Short answer: the JBL Grip. It ranks #99 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.1/5) at $99.95 and is still sold new; the Sony SRS-XB30 ranks #133 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Sony SRS-XB30’s replacement, the Sony ULT Field 3, is rated 3.4/5 at $208.
The JBL Grip is the better-sounding, lighter pick. Ambient light on the back with settable themes. At 0.8 lbs (385 g) it weighs much less than the Sony SRS-XB30 at 2.2 lbs (1 kg). It is rated IP68 against IPX5 for the Sony SRS-XB30. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The tradeoff: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip.
The Sony SRS-XB30 is the deeper-bass, longer-running pick. A compact 2.2 lbs (1 kg) portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. Its bass reaches about 55Hz before falling 10dB, against 68Hz for the JBL Grip. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 14 for the JBL Grip. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the JBL Grip lacks. The tradeoff: Independent lab listening rates music fidelity only fair: bass has impact but is boomy and lacks the deepest notes, while the midrange can sound hazy, muffled and grainy.
Buy the JBL Grip. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Sony SRS-XB30 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Grip | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.95 | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #99 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #133 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz | 55Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | Yes (strap) | - |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How JBL Grip compares with other leading options:
- JBL Grip vs EarFun Uboom L
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs JBL Grip
- Soundcore Motion+ vs JBL Grip
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Grip
- JBL Grip vs Minirig 4
Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 Grip: $99.95 Amazon $99.95 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Ambient light on the back with settable themes. Measured bass extension of ~68Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Lacking deeper bass, definitely the worst of the JBL line until you get to the smaller clip. Not as much clarity as higher ranked speakers, rolled off highs and wavy midrange
Setup: EQ from Oluv in his post can help it a bit but still isn’t very neutral
Full JBL Grip review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~68Hz |
| Battery Life | 14 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 2.5” x 6” x 2.6” (64 x 152 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 43x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (7 band) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (385 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony SRS-XB30: $199 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Apr 2025. See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
Pros: A compact 1kg portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. It reaches a useful 95dB maximum level and has a claimed 24-hour battery life at moderate volume, making it a convenient older outdoor option. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Independent lab listening rates music fidelity only fair: bass has impact but is boomy and lacks the deepest notes, while the midrange can sound hazy, muffled and grainy. Its micro-USB charging and older Bluetooth 4.2 platform now feel dated, so it is best considered for features and used-market value rather than sound quality. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB30 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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