Short answer: the Sony SRS-XB20, because the XB30 sounds worse, though neither ranks well in its class. The XB30 adds a power bank for charging your phone, but its sound is muffled, worse than the XB20’s, and it costs $70 more. The XB20 is IPX5 rated with a pill shape that slides easily into a bag, though it sounds thin at higher volumes. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 164 medium speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Earfun Uboom L instead, ranked #2 at $49.79.
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, start with the Earfun Uboom L instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB20 | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 Discontinued | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #117 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #127 of 164 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 2.7” x 2.7” (198 x 68 x 69 mm) | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| App | Yes (SongPal) | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| EQ | No | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 20W |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 55Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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.
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 →
| 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
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Ultimate Ears Boom 3
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Marshall Emberton II
- See all 73 comparisons
Sony SRS-XB30: $199 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5.
Pros: A compact 1kg portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. It reaches a useful 95dB maximum level and has a claimed 24-hour battery life at moderate volume, making it a convenient older outdoor option. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Independent lab listening rates music fidelity only fair: bass has impact but is boomy and lacks the deepest notes, while the midrange can sound hazy, muffled and grainy. Its micro-USB charging and older Bluetooth 4.2 platform now feel dated, so it is best considered for features and used-market value rather than sound quality. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB30 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini+
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