Short answer: the Sony SRS-XB20 ranks #94 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $129; the Bose SoundLink Color II ranks #98 at $124.15. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
On the Sony SRS-XB20 side: IPX5 rated pill shape slides easily into a bag. Set against that: Sounds thin at higher volumes.
The case for the Bose SoundLink Color II: Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes. The tradeoff: Boosted bass on Color II.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB20 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Bose SoundLink Color II if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB20 | Bose SoundLink Color II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 | $124.15 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #94 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #98 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 590 g | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | - |
| Dimensions | 7.8" x 2.7" x 2.7" (198 x 68 x 69 mm) | 5.2" x 5" x 2.2" (132 x 127 x 56 mm) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| App | Yes (SongPal) | Yes (Bose Connect) |
| EQ | No | No |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Output Power | 20W | - |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 40mm full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- Marshall Emberton III vs Marshall Emberton II
- Bose SoundLink Color II vs Marshall Emberton III
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Marshall Emberton III
The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XB20: $129
Pros: IPX5 rated pill shape slides easily into a bag. 12 hour battery life.
Cons: Sounds thin at higher volumes. Bass falls away quickly.
Full Sony SRS-XB20 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (SongPal) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.8" x 2.7" x 2.7" (198 x 68 x 69 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 590 g |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Bose SoundLink Color II: $124.15 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Soft-touch rubber coating is comfortable to hold and tough enough for bumps and scrapes. IPX4 splashproof. Supports multipoint pairing to two devices at once.
Cons: Boosted bass on Color II. Not as deep of bass as other models. Lacking midrange detail. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.
Full Bose SoundLink Color II review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Bose Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.2" x 5" x 2.2" (132 x 127 x 56 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons