Short answer: the Klipsch Austin. It ranks #15 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $54.95 and is still sold new; the Sony SRS-XB12 ranks #53 (rated 2.5/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Sony SRS-XB12’s replacement, the Sony SRS-XB100, is rated 2.9/5 at $44.
The Klipsch Austin is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. Dual passive radiators give more low-end presence than most mini speakers. Its bass reaches about 70Hz before falling 10dB, against 97Hz for the Sony SRS-XB12. It links with other speakers (Broadcast Mode), which the Sony SRS-XB12 cannot. The tradeoff: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers.
The Sony SRS-XB12 is the longer-running, lighter option. A detachable strap hangs it from a bag or belt. It is rated for 16 hours of battery against 12 for the Klipsch Austin. At 0.5 lbs (243 g) it weighs much less than the Klipsch Austin at 0.9 lbs (397 g). It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Klipsch Austin lacks. The tradeoff: Muddy, with little bass and peaky treble.
Buy the Klipsch Austin. 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
| Klipsch Austin | Sony SRS-XB12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54.95 | $79 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #53 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (397 g) | 0.5 lbs (243 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| EQ | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 1.5” (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators | 46mm |
| Charging Time | 2 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.7” (109 x 109 x 43 mm) | 2.9” x 3.6”H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS | 7W |
| Maximum SPL | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 240ms |
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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
Klipsch Austin: $54.95 Amazon $54.95 eBay
Same family: the Klipsch Nashville (larger model, rated 3.3/5) and the Klipsch Detroit (larger model, rated 3.1/5).
Pros: Dual passive radiators give more low-end presence than most mini speakers. Clear mids and crisp trebles. Rugged rubberized build with a metal grille; IP67. Supports TWS pairing with a second Austin. Measured bass extension of ~70Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not as deep bass as higher ranked speakers
Full Klipsch Austin review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 2 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3” x 4.3” x 1.7” (109 x 109 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.5” (38mm) full-range with dual passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 89dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (10W reverse USB-C charging) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (397 g) |
- Links
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Sony SRS-XB12: $79 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony SRS-XB100, ranked higher, rated 2.9/5, released May 2023. See every Sony XB compact generation.
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 →
| Released | May 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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 XB12 vs Soundcore Mini 3 - size matters! bluetooth speakers test! More from alanrossreviews →
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- DLX Willington: Jbl Go 3 vs Sony XB12 Sound Battle With Sound Sample More from DLXWillington →
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