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-XB20 is the better pick: it ranks #117 of 166 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 2.8/5), against #126 (rated 2.7/5) for the Sony SRS-XB21. If you want one new, the Sony ULT Field 1 replaces the Sony SRS-XB21 and is rated 3.1/5 at $68. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 166 medium speakers; for better sound, the Joy&Oluv’Sone sEARius S1 ranks #1.
What the Sony SRS-XB20 does well: Sony SRS-XB20 uses 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators. The tradeoff: No EQ adjustment.
The Sony SRS-XB21 is the tougher pick. Slightly clearer highs than the Sony SRS-XB20 in a side-by-side test, with IP67 waterproofing, Party Booster tap control, Party Chain linking and app EQ. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Sony SRS-XB20. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Sony SRS-XB20 lacks. The tradeoff: Against the XB20 the reviewer and most commenters preferred the older model’s bigger, warmer sound, finding the XB21’s mids weak and highs over-boosted.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB20 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 ULT Field 1, which replaces the Sony SRS-XB21.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB20 | Sony SRS-XB21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Ranked | #117 of 166 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #126 of 166 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) | 1.2 lbs (530 g) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| 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) | 2.8”H x 7.6”W x 2.6”D (72 x 193 x 65 mm) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | - |
| App | Yes (SongPal) | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | - |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 42mm full-range drivers, 1x passive radiator |
| Digital Aux Input | No | - |
| Lights | - | Yes |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- YouTube: The Big Sony Sound Test! XB20 vs XB21 vs XB22
- YouTube: Sony SRS-XB21 vs Sony SRS-XB20 Sound Test
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- Soundcore Motion+ vs Sony SRS-XB20
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Sony SRS-XB20
- JBL Charge 6 vs Sony SRS-XB20
- JBL Flip 6 vs Sony SRS-XB20
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XB20: $129 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 1, ranked higher, rated 3.1/5, released Apr 2024. See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
Pros: Sony SRS-XB20 uses 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators. Its 590 g, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX5 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: No EQ adjustment. Sounds thin at higher volumes. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB20 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes (SongPal) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| 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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Yamaha True X Speaker 1A
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Tribit Stormbox
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Sony SRS-XE300
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Klipsch Groove
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Marshall Emberton III
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- See all 74 comparisons
Sony SRS-XB21 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 1, ranked higher, rated 3.1/5, released Apr 2024.
Older model: the Sony SRS-XB20 (ranked higher, rated 2.8/5). See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
Pros: Slightly clearer highs than the Sony SRS-XB20 in a side-by-side test, with IP67 waterproofing, Party Booster tap control, Party Chain linking and app EQ.
Cons: Against the XB20 the reviewer and most commenters preferred the older model’s bigger, warmer sound, finding the XB21’s mids weak and highs over-boosted. It uses the XB20’s two small drivers, so bass is limited, and it is discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB21 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 2.8”H x 7.6”W x 2.6”D (72 x 193 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers, 1x passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (530 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples