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 #120 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 2.8/5), against #161 (rated 2.2/5) for the Ultimate Ears Roll 2. If you want one new, the Sony ULT Field 1 replaces the Sony SRS-XB20 and is rated 3.1/5 at $138. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 175 medium speakers; for better sound, the EarFun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The Sony SRS-XB20 is the better-sounding pick. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Ultimate Ears Roll 2. Watch for: Sounds thin at higher volumes.
The Ultimate Ears Roll 2 is the lighter, tougher pick. Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse. At 0.7 lbs (330 g) it weighs much less than the Sony SRS-XB20 at 1.3 lbs (590 g). It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the Sony SRS-XB20. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Sony SRS-XB20 lacks. The tradeoff: Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis.
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-XB20.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB20 | Ultimate Ears Roll 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 Discontinued | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #120 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #161 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 2.7” x 2.7” (198 x 68 x 69 mm) | 5.9” x 5.3” x 1.6” (149.5 x 135 x 40 mm) |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| App | Yes (SongPal) | Yes (UE Roll app) |
| EQ | No | Yes (5-band via UE ROLL app) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 10W |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 1x 2” full-range + 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Sony SRS-XB20:
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Sony SRS-XB20
- 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 12, 2026 at 4:13 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Ultimate Ears Boom 3
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Ultimate Ears Boom 4
- See all 74 comparisons
Ultimate Ears Roll 2: $100 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Ultimate Ears Miniroll, rated 3.9/5, released Sep 2024. It adds built-in mic and stereo pairing, but drops the aux input, app control and adjustable EQ. Battery life goes from 9 to 12 hours. See every Ultimate Ears Roll generation.
Pros: Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse. Built-in bungee cord for hanging from a hook, nail, or door handle. Life-resistant waterproof/dustproof shell.
Cons: Not stereo. Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis. Discontinued.
Full Ultimate Ears Roll 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
| App | Yes (UE Roll app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 5.3” x 1.6” (149.5 x 135 x 40 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” full-range + 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5-band via UE ROLL app) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Ultimate Ears Roll 2 vs EFM Toledo
- Ultimate Ears Roll 2 vs Beats Pill+
- Ultimate Ears Roll 2 vs Skullcandy Terrain
- Ultimate Ears Roll 2 vs Harman Kardon Esquire 2
- Ultimate Ears Roll 2 vs Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4
- Ultimate Ears Roll 2 vs Zealot S61
- Ultimate Ears Roll 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini
- Ultimate Ears Roll 2 vs Sony SRS-XE200
- See all 83 comparisons