Short answer: the Dockin D Fine. It ranks #34 of 77 large speakers by sound quality at $110; the Sony SRS-XB43 ranks #42 and costs $150, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
In its favor, the Sony SRS-XB43: It delivers a full, warm sound with deep, rich bass thanks to twin passive radiators, backs that up with an IPX7 rugged build, up to 24 hours of battery (14 with the lights on), and party lights for visual flair. Against it: it isn’t as loud as others in its category and will automatically turn itself down rather than stay at max volume.
The Dockin D Fine’s pitch: It doubles as a power bank. The compromise: its bass is slightly boosted.
Buy the Dockin D Fine. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sony SRS-XB43 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XB43 is rated for 24 hours versus 10 hours for the Dockin D Fine.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB43 | Dockin D Fine | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $110 |
| Ranked | #42 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #34 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 85ms | - |
| Max Volume | 99dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) | No |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs / 2.95 kg | 4.3 lbs / 1930 g |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center App) | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Dimensions | 12.8" x 4.8" x 4.6" (325 x 123 x 117 mm) | 11.2" x 3.9" x 4.1" (285 x 100 x 103 mm) |
| Output Power | 32W RMS | 50W RMS |
| Drivers | 63mm woofer + 12.5mm tweeter + passive radiators | 2x active high-frequency drivers + 2x active midrange drivers + 2 passive bass radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XB43: $150
Pros: Full, warm sound with deep, rich bass. Twin passive radiators deliver Extra Bass impact. IPX7 waterproof and rugged. Up to 24 hour battery (14 hours with lights on). Party lights for visual appeal.
Cons: Not as loud as others in the category. Speaker will not remain at max volume and will turn itself down automatically.
Setup: Try out +3 +6 +3 as an EQ to get it as flat as possible as mentioned in the Alan Ross video
Full Sony SRS-XB43 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center App) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 85ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.8" x 4.8" x 4.6" (325 x 123 x 117 mm) |
| Drivers | 63mm woofer + 12.5mm tweeter + passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 99dB |
| Output Power | 32W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs / 2.95 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Xtreme 3 vs Sony XB43 - boombox champ?
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Charge 5 vs Motion Boom vs Sony XB43 - a step to far? 🤪
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony xb33 vs xb43 vs Soundcore Motion Plus speakers test
- DLX Willington: Who Sounds The Best Of Sony XG300, XB43 & JBL XTREME3 With Sound Sample BLIND CHALLENGE Reveal.
- Reddit Search for Sony SRS-XB43 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Dockin D Fine: $110 Amazon
Pros: Power bank.
Cons: Slightly boosted bass
Full Dockin D Fine review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2" x 3.9" x 4.1" (285 x 100 x 103 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x active high-frequency drivers + 2x active midrange drivers + 2 passive bass radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Output Power | 50W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs / 1930 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons