Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used, though neither ranks well in its class. Used, the Sony SRS-XB13 is the better pick: it ranks #45 of 63 small speakers by sound quality (rated 2.8/5), against #53 (rated 2.5/5) for the Sony SRS-XB12. If you want one new, the Sony SRS-XB100 replaces the Sony SRS-XB13 and is rated 2.9/5 at $63. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 63 small speakers, and the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2, ranked #1 at $35.39, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
What the Sony SRS-XB13 does well: A waterproof pocket speaker with a long battery, a detachable strap for bags or bikes, and USB-C charging. The catch: Bass is limited by its 88Hz specification.
The Sony SRS-XB12 is the louder choice. A small waterproof speaker with a detachable strap, long battery life, and USB-C charging, easy to take to the beach or pool. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 93dB at full volume, against 88dB for the Sony SRS-XB13. The catch: Muddy, with little bass and peaky treble.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB13 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 SRS-XB100, which replaces the Sony SRS-XB13.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Output: the Sony SRS-XB12 was measured at 93 dB maximum against 88 dB for the Sony SRS-XB13, so it gets somewhat louder before it runs out of headroom.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB13 | Sony SRS-XB12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $58.00 Discontinued | $79 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #45 of 63 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #53 of 63 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 88Hz | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 88dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (255 g) | 0.5 lbs (243 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Drivers | 46mm | 46mm |
| Amplifier Power | 5W | 7W |
| Dimensions | 3” x 3.7”H (76 x 95 mm) (diameter) | 2.9” x 3.6”H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 240ms |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Where the Ratings Come From
- Sony SRS-XB13: reviews by Alan Ross and Danny Pops.
- Sony SRS-XB12: reviews by Alan Ross and DLX Willington.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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