Short answer: the Teufel Rockster Cross. It ranks #23 of 115 large speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $199.99 and is still sold new; the Sony SRS-XB43 ranks #57 (rated 3.5/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Sony SRS-XB43’s replacement, the Sony ULT Field 5, is rated 3.5/5 at $268.
The Sony SRS-XB43 is the longer-running, tougher option. A waterproof party speaker with lights, a long battery and an Extra Bass mode for heavier low end. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 16 for the Teufel Rockster Cross. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Teufel Rockster Cross. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Teufel Rockster Cross lacks. Watch for: Not as loud as others in the category.
The Teufel Rockster Cross is the better-sounding pick. A splash resistant speaker with fairly neutral, vocal focused sound and punchy, controlled bass that suits rock and jazz. Watch for: Outdoor mode can sound somewhat harsh due to the 4kHz peak.
Buy the Teufel Rockster Cross. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Sony SRS-XB43 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A waterproof party speaker with lights, a long battery and an Extra Bass mode for heavier low end.
A splash resistant speaker with fairly neutral, vocal focused sound and punchy, controlled bass that suits rock and jazz.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XB43 | Teufel Rockster Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150 Discontinued | $199.99 |
| Ranked | #57 of 115 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #23 of 115 in Large Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | 51Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 85ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg) | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center App) | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, aptX |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Power Input | USB-C | DC barrel jack |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 12.8” x 4.8” x 4.6” (325 x 123 x 117 mm) | 15” x 6.3” x 5.1” (380 x 160 x 130 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 32W RMS | 30W |
| Drivers | 63mm woofer + 12.5mm tweeter + passive radiators | 5” woofer, 2x textile dome tweeters + 2x passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (detachable shoulder strap) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Teufel Rockster Cross compares with other leading options: