Short answer: the Sony SRS-XG500. It ranks #45 of 73 boombox speakers by sound quality at $344.99; the Braven XXL 2 ranks #64 and costs $350, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Sony SRS-XG500 side: 30 hour battery life; 10-min quick-charge gives 3 hours. Set against that: Thuddy upper bass, not as deep bass as others.
What the Braven XXL 2 gets right: 18 hour battery life; USB-A port charges your phone 4 times over. The catch: Not very deep bass.
Buy the Sony SRS-XG500. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Braven XXL 2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Braven XXL 2. It ranks near the bottom of the 73 boombox speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony SRS-XG500 is rated for 30 hours versus 18 hours for the Braven XXL 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XG500 | Braven XXL 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $344.99 | $350 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #45 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #64 of 73 in Boombox Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) | No |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| App | Yes (Music Center, Fiestable) | No |
| EQ | Yes (App + ClearAudio+) | No |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Output Power | 2x 25W + 2x 10W | 100W |
| Dimensions | 18.1" x 10.1" x 8.5" (460 x 256 x 215 mm) | 22" x 9" x 8" (558.8 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer | 60W dual drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- JBL Boombox 2 vs Sony SRS-XG500
The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XG500: $344.99 Amazon
Pros: 30 hour battery life; 10-min quick-charge gives 3 hours. Battery care function stops charging at 90% to extend longevity. IP66 water/dust resistant. Two USB-A ports (one charges devices), mic/guitar inputs, AUX. Party mode links 100+ speakers.
Cons: Thuddy upper bass, not as deep bass as others. Speaker will not remain at max volume and will turn itself down automatically.
Full Sony SRS-XG500 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Music Center, Fiestable) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1" x 10.1" x 8.5" (460 x 256 x 215 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 30mm tweeters + 2x 40mm mid-range + 1x 60mm woofer |
| EQ | Yes (App + ClearAudio+) |
| IP Rating | IP66 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 2x 25W + 2x 10W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1.5A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs JBL Partybox On the Go
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs JBL Boombox
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Soundcore Motion Boom+
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Soundcore Rave Party 2
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Sony ULT Field 7
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs Skullcandy Barrel
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs onn Pro X Large Boom Boombox
- Sony SRS-XG500 vs B&O Beolit 20
- See all 16 comparisons
Braven XXL 2: $350 Discontinued
Pros: 18 hour battery life; USB-A port charges your phone 4 times over. IPX5 water-resistant and floats despite weight. Built-in subwoofer delivers powerful bass. Includes bottle opener.
Cons: Not very deep bass. Very heavy. Discontinued.
Full Braven XXL 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 22" x 9" x 8" (558.8 x 228.6 x 203.2 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 60W dual drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 100W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons