Short answer: the KEF Muo gen2, with the Sony SRS-XB30 only for its IPX5 rating. KEF seemed to have fixed the rolled off treble and overall balance on the Muo gen2, though it lacks deeper bass. The XB30 is IPX5 rated, but its muffled sound is worse than a XB20.
What the KEF Muo gen2 gets right: KEF seemed to have fixed the rolled off treble and overall balance. The catch: Lacking deeper bass.
On the Sony SRS-XB30 side: IPX5 rated. The catch: Muffled sound, worse than a XB20.
Buy the KEF Muo gen2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $50.99 saving on the Sony SRS-XB30 is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Muo gen2 | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #76 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #107 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 1x 58x117mm racetrack woofer, 1x 20mm tweeter | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 3.2" x 2.3" (216 x 82 x 59 mm) | 9" x 3.2" x 3.4" (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 40W | 20W |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB (Manufacturer specified) | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 55Hz |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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 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 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-XB30: $199 Discontinued eBay
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 →
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| 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
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
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