
- DLX Willington: Jbl Go 3 vs Sony XB12 Sound Battle With Sound Sample More from DLXWillington →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB12 vs Soundcore Mini 3 - size matters! bluetooth speakers test!
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Lenovo 700 Ultraportable Bluetooth Speaker
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs JBL Clip
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Sony SRS-XB13
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- See all 28 comparisons