Short answer: the Mee audio PartySPKR for better sound quality, the Sony SRS-XB43 for the lower price. The Mee audio PartySPKR ranks #29 of 77 large speakers at $169.99. The Sony SRS-XB43 ranks #42 at $150, $19.99 cheaper.
The case for the Sony SRS-XB43: full, warm sound with deep, rich bass from its twin passive radiators, an IPX7 rugged waterproof build, up to 24 hours of battery (14 with the lights on), and party lights for visual appeal. The catch: it’s not as loud as others in the category, and the speaker won’t stay at max volume, automatically turning itself down.
What the Mee audio PartySPKR gets right: 60W RMS stereo sound from dual tweeters, dual woofers, and dual passive radiators with real bass delivery, three selectable audio modes, 8 LED light modes, Bluetooth 5.3 with Party Mode for connecting over 1000 speakers, IPX6 weather resistance, and three audio inputs. Set against that: the bass isn’t very deep, the treble may be slightly bright, and battery life is only about 12 hours, among the worst in the category.
Buy the Sony SRS-XB43 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Mee audio PartySPKR if sound quality matters more than the price.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XB43 is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the Mee audio PartySPKR.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB43 | Mee audio PartySPKR | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 | $169.99 |
| Ranked | #42 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #29 of 77 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 85ms | - |
| Max Volume | 99dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Multi-Link) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) | No |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs / 2.95 kg | 6.3 lbs / 2850 g |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center App) | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes (Bass Boost, Vocal Boost, Dynamic) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX6 |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 12.8" x 4.8" x 4.6" (325 x 123 x 117 mm) | 7.5" x 6" x 14.5" (191 x 152 x 368 mm) |
| Output Power | 32W RMS | 60W |
| Drivers | 63mm woofer + 12.5mm tweeter + passive radiators | 2x woofers, 2x tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Wifi | - | 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
Mee audio PartySPKR: $169.99 Amazon
Pros: 60W RMS stereo sound with dual tweeters, dual woofers, dual passive radiators. Excellent sound quality with real bass delivery. Three audio modes (Dynamic, Bass Boost, Vocal Boost) for preference customization. 8 LED light modes including multicolor, Bluetooth 5.3, Party Mode connects 1000+ speakers. IPX6 weather-resistant, USB-A charging port, three audio inputs (Bluetooth/USB/aux).
Cons: Not very deep bass. Possibly slightly bright treble. Will need more sound samples to make a better determination. Only 12 hours of battery life which is about the worst in the category.
Full Mee audio PartySPKR review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~50Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5" x 6" x 14.5" (191 x 152 x 368 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x woofers, 2x tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (Bass Boost, Vocal Boost, Dynamic) |
| IP Rating | IPX6 |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Multi-Link) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs / 2850 g |
| Wifi | No |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons