Short answer: the Sony SRS-XP500 on measured sound quality, the Soundcore Rave 3S on price. The Sony SRS-XP500 ranks #18 of 51 party speakers at $549.99. The Soundcore Rave 3S ranks #21 at $299.99, $250 cheaper.
The case for the Sony SRS-XP500: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). The tradeoff: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110.
What the Soundcore Rave 3/3s gets right: 2 AA battery Wireless Microphones and remote control included. The catch: Some upper bass and upper mids boost.
Buy the Sony SRS-XP500 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Soundcore Rave 3S if the price is the priority over sound quality.
There is a real battery-life gap here: the Sony SRS-XP500 is rated for 20 hours, the Soundcore Rave 3S only 12 hours.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Soundcore Rave 3S at IPX4 (splashing) against the Sony SRS-XP500, which has no water resistance.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XP500 | Soundcore Rave 3S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.99 | $299.99 |
| Ranked | #18 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #21 of 51 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | - |
| Dimensions | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) | - |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | USB-C |
| Stereo | Partially | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg | 21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters | 1x 6.5" (165mm) woofer + 3x 2.5" (63mm) full-range drivers |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Wireless Microphones | - | Yes 2 Included |
| Output Power | - | 200W |
Related Speaker Comparisons
Other pairings from the same speaker class worth checking:
- Sony SRS-XP700 vs Mackie Thump Go
- Sony SRS-XP700 vs Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
- JBL Partybox 130 vs Sony SRS-XP700
- JBL Partybox 300 vs Sony SRS-XP500
- Sony SRS-XP500 vs Samsung MX-ST50B
Prices on this page were last checked September 1, 2026 at 2:15 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XP500: $549.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). 20-hour battery life, immersive room-filling sound. Party Connect feature links multiple compatible Sony speakers. USB charging port for device charging on-the-go. Built-in handle and IPX4 water resistance. Microphone input and karaoke support.
Cons: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110
Full Sony SRS-XP500 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Soundcore Rave 3S: $299.99 Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: 2 AA battery Wireless Microphones and remote control included. AI voice removal feature for Karaoke
Cons: Some upper bass and upper mids boost. Not as deep of bass as a Partybox 110/120
Full Soundcore Rave 3S review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Drivers | 1x 6.5" (165mm) woofer + 3x 2.5" (63mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with reverb effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 200W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg |
| Wireless Microphones | Yes 2 Included |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons