Short answer: the Sony SRS-XB30 for better sound quality, the Soundcore Flare 2 for the lower price. The Sony SRS-XB30 ranks #104 of 136 medium speakers at $199. The Soundcore Flare 2 ranks #105 at $80, $119 cheaper.
The case for the Sony SRS-XB30: IPX5 rated. The tradeoff: Muffled sound, worse than a XB20.
What the Soundcore Flare 2 gets right: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it. The catch: Rolled off treble.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB30 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Soundcore Flare 2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 136 medium speakers instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XB30 is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the Soundcore Flare 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB30 | Soundcore Flare 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $80 |
| Ranked | #104 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #105 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs / 1000 g | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Dimensions | 9" x 3.2" x 3.4" (228 x 82 x 86 mm) | - |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) | Yes |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | Pointing up |
| Power Input | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Output Power | 20W | 20W |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Max Volume | 95dB | 99dB |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| EQ | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 80ms |
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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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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soundcore Flare 2: $80 Amazon
Pros: Try Alan Ross’s EQ for it
Cons: Rolled off treble. Thuddy bass. Not technically a 360 speaker, only front and rear.
Full Soundcore Flare 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 80ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | 2x full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 600 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons