Short answer: the Sony XB23 for better sound quality, the Klipsch Nashville for the lower price. The Sony XB23 ranks #64 of 136 medium speakers at $100. The Klipsch Nashville ranks #65 at $93, $7 cheaper.
What the Sony XB23 offers: Reasonably neutral. Watch for: Bass drops off a ton at high levels.
What the Klipsch Nashville gets right: Sturdy rubber-coated build. The catch: Upper bass boost.
Buy the Sony XB23 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch Nashville if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Klipsch Nashville is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the Sony XB23.
If water resistance matters to you, the Klipsch Nashville at IP67 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Sony XB23 at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony XB23 | Klipsch Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $93.00 |
| Ranked | #64 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #65 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz | ~64Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 95dB | 89dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 580 g | 2.1 lbs / 970 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 3" x 8.6" x 3" (76 x 218 x 76 mm) | 7" x 3.1" x 3.2" (178 x 78 x 81 mm) |
| Output Power | 8W RMS | 20W RMS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | - |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) | - |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 57mm fullrange |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | - | USB-C |
| TWS | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony XB23: $100
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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB23 vs JBL Flip 5 v Tribit Maxsound Plus
- 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
- Reddit Search for Sony XB23 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Klipsch Nashville: $93.00 Amazon
Pros: Sturdy rubber-coated build. ~24 hour battery life with fast 18W USB-C charging; can reverse-charge your phone. IP67 rated.
Cons: Upper bass boost. Bass not as deep as the top ranked speakers. Boosted lower treble, sounds a little harsh like most Klipsch speakers.
Full Klipsch Nashville review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~64Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7" x 3.1" x 3.2" (178 x 78 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 57mm fullrange |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 89dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs / 970 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch Nashville vs JBL Flip Essential
- Klipsch Nashville vs JBL Charge 3
- Klipsch Nashville vs JBL Flip 4
- Klipsch Nashville vs JBL Flip 5
- Klipsch Nashville vs JBL Charge Essential
- Klipsch Nashville vs Beats Pill 2024
- Klipsch Nashville vs JBL Charge 2
- Klipsch Nashville vs Bogasing M5
- See all 13 comparisons