Short answer: the Klipsch Groove, if you are buying new. The Sony XB23 ranks higher than it (#77 vs #105 of 157 medium speakers, 3.3/5 vs 2.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Klipsch Groove is still sold new at $9.
The Sony XB23 is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. Reasonably neutral. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Klipsch Groove. At 1.3 lbs (580 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Klipsch Groove at 1.7 lbs (770 g). It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Klipsch Groove lacks. The catch: Bass drops off a ton at high levels.
The case for the Klipsch Groove: Pretty balanced sound in a compact, splash-resistant form factor. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Sony XB23 lacks. Watch for: Bass doesn’t go as deep as class leaders.
Buy the Klipsch Groove if you want one new; the Sony XB23 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony XB23 | Klipsch Groove | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 Discontinued | 9.00 |
| Ranked | #77 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #105 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (580 g) | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| 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) |
| Amplifier 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 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | No |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Sony XB23
- JBL Charge 6 vs Sony XB23
- JBL Flip 6 vs Sony XB23
Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 1, ranked lower, rated 3.1/5.
Pros: Reasonably neutral. IP67 rated with a strap hook for backpacks. USB-C charging; up to 12 hour battery life. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass drops off a ton at high levels. Reduces its own volume over time when turned to max. Discontinued.
Full Sony XB23 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 8W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (580 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB23 vs JBL Flip 5 v Tribit Maxsound Plus More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Huawei Sound Joy vs Sony xb23 - worse or worser? 🤭
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB23 vs XB33 - specs and measurements
- GYMCADDY: Sony XE200 Review And Compared to Sony XB23 - It Got The XE300 Treatment More from GYMCADDY →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Klipsch Groove: 9.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Pretty balanced sound in a compact, splash-resistant form factor. IPX4 water resistance and ~8 hour battery life make it durable for outdoor and poolside use. 3-inch high excursion full-range driver paired with dual side-firing passive radiators.
Cons: Not stereo. Bass doesn’t go as deep as class leaders. Distortion sets in at higher output levels. Older Bluetooth 4.0 architecture without app EQ.
Full Klipsch Groove review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 10W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| 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 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
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