Short answer: the Monster Bluetooth Speaker. It ranks #36 of 54 small speakers by sound quality (rated 3.0/5) at $19.99 and is still sold new; the Sony SRS-XB13 ranks #40 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Monster Bluetooth Speaker is the lighter option. A very light, IPX7-rated mini speaker with USB-C charging, aux and microSD playback, speakerphone support and TWS pairing. At 0.4 lbs (185 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Sony SRS-XB13 at 0.6 lbs (255 g). It keeps a wired aux input, which the Sony SRS-XB13 lacks. Watch for: Its tiny 36mm driver has very limited bass (about 95Hz at -10dB), elevated mids and rolled-off highs.
The Sony SRS-XB13 is the longer-running pick. A removable strap hangs it from a bag or bike. It is rated for 16 hours of battery against 6.5 for the Monster Bluetooth Speaker. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Monster Bluetooth Speaker lacks. Watch for: Not much bass, and the sound is muddy.
Buy the Monster Bluetooth Speaker. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Sony SRS-XB13 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Monster Bluetooth Speaker | Sony SRS-XB13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 | $61.49 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #36 of 54 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #40 of 54 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 95Hz | 88Hz |
| Battery Life | 6.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (185 g) | 0.6 lbs (255 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 5W |
| Dimensions | Specifications vary by model | 3” x 3.7”H (76 x 95 mm) (diameter) |
| Drivers | 1.4” (36mm) full-range driver | 46mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (carabiner hook, suction cup) | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
| Charging Time | - | 4.5 hours |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Monster Bluetooth Speaker:
- Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 vs Monster Bluetooth Speaker
- Soundcore Boom Go 3i vs Monster Bluetooth Speaker
- Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 vs Monster Bluetooth Speaker
- Marshall Willen II vs Monster Bluetooth Speaker
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Ultimate Ears Miniroll
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Monster Bluetooth Speaker: $19.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A very light, IPX7-rated mini speaker with USB-C charging, aux and microSD playback, speakerphone support and TWS pairing. It is a convenient rugged travel speaker when water resistance and small size matter more than bass. Measured bass extension of 95Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Its tiny 36mm driver has very limited bass (about 95Hz at -10dB), elevated mids and rolled-off highs. It cannot deliver the scale, detail or battery endurance of stronger small-speaker rivals, and no app or EQ is available to improve the tuning.
Full Monster Bluetooth Speaker review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 95Hz |
| Battery Life | 6.5 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | Specifications vary by model |
| Drivers | 1.4” (36mm) full-range driver |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (carabiner hook, suction cup) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs (185 g) |
- 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.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Dayton Audio Boost Mini
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Sony SRS-XB100
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Onn Small Rugged Speaker
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs JBL Clip
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Tribit PocketGo
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs JBL Clip 3
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs JBL Go 3
- Monster Bluetooth Speaker vs Xiaomi Mi Portable Mini
- See all 29 comparisons
Sony SRS-XB13: $61.49 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Sony SRS-XB100, ranked higher, rated 2.9/5.
Pros: Sony SRS-XB13 uses 46mm. Its 255 g, claimed 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection, up to 88dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A removable strap hangs it from a bag or bike. Measured bass extension of 88Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 88Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Not much bass, and the sound is muddy. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB13 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 5W |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 88Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3” x 3.7”H (76 x 95 mm) (diameter) |
| Drivers | 46mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (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 | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (255 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons