Short answer: the Sony SRS-XB20. It ranks #94 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $129; the Sony SRS-XB30 ranks #104 and costs $199, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Sony SRS-XB20 side: IPX5 rated pill shape slides easily into a bag. Watch for: Sounds thin at higher volumes.
What the Sony SRS-XB30 gets right: IPX5 rated. Doubles as a power bank for charging your phone. The tradeoff: Muffled sound, worse than a XB20.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB20. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sony SRS-XB30 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Sony SRS-XB30. It ranks near the bottom of the 136 medium speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XB30 is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the Sony SRS-XB20.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB20 | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 | $199 |
| Ranked | #94 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #104 of 136 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 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 | - |
| Output 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 |
| Max Volume | - | 95dB |
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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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- 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/Heritage Groove
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- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Ultimate Ears Boom 4
- See all 22 comparisons
Sony SRS-XB30: $199
Pros: IPX5 rated. Doubles as a power bank for charging your phone. Long claimed battery life (up to 24 hours at moderate volume).
Cons: Muffled sound, worse than a XB20
Full Sony SRS-XB30 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Max Volume | 95dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs / 1000 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Soundcore Flare 2
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Teufel Rockster Go
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Marshall Emberton II
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs B&O Beosound Explore
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Marshall Emberton III
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini+
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Tribit Stormbox
- See all 17 comparisons