Short answer: the Sony SRS-XB30. It ranks #104 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $199; the B&O Beosound Explore ranks #109 and costs $299, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Sony SRS-XB30 side: IPX5 rated. Set against that: Muffled sound, worse than a XB20.
What the B&O Beosound Explore offers: IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. Watch for: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB30. It ranks higher for sound quality than the B&O Beosound Explore and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 136 medium speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB30 | B&O Beosound Explore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #104 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #109 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz | ~70Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs / 1000 g | 1.4 lbs / 631 g |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Dimensions | 9" x 3.2" x 3.4" (228 x 82 x 86 mm) | 3.2" x 4.9" x 3.2" (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) | - |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Output Power | 20W | 60W |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 1.8" (46mm) full-range drivers |
| Max Volume | 95dB | 91dB |
| Digital Aux Input | No | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
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 |
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B&O Beosound Explore: $299.00 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. Real-world battery life around 20-24 hours. Distinctive anodized-aluminum design.
Cons: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble. Colored midrange. Just not great sounding overall.
Full B&O Beosound Explore review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 3.2" x 4.9" x 3.2" (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.8" (46mm) full-range drivers |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 91dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 631 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons