Short answer: the Sonos Move 2 for better sound quality, the Sony SRS-XB43 for the lower price. The Sonos Move 2 ranks #25 of 77 large speakers at $399. The Sony SRS-XB43 ranks #42 at $150, $249 cheaper.
The case for the Sonos Move 2: Warm sounding with somewhat rolled off treble. The catch: Not very loud. This may have some of the same issues at full volume that the Move 1 had too, but I’ll need more sound samples at full volume to verify.
On the Sony SRS-XB43 side: Full, warm sound with deep, rich bass. Watch for: Not as loud as others in the category.
Buy the Sonos Move 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony SRS-XB43 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sonos Move 2 | Sony SRS-XB43 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 | $150 |
| Ranked | #25 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP56 | IP67 |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg | 6.5 lbs / 2.95 kg |
| Wifi | Yes | - |
| App | No | Yes (Sony Music Center App) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes (3 band) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 9.5" x 6.3" x 5" (242 x 160 x 126 mm) | 12.8" x 4.8" x 4.6" (325 x 123 x 117 mm) |
| Drivers | mid-woofer, 2x angled tweeters | 63mm woofer + 12.5mm tweeter + passive radiators |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer | 32W RMS |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 53Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 85ms |
| Max Volume | - | 99dB |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sonos Move 2: $399.00 Amazon
Pros: Warm sounding with somewhat rolled off treble. Slightly better midrange clarity than the Move 1.
Cons: Not very loud. This may have some of the same issues at full volume that the Move 1 had too, but I’ll need more sound samples at full volume to verify.
Full Sonos Move 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5" x 6.3" x 5" (242 x 160 x 126 mm) |
| Drivers | mid-woofer, 2x angled tweeters |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP56 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg |
| Wifi | Yes |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sonos Move 2 vs Soundcore Motion X500
- Sonos Move 2 vs Sonos Move
- Sonos Move 2 vs Marshall Middleton II
- Sonos Move 2 vs Bose SoundLink Plus
- Sonos Move 2 vs Teufel Rockster Cross
- Sonos Move 2 vs LG Xboom Bounce
- Sonos Move 2 vs Soundcore Rave Neo 2
- Sonos Move 2 vs Marshall Middleton
- See all 30 comparisons
Sony SRS-XB43: $150
Pros: Full, warm sound with deep, rich bass. Twin passive radiators deliver Extra Bass impact. IPX7 waterproof and rugged. Up to 24 hour battery (14 hours with lights on). Party lights for visual appeal.
Cons: Not as loud as others in the category. Speaker will not remain at max volume and will turn itself down automatically.
Setup: Try out +3 +6 +3 as an EQ to get it as flat as possible as mentioned in the Alan Ross video
Full Sony SRS-XB43 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center App) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 85ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.8" x 4.8" x 4.6" (325 x 123 x 117 mm) |
| Drivers | 63mm woofer + 12.5mm tweeter + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 32W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs / 2.95 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- DLX Willington: Who Sounds The Best Of Sony XG300, XB43 & JBL XTREME3 With Sound Sample BLIND CHALLENGE Reveal. More from DLXWillington →
- Reddit Search for Sony SRS-XB43 Review
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