Short answer: the Sony SRS-XB12. It ranks #39 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $79; the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 ranks #42 and costs $100, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Sony SRS-XB12 offers: Aux in. 16 hour battery life. Watch for: Muddy, not much bass, peaky treble.
What the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 offers: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Watch for: Huge lack of bass.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB12. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 47 small speakers instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XB12 is rated for 16 hours versus 10 hours for the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2.
If water resistance matters to you, the Sony SRS-XB12 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 at no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB12 | Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79 Discontinued | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #39 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #42 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 97Hz | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | None |
| Bluetooth Latency | 240ms | - |
| Max Volume | 93dB | - |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 243 g | 0.6 lbs / 250 g |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 46mm | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75") full-range drivers |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Output Power | 7W | 8W |
| Dimensions | 2.9" x 3.6"H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) | 5.5" x 3" x 1" (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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- Muzen Wild Mini vs Harman Kardon Neo
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Lenovo 700 Ultraportable Bluetooth Speaker
- Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 vs Harman Kardon Neo
The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XB12: $79 Discontinued
Pros: Aux in. 16 hour battery life. IP67 rated, palm-sized with a detachable strap for hanging on a bag or belt.
Cons: Muddy, not much bass, peaky treble. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB12 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 46mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 93dB |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 243 g |
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Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2: $100 Discontinued
Pros: Doubles as a hands-free speakerphone and USB power bank. Metal grille with a faux-leather back and a small kickstand. 8-10 hour battery life.
Cons: Huge lack of bass. Sounds very thin and tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~120Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.5" x 3" x 1" (140 x 75.2 x 26.1 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 44.5mm (~1.75") full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 130Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | None |
| Output Power | 8W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 250 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons