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 #161 (rated 2.2/5) for the Ultimate Ears Roll 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 9 for the Ultimate Ears Roll 2. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Ultimate Ears Roll 2. Watch for: 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 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-XB30 at 2.2 lbs (1 kg). It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the Sony SRS-XB30. Watch for: Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis.
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 | Ultimate Ears Roll 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 Discontinued | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #133 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #161 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (5-band via UE ROLL app) |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1000 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 | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) | 5.9” x 5.3” x 1.6” (149.5 x 135 x 40 mm) |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) | Yes (UE Roll app) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 10W |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 1x 2” full-range + 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for 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.
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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
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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
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