Short answer: the Sony SRS-XB43 for better sound quality, the Doss Soundbox XL for the lower price. The Sony SRS-XB43 ranks #42 of 77 large speakers at $150. The Doss Soundbox XL ranks #53 at $75.99, $74.01 cheaper.
On the Sony SRS-XB43 side: Full, warm sound with deep, rich bass. Set against that: Not as loud as others in the category.
What the Doss Soundbox XL gets right: 32W output power, 100dB max volume, 10-hour battery life, IPX4 splashproof, MicroSD card slot, dual woofer setup with subwoofer, built-in microphone, TWS pairing support. The catch: A little hollow sounding.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB43 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Doss Soundbox XL if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XB43 is rated for 24 hours versus 10 hours for the Doss Soundbox XL.
If water resistance matters to you, the Sony SRS-XB43 at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Doss Soundbox XL at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB43 | Doss Soundbox XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $75.99 |
| Ranked | #42 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #53 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 85ms | - |
| Max Volume | 99dB | 100dB |
| 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 | 1.2 lbs / 557 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 | IPX4 |
| Power Input | USB-C | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Dimensions | 12.8" x 4.8" x 4.6" (325 x 123 x 117 mm) | 11.8" x 2.6" x 5.2" (300 x 66 x 132 mm) |
| Output Power | 32W RMS | 32W |
| Drivers | 63mm woofer + 12.5mm tweeter + passive radiators | 1x 76mm subwoofer, 2x 50mm fullrange |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| MicroSD Playback | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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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 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| 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
Doss Soundbox XL: $75.99 Amazon
Pros: 32W output power, 100dB max volume, 10-hour battery life, IPX4 splashproof, MicroSD card slot, dual woofer setup with subwoofer, built-in microphone, TWS pairing support
Cons: A little hollow sounding.
Full Doss Soundbox XL review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.8" x 2.6" x 5.2" (300 x 66 x 132 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 76mm subwoofer, 2x 50mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 100dB |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 32W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 557 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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