Short answer: the Sony XB23 ranks #64 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $100; the Ultimate Ears Roll 2 ranks #125 at $100. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
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 Ultimate Ears Roll 2 offers: Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse; light at 0.73 lb. Built-in bungee cord for hanging from a hook, nail, or door handle. Life-resistant waterproof/dustproof shell. Watch for: Not stereo. Barely any bass, rolled off treble off axis
Buy the Sony XB23. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Ultimate Ears Roll 2 at the same price, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
Skip the Ultimate Ears Roll 2 if sound quality matters to you. It ranks near the bottom of the 136 medium speakers.
There is a real gap in water resistance: the Ultimate Ears Roll 2 at IPX7 (brief submersion) against the Sony XB23, which has IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony XB23 | Ultimate Ears Roll 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100 | $100 |
| Ranked | #64 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #125 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 95dB | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | - |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 580 g | 0.7 lbs / 330 g |
| 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) |
| Output Power | 8W RMS | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | - |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) | - |
| 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 |
| TWS | - | No |
| Power Input | - | Micro USB |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
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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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- Reddit Search for Sony XB23 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ultimate Ears Roll 2: $100 eBay
Pros: Thin, flat profile fits easily in a bag or purse; light at 0.73 lb. 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
Full Ultimate Ears Roll 2 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (UE Roll app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs / 330 g |
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