Short answer: the KEF Muo gen2 for better sound quality, the Tribit Xsound Surf for the lower price. The KEF Muo gen2 ranks #73 of 136 medium speakers at $249.99. The Tribit Xsound Surf ranks #79 at $26, $223.99 cheaper.
What the KEF Muo gen2 gets right: KEF seemed to have fixed the rolled off treble and overall balance. The tradeoff: Lacking deeper bass. Very thuddy bass. Appears to be the exact same hardware but with updated tuning.
On the Tribit Xsound Surf side: Rugged rubberized frame with a metal grille. About 20% louder than the XSound Go at the same volume. Watch for: Bass doesn’t go as deep as others, strange midrange peaks.
Buy the KEF Muo gen2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Tribit Xsound Surf if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the KEF Muo gen2 is rated for 24 hours versus 10 hours for the Tribit Xsound Surf.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Muo gen2 | Tribit Xsound Surf | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.99 | $26 |
| Ranked | #73 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #79 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX Adaptive up to 48 KHz 24 bit | aptX HD, aptX Lossless, LDAC, aptX Adaptive |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs / 740 g | 1 lbs / 440 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 1x 58x117mm racetrack woofer, 1x 20mm tweeter | 40W: 2x drivers with passive radiator |
| Dimensions | 8.5" x 3.2" x 2.3" (216 x 82 x 59 mm) | 7" x 2.2" x 2.1" (178 x 57 x 54 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 40W | 12W RMS |
| Max Volume | 90dB | - |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | - | Likely Yes (based on Tribit pattern) |
| EQ | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Muo gen2: $249.99 Amazon
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 →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 90dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 40W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs / 740 g |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Tribit Xsound Surf: $26
Pros: Rugged rubberized frame with a metal grille. About 20% louder than the XSound Go at the same volume. IPX7 rated, USB-C charging, and pairs with a second Surf for stereo.
Cons: Bass doesn’t go as deep as others, strange midrange peaks
Full Tribit Xsound Surf review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX HD, aptX Lossless, LDAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Likely Yes (based on Tribit pattern) |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7" x 2.2" x 2.1" (178 x 57 x 54 mm) |
| Drivers | 40W: 2x drivers with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 12W RMS |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 1 lbs / 440 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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