Short answer: the Sony ULT Tower 5, because it is the newer and better-connected platform. Its 300W system, 9-inch woofer, removable battery, IPX4 rating, 10-band EQ and ULT modes make it a more current design. RCA, XLR, USB-C, microphone support and Sony Sound Connect give it far better flexibility for wired playback and party use, so pick the XP500 only for its smaller format or a specific legacy feature. The Sony SRS-XP500 is discontinued; its replacement is the Sony SRS-XV500.
The Tower 5 is the newer Sony party-speaker platform. Its 300W output, 9-inch woofer, removable battery, IPX4 rating, 10-band EQ and ULT modes make it a more current design than the XP500.
Choose the Tower 5 for inputs and control: RCA, XLR, USB-C, microphone support and Sony Sound Connect give it substantially better flexibility for wired playback and party use.
Choose the XP500 when its smaller format or a specific legacy feature is more important: Check the side-by-side battery, weight and connection rows below before deciding.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower 5. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Sony SRS-XP500 is discontinued.
If water resistance matters to you, the Sony ULT Tower 5 at IPX4 (splashing) holds up far better than the Sony SRS-XP500 at no water resistance.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A powerful party tower with deep bass, a removable long battery, and mic and XLR inputs for karaoke or DJ use.
A smaller party speaker with balanced, punchy sound, a long battery, splash resistance, and a mic input for karaoke.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower 5 | Sony SRS-XP500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $348.00 | $549.99 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #15 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1” x 21.1” x 11.1” (358 x 536 x 282 mm) | 10.8” x 22.5” x 11.6” (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| Drivers | 3 drivers: 1x 9” woofer, 2x 2.4” tweeter | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat) | Yes |
| Guitar Input | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 300W | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C charging) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | Yes | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | No |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A and USB-C) | Yes |
| Weight | 28 lbs (12.7 kg) | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| Wi-Fi | No | - |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
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