Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Sony XB23 is the better pick: it ranks #84 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.3/5), against #161 (rated 2.2/5) for the Ultimate Ears Roll 2. If you want one new, the Sony ULT Field 1 replaces the Sony XB23 and is rated 3.1/5 at $138.
The Sony XB23 is the better-sounding choice. Reasonably neutral. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Ultimate Ears Roll 2. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The tradeoff: Bass drops off a ton at high levels.
The Ultimate Ears Roll 2 is the lighter, tougher option. Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse. At 0.7 lbs (330 g) it weighs much less than the Sony XB23 at 1.3 lbs (580 g). It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the Sony XB23. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Sony XB23 lacks. The tradeoff: Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis.
Buy the Sony XB23 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Sony ULT Field 1, which replaces the Sony XB23.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony XB23 | Ultimate Ears Roll 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 Discontinued | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #84 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #161 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (580 g) | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Dimensions | 3” x 8.6” x 3” (76 x 218 x 76 mm) | 5.9” x 5.3” x 1.6” (149.5 x 135 x 40 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 8W RMS | 10W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) | Yes (5-band via UE ROLL app) |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) | Yes (UE Roll app) |
| Drivers | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators | 1x 2” full-range + 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| IP Rating | IPX4 | IPX7 |
| 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) | - |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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, released Apr 2024.
Older models: the Sony SRS-XB20 (ranked lower, rated 2.8/5) and the Sony SRS-XB21 (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5). See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
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 →
| Released | May 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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: Huawei Sound Joy vs Sony xb23 - worse or worser? 🤭 More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB23 vs XB33 - specs and measurements
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB23 vs JBL Flip 5 v Tribit Maxsound Plus
- GYMCADDY: Sony XE200 Review And Compared to Sony XB23 - It Got The XE300 Treatment More from GYMCADDY →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ultimate Ears Roll 2: $100 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Ultimate Ears Miniroll, rated 3.9/5, released Sep 2024. It adds built-in mic and stereo pairing, but drops the aux input, app control and adjustable EQ. Battery life goes from 9 to 12 hours. See every Ultimate Ears Roll generation.
Pros: Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse. Built-in bungee cord for hanging from a hook, nail, or door handle. Life-resistant waterproof/dustproof shell.
Cons: Not stereo. Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis. Discontinued.
Full Ultimate Ears Roll 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 10W |
| App | Yes (UE Roll app) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 5.3” x 1.6” (149.5 x 135 x 40 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 2” full-range + 2x 0.75” tweeters |
| EQ | Yes (5-band via UE ROLL app) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (330 g) |
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