Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Sonos Roam is the better pick: it ranks #95 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.1/5), against #133 (rated 2.6/5) for the Sony SRS-XB30. If you want one new, the Sony ULT Field 3 replaces the Sony SRS-XB30 and is rated 3.4/5 at $208.
The Sonos Roam is the better-sounding, lighter option. A small, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control and Sonos multiroom support. At 0.9 lbs (429 g) it weighs much less than the Sony SRS-XB30 at 2.2 lbs (1 kg). It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: Bass extension isn’t very good.
The Sony SRS-XB30 is the deeper-bass, longer-running option. A splash resistant Sony speaker with LDAC, a power bank output, a long rated battery and Party Chain linking, now discontinued. Its bass reaches about 55Hz before falling 10dB, against 63Hz for the Sonos Roam. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 10 for the Sonos Roam. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Sonos Roam lacks. The catch: 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.
Buy the Sonos Roam only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Sony ULT Field 3, which replaces the Sony SRS-XB30.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A small, waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging, voice control and Sonos multiroom support.
A splash resistant Sony speaker with LDAC, a power bank output, a long rated battery and Party Chain linking, now discontinued.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Sonos Roam | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.99 Discontinued | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #95 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #133 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs (429 g) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 2.4” x 6.6” x 2.4” (62 x 168 x 60 mm) | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| App | Sonos S2 App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant (choose one) plus Sonos Voice Control | - |
| EQ | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) | Yes |
| Drivers | Dual full-range drivers + passive radiators | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Strap | No | - |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W |
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