Short answer: the Sony SRS-XB20. It ranks #94 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $129; the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A ranks #95 and costs $150, 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. Set against that: Sounds thin at higher volumes.
What the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A gets right: Doubles as a wireless surround speaker for Yamaha True X soundbars, or a standalone speaker via ‘Solo’ mode. The catch: Not very deep bass, upper mids peak that makes voices sibilant.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB20. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Yamaha True X Speaker 1A and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB20 | Yamaha True X Speaker 1A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 | $150 |
| Ranked | #94 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #95 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 590 g | 1.1 lbs / 500 g |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | - |
| Dimensions | 7.8" x 2.7" x 2.7" (198 x 68 x 69 mm) | 4.1" x 3.5" x 3.5" (105 x 90 x 90 mm) |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| App | Yes (SongPal) | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Output Power | 20W | 10W |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 1x 55mm (2.2") full-range driver + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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- Sony SRS-XE300 vs Tribit Stormbox
- Tribit Stormbox vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- Ultimate Ears Boom 3 vs Tribit Stormbox
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Marshall Emberton III
- Sony SRS-XB20 vs Sony ULT Field 3
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
Yamaha True X Speaker 1A: $150 Amazon
Pros: Doubles as a wireless surround speaker for Yamaha True X soundbars, or a standalone speaker via ‘Solo’ mode. IP67 rated. Clear Voice technology boosts dialogue clarity.
Cons: Not very deep bass, upper mids peak that makes voices sibilant
Full Yamaha True X Speaker 1A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.1" x 3.5" x 3.5" (105 x 90 x 90 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 55mm (2.2") full-range driver + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 10W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs / 500 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Tribit Stormbox
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony SRS-XE300
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Marshall Emberton III
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Marshall Emberton II
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove
- Yamaha True X Speaker 1A vs Sony ULT Field 3