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-XB31 is the better pick: it ranks #120 of 166 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 2.8/5), against #129 (rated 2.6/5) for the Sony SRS-XB30. If you want one new, the Sony ULT Field 3 replaces the Sony SRS-XB31 and is rated 3.4/5 at $208. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 166 medium speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Joy&Oluv’Sone sEARius S1 instead, ranked #1.
The Sony SRS-XB31 is the tougher option. In side-by-side tests it played louder than both the JBL Charge 3 and the JBL Charge 4, with deeper bass than the Charge 3. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Sony SRS-XB30. The catch: The Charge 4 sounded clearly better balanced, with better mids and highs, and bass turns muddy at high volume or in Extra Bass mode.
Why pick the Sony SRS-XB30: 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. 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.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB31 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-XB31.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB31 | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #120 of 166 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #129 of 166 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Dimensions | 3.4”H x 9.1”W x 3.2”D (87 x 231 x 81 mm) | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers, 2x passive radiators | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Weight | 2 lbs (890 g) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 55Hz |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Sony SRS-XB31:
- JBL Charge 4 vs Sony SRS-XB31
- JBL Charge 3 vs Sony SRS-XB31
- Teufel Rockster Go vs Sony SRS-XB30
- Harman Kardon Luna 2 vs Sony SRS-XB30
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Harman Kardon Esquire 2
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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-XB31 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Apr 2025.
Older model: the Sony SRS-XB30 (ranked lower, rated 2.6/5). See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
Pros: In side-by-side tests it played louder than both the JBL Charge 3 and the JBL Charge 4, with deeper bass than the Charge 3. IP67, 24 hours of battery without lights, app EQ, Live Sound mode and an aux input.
Cons: The Charge 4 sounded clearly better balanced, with better mids and highs, and bass turns muddy at high volume or in Extra Bass mode. It uses the same drivers as the Sony SRS-XB30, charges over micro USB and is discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB31 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 3.4”H x 9.1”W x 3.2”D (87 x 231 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers, 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2 lbs (890 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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 B&O Beosound Explore
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Marshall Emberton III
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini+
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- See all 90 comparisons