Short answer: the Sony ULT Tower 7 for better sound quality, the Sony SRS-XP500 for the lower price. The Sony ULT Tower 7 ranks #1 of 53 party speakers at $649.99. The Sony SRS-XP500 ranks #20 at $549.99, $100 cheaper.
These speakers sit at different scales. The Tower 7 offers 420W, a claimed 30-hour battery, 360-degree seven-driver sound, wheels and a full RCA/XLR/USB-C input section. The XP500 is the older, smaller Sony party-speaker approach.
Choose the Tower 7 for a larger event: Its higher claimed output, rear tweeters and better wired connectivity make it more suitable for a wide room, DJ source or extended battery-powered party.
Choose the XP500 for a less demanding setup: Its smaller size can be the better fit where the Tower 7’s extra scale is unnecessary.
Buy the Sony ULT Tower 7 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Sony SRS-XP500 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Battery life favors the Sony ULT Tower 7: rated for 30 hours against 20 hours for the Sony SRS-XP500.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Sony ULT Tower 7 at IPX4 (splashing) against the Sony SRS-XP500, which has no water resistance.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony ULT Tower 7 | Sony SRS-XP500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649.99 | $549.99 |
| Ranked | #1 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #20 of 53 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) | Yes |
| Aux Input | RCA input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (lights off; manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 | 13.7" x 16.6" x 28" (348 x 422 x 711 mm) | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| Drivers | 7 drivers: 1x woofer, 2x midrange, 2x front tweeter, 2x rear 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 | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) | No |
| Output Power | 420W | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC power cord | AC Power cord |
| Removable Battery | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) | No |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) | Yes |
| Weight | 50.3 lbs / 22.8 kg | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg |
| Wifi | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Sony ULT Tower 7:
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs JBL Partybox 330
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- Sony ULT Tower 5 vs Sony ULT Tower 7
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs Sony SRS-XP700
- Bose S1 Pro+ vs Sony SRS-XP500
Prices on this page were last checked September 12, 2026 at 9:50 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 ULT Tower 7: $649.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A compelling large-party value at $649.99: 420W output, an IPX4-rated 30-hour battery, 360-degree sound, wheels and four carry handles at 22.8kg. The full review praises its punchy, clean ULT1 bass, ULT2’s higher-output mode, simplified controls and unusually complete I/O: USB-C, USB-A, RCA, balanced XLR and mic input.
Cons: The reviewer notes that Auracast pairing is not backward-compatible with Sony’s older Party Connect speakers, and the hard-plastic corners lack protective rubber bumpers. IPX4 is splash resistance rather than full weatherproofing; the 30-hour claim requires lights off.
Full Sony ULT Tower 7 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Sound Connect) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | RCA input |
| Battery Life | 30 hours (lights off; manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 13.7" x 16.6" x 28" (348 x 422 x 711 mm) |
| Drivers | 7 drivers: 1x woofer, 2x midrange, 2x front tweeter, 2x rear tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat) |
| Guitar Input | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Microphone Input | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes (360 degree Party Sound) |
| Output Power | 420W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Auracast) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB charging) |
| Power Input | AC power cord |
| Removable Battery | No |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes (Stereo Pair) |
| USB Playback | Yes (USB-A) |
| Weight | 50.3 lbs / 22.8 kg |
| Wifi | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs JBL Partybox 330
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs JBL Partybox Stage 320
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs Sony ULT Tower 5
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs Sony SRS-XP700
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs JBL Partybox 520
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs Sony ULT Tower Max
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs Sony ULT Tower 9
- Sony ULT Tower 7 vs Sony ULT Tower 10
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. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-10dB).
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