Short answer: the Sony SRS-XP500 ranks #18 of 50 party speakers by sound quality at $449.99; the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom ranks #31 at $449.99. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
What the Sony SRS-XP500 gets right: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). The catch: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110.
The case for the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom: Strong audio performance with 2x 4.5” woofers, 2x 1” tweeters, 2x passive radiators. The tradeoff: Very expensive for what it does, a bit dull and muddy sound.
Buy the Sony SRS-XP500. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom at the same price, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XP500 | Ultimate Ears Hyperboom | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $449.99 |
| Ranked | #18 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #31 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 2.6 hours |
| Dimensions | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) | 7.5" x 7.5" x 14.3" (190 x 190 x 364 mm) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | No |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Partially | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| USB Playback | Yes | No |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters | 2x 5.66" woofers, 2x 0.98" tweeters, passive radiators |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
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- Sony SRS-XP700 vs LG XL7
- JBL Partybox 100 vs Sony SRS-XP700
- Sony SRS-XP700 vs Mackie Thump Go
- JBL Partybox 100 vs Sony SRS-XP500
- Sony SRS-XP500 vs Mackie Thump Go
The Two Speakers In Full
Sony SRS-XP500: $449.99 Amazon
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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom: $449.99 Amazon
Pros: Strong audio performance with 2x 4.5” woofers, 2x 1” tweeters, 2x passive radiators. Up to 24 hours battery at 50% volume (3 hours at max). Adaptive bass compensation for wall-reflective environments. Dual Bluetooth pairing, aux and optical inputs, USB-out for device charging. IPX4 splash-proof. Sliding rubber handle and compact square design.
Cons: Very expensive for what it does, a bit dull and muddy sound. Not as loud as others in the class. Bass not as deep as a Partybox 100. External power brick for charging.
Full Ultimate Ears Hyperboom review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 2.6 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5" x 7.5" x 14.3" (190 x 190 x 364 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 5.66" woofers, 2x 0.98" tweeters, passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Ultimate Ears Hyperboom vs Klipsch Gig XXL
- Ultimate Ears Hyperboom vs LG XL7
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