Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 for better sound quality, the Sony SRS-XB13 for the lower price. The Bose Soundlink Micro 2 ranks #18 of 47 small speakers at $99.99. The Sony SRS-XB13 ranks #34 at $58.15, $41.84 cheaper.
What the Sony SRS-XB13 gets right: It has long battery life at around 16 hours, is IP67 rated, comes compact with a removable strap for hanging on a bag or bike, and charges via USB-C. Set against that: there’s not much bass, and it sounds muddy.
The case for the Bose Soundlink Micro 2: It’s IP67 rated and survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes, has a compact fabric strap for clipping to bags or bikes that replaces the first-gen’s hook clip (which was prone to breaking), charges via USB-C, and delivers surprisingly good bass when mounted outdoors, like on a bike. The catch: it lacks clarity, the bass is overly boosted enough to cause thudding and can overdrive or distort at higher volumes (worse in this regard than the first-gen model), the treble is overly boosted so bass and treble need to be turned down in the EQ, and it falls clearly behind the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 on bass depth, cleanliness, and loudness.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB13 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Bose Soundlink Micro 2 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB13 | Bose Soundlink Micro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $58.15 Discontinued | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #34 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 88Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 88dB | - |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 255 g | 0.7 lbs / 329 g |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.4 |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Drivers | 46mm | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| Output Power | 5W | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Dimensions | 3" x 3.7"H (76 x 95 mm) (diameter) | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XB13: $58.15 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Long battery life (~16 hours). IP67 rated. Compact with a removable strap for hanging on a bag/bike. USB-C charging.
Cons: Not much bass. Muddy sounding. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB13 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 88Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 46mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 88dB |
| Output Power | 5W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs / 255 g |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Bose Soundlink Micro 2: $99.99 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated, survives a 1m dunk for 30 minutes. Compact fabric strap for clipping to bags/bikes - replaces the 1st-gen’s hook clip, which was prone to breaking. USB-C charging. Surprisingly good bass when mounted outdoors, like on a bike.
Cons: Lack of clarity. Overly boosted bass that causes some thudding, and can overdrive/distort at higher volumes - worse in this regard than the 1st-gen model. Overly boosted treble, turn down bass and treble in the EQ. Falls clearly behind the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 on bass depth, cleanliness, and loudness.
Full Bose Soundlink Micro 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, aptX, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 4.1" x 1.7" (104 x 104 x 43 mm) |
| Drivers | 40mm full-range driver with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Output Power | Specs not published by manufacturer |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 329 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons