Short answer: the Sony SRS-XV500. It ranks #16 of 44 party speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $315 and is still sold new; the Soundcore Rave ranks #39 (rated 2.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Sony SRS-XV500 is the better-sounding, tougher option. RTINGS measured a slightly warm sound with plenty of bass punch, and found it gets very loud for outdoor parties. It is rated IPX4, while the Soundcore Rave has no water resistance. The tradeoff: RTINGS measured poor directivity, so the sound changes noticeably as you move off to the sides.
Why pick the Soundcore Rave: 20,000mAh battery for 24-hour claimed playtime. The catch: Pretty big lack of deep bass, treble rolled off.
Buy the Sony SRS-XV500. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Soundcore Rave is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony SRS-XV500 | Soundcore Rave | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $315.00 | $220 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #16 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 44 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 60mm tweeters | 60W: Multiple drivers + passive radiators |
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (two 6.3mm inputs) | - |
| Guitar Input | Yes | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 22.2”H x 10.6”W x 11.6”D (564 x 269 x 294 mm) | 21.7” x 12.7” x 12.2” (552 x 322 x 310 mm) |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) | 21.6 lbs (9.8 kg) |
| Strap | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | ~60Hz |
| Power Bank | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | - | No |
| TWS | - | No |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| USB Playback | - | No |
| Digital Aux Input | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Sony SRS-XV500 compares with other leading options:
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs Sony SRS-XV500
- JBL Partybox 330 vs Sony SRS-XV500
- JBL Partybox Stage 320 vs Sony SRS-XV500
- JBL Partybox 310 vs Sony SRS-XV500
- Sony ULT Tower 5 vs Sony SRS-XV500
Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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-XV500: $315.00 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Sony SRS-XP500 (ranked higher, rated 4/5).
Pros: RTINGS measured a slightly warm sound with plenty of bass punch, and found it gets very loud for outdoor parties. Two 140mm woofers and two 60mm tweeters in a bass reflex cabinet, with a claimed 25 hours of battery life and a 10 minute quick charge for about 2.5 hours of play. Two 6.3mm inputs switch between microphone and guitar, with karaoke controls for key, echo and per-input volume, plus a 3.5mm aux input. IPX4 splash resistance and built-in lighting.
Cons: RTINGS measured poor directivity, so the sound changes noticeably as you move off to the sides. Bass compresses and pumps as you approach maximum volume. At 11.2 kg it is heavy to carry, and IPX4 only covers splashes.
Full Sony SRS-XV500 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 25 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Dimensions | 22.2”H x 10.6”W x 11.6”D (564 x 269 x 294 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 60mm tweeters |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Microphone Input | Yes (two 6.3mm inputs) |
| Strap | No |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XV500 vs Onn Large Party gen 2
- Sony SRS-XV500 vs Sony SRS-XP500
- Sony SRS-XV500 vs Sony SRS-XP700
- Sony SRS-XV500 vs Tronsmart Halo 300
- Sony SRS-XV500 vs Soundcore Rave 3S
- Sony SRS-XV500 vs Zealot PT21
- Sony SRS-XV500 vs W-King T12
- Sony SRS-XV500 vs Onn XL Wireless Party Speaker
- See all 26 comparisons
Soundcore Rave: $220 Discontinued eBay
Pros: 20,000mAh battery for 24-hour claimed playtime. Booming bass and crisp vocals with colorful LED light show. IPX4 waterproof design for poolside/beach/outdoor use. AI-assisted karaoke removes vocals in real-time via Soundcore app. Wireless microphones included, eight preset lighting modes. Can link multiple speakers together. Long battery life, fun light patterns synced to music. Measured bass extension of ~60Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Pretty big lack of deep bass, treble rolled off. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Rave review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~60Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 21.7” x 12.7” x 12.2” (552 x 322 x 310 mm) |
| Drivers | 60W: Multiple drivers + passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Lights | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 21.6 lbs (9.8 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons