Short answer: the Sony XB23 for better sound quality, the Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove for the lower price. The Sony XB23 ranks #64 of 136 medium speakers at $100. The Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove ranks #90 at $89, $11 cheaper.
What the Sony XB23 offers: Reasonably neutral. IP67 rated with a strap hook for backpacks. USB-C charging; up to 12 hour battery life. Watch for: Bass drops off a ton at high levels. Reduces its own volume over time when turned to max
What the Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove offers: Pretty balanced sound. Distinctive mid-century design with real wood veneer and a woven grille, unlike most plastic/rubber portables. ~8 hour battery life. Watch for: Not stereo. Bass doesn’t go as deep as others its size. Gets distorted at higher levels. Wouldn’t generally recommend these old speakers as they can’t compete with modern speakers for bass performance and features.
Buy the Sony XB23 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony XB23 | Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $89.00 |
| Ranked | #64 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #90 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 95dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 580 g | 1.7 lbs / 770 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Dimensions | 3" x 8.6" x 3" (76 x 218 x 76 mm) | 5" x 6" x 2.6" (127 x 152 x 67 mm) |
| Output Power | 8W RMS | 10W RMS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) | No |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) | No |
| Drivers | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators | 1x 3" full-range driver + 2x side-firing passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 (Groove), none (Heritage Groove) |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | Micro USB |
| TWS | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 27, 2026 at 10:09 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 XB23: $100 eBay
Pros: Reasonably neutral. IP67 rated with a strap hook for backpacks. USB-C charging; up to 12 hour battery life.
Cons: Bass drops off a ton at high levels. Reduces its own volume over time when turned to max
Full Sony XB23 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3" x 8.6" x 3" (76 x 218 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 95dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 8W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 580 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove: $89.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Pretty balanced sound. Distinctive mid-century design with real wood veneer and a woven grille, unlike most plastic/rubber portables. ~8 hour battery life.
Cons: Not stereo. Bass doesn’t go as deep as others its size. Gets distorted at higher levels. Wouldn’t generally recommend these old speakers as they can’t compete with modern speakers for bass performance and features.
Full Klipsch Groove/Heritage Groove review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5" x 6" x 2.6" (127 x 152 x 67 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 3" full-range driver + 2x side-firing passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 (Groove), none (Heritage Groove) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 10W RMS |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs / 770 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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