Short answer: the KEF Muo gen2. It ranks #97 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.1/5) at $249.99 and is still sold new; the Sony SRS-XB20 ranks #120 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Sony SRS-XB20’s replacement, the Sony ULT Field 1, is rated 3.1/5 at $138.
The KEF Muo gen2 is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. KEF seemed to have fixed the rolled off treble and overall balance. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Sony SRS-XB20. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Sony SRS-XB20. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Sony SRS-XB20 lacks. The catch: Lacking deeper bass.
The Sony SRS-XB20 is the lighter choice. At 1.3 lbs (590 g) it weighs noticeably less than the KEF Muo gen2 at 1.6 lbs (740 g). It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the KEF Muo gen2 lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the KEF Muo gen2 lacks. The catch: Sounds thin at higher volumes.
Buy the KEF Muo gen2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Sony SRS-XB20 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Muo gen2 | Sony SRS-XB20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 | $129 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #97 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #120 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (SongPal) |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX Adaptive up to 48 kHz 24 bit | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (740 g) | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 1x 58x117mm racetrack woofer, 1x 20mm tweeter | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 3.2” x 2.3” (216 x 82 x 59 mm) | 7.8” x 2.7” x 2.7” (198 x 68 x 69 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 20W |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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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
KEF Muo gen2: $249.99 Amazon $249.99 eBay
Pros: KEF seemed to have fixed the rolled off treble and overall balance
Cons: Lacking deeper bass. Very thuddy bass. Appears to be the exact same hardware but with updated tuning. Bass distorts as volume increases, and the claimed 43Hz extension is really only audible at low listening volumes, with a few seconds of lag after volume changes. Loses most of its bass off-axis. Customer reviews are mixed, ranging from praise for detail at low volume to complaints of a boxy, hollow sound.
Full KEF Muo gen2 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 40W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX Adaptive up to 48 kHz 24 bit |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 8.5” x 3.2” x 2.3” (216 x 82 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 58x117mm racetrack woofer, 1x 20mm tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs (740 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony SRS-XB20: $129 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 1, ranked higher, rated 3.1/5, released Apr 2024. See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
Pros: Sony SRS-XB20 uses 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators. Its 590 g, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX5 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: No EQ adjustment. Sounds thin at higher volumes. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB20 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes (SongPal) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 2.7” x 2.7” (198 x 68 x 69 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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