Short answer: the Sonos Roam for better sound quality, the Tribit Xsound Surf for the lower price. The Sonos Roam ranks #72 of 136 medium speakers at $175. The Tribit Xsound Surf ranks #79 at $26, $149 cheaper.
What the Sonos Roam gets right: Very neutral. IP67 rated at ~1 lb. The tradeoff: Bass extension isn’t very good.
What the Tribit Xsound Surf offers: Rugged rubberized frame with a metal grille. Set against that: Bass doesn’t go as deep as others, strange midrange peaks.
Buy the Sonos Roam if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Tribit Xsound Surf if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sonos Roam | Tribit Xsound Surf | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $175.00 | $26 |
| Ranked | #72 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #79 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 95dB | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 429 g | 1 lbs / 440 g |
| Wifi | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 2.4" x 6.6" x 2.4" (62 x 168 x 60 mm) | 7" x 2.2" x 2.1" (178 x 57 x 54 mm) |
| App | Sonos S2 App | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | aptX HD, aptX Lossless, LDAC, aptX Adaptive |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Likely Yes (based on Tribit pattern) |
| EQ | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) | Yes |
| Drivers | Dual full-range drivers + passive radiators | 40W: 2x drivers with passive radiator |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 12W RMS |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sonos Roam: $175.00 Amazon
Pros: Very neutral. IP67 rated at ~1 lb. Wireless (Qi) charging - rare for a portable speaker. Works with Alexa/Sonos Voice Control and the wider Sonos ecosystem over Wi-Fi.
Cons: Bass extension isn’t very good. Not stereo. Gets distorted if you turn up the bass.
Full Sonos Roam review and specifications →
| App | Sonos S2 App |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 63Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.4" x 6.6" x 2.4" (62 x 168 x 60 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual full-range drivers + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (via app, limited in Bluetooth mode) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Max Volume | 95dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Stereo | No |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs / 429 g |
| Wifi | Yes |
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- Links
- 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.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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