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-XB30 is the better pick: it ranks #133 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 2.6/5), against #155 (rated 2.3/5) for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. If you want one new, the Sony ULT Field 3 replaces the Sony SRS-XB30 and is rated 3.4/5 at $208. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 175 medium speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the EarFun Uboom L instead, ranked #2 at $49.79.
The Sony SRS-XB30 is the better-sounding, longer-running option. A compact 2.2 lbs (1 kg) 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 is rated for 24 hours of battery against 8 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 lacks. The catch: 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.
The Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is the lighter pick. Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. At 0.8 lbs (350 g) it weighs much less than the Sony SRS-XB30 at 2.2 lbs (1 kg). Watch for: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB30 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 3, which replaces the Sony SRS-XB30.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB30 | Harman Kardon Esquire 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 Discontinued | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #133 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #155 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 16W |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Sony SRS-XB30:
- EarFun Uboom L vs Sony SRS-XB30
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Sony SRS-XB30
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Sony SRS-XB30
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Sony SRS-XB30
- Minirig 4 vs Sony SRS-XB30
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-XB30: $199 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Apr 2025. See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
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 →
| Released | Mar 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| EQ | Yes |
| 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Soundcore Flare 2
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Teufel Rockster Go
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs W-King D8 Mini
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Marshall Emberton II
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Marshall Emberton III
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs B&O Beosound Explore
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini+
- See all 90 comparisons
Harman Kardon Esquire 2: $200 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. Flat, compact design packs easily. USB charge-out for topping off a phone.
Cons: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Ultimate Ears Roll 2
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs LG Xboom XG5
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs LG Xboom Go PL5
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Sony SRS-XE200
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini+
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Zealot S61
- See all 72 comparisons