Short answer: the XB33, and it avoids the Flip 4’s battery risk. The Sony is IP67 rated and lightweight at 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg), though it is not very loud. The JBL Flip 4 has less bass than a Flip 5, and battery failures are common, so the XB33 is the safer long-term pick.
Buy the Sony XB33 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, start with the Earfun Uboom L instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony XB33 | JBL Flip 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $110 Discontinued | $70 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #67 of 151 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #73 of 151 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Connect App) | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 110ms | 300ms |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 97dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | - |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) | 1.1 lbs (510 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 9.7” x 3.8” x 4.2” (246 x 97 x 106 mm) | 6.9” x 2.8” x 2.6” (175 x 70 x 65 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS | 16W RMS |
| Drivers | 2x 48x70mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Strap | - | Yes (lanyard) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Sony XB33:
- Soundcore Motion 300 vs Sony XB33
- Soundcore Motion+ vs Sony XB33
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Sony XB33
- JBL Charge 6 vs Sony XB33
- JBL Flip 6 vs Sony XB33
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Sony XB33: $110 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5.
Pros: IP67 rated and lightweight (2.4 lb). App-controlled color LED lighting, Party Connect links up to 100 speakers. ~19 hour real-world battery without lights. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Not very loud. Upper bass peaks, midrange dip, upper midrange peaks, not very neutral. Speaker will not remain at max volume and will turn itself down automatically. Discontinued.
Full Sony XB33 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Sony Music Connect App) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 110ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.7” x 3.8” x 4.2” (246 x 97 x 106 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48x70mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Lights | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 97dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony xb33 vs xb43 vs Soundcore Motion Plus speakers test More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Charge 5 vs Motion Plus and Sony XB33 - ultimate travel speaker 2021 🤗
- GYMCADDY: Sony XE300 Review And Compared to Sony XB33 - A Muffled Mess More from GYMCADDY →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Tribit Xsound Mega vs the world! (JBL Charge 5, Bose Flex, Sony XB33, LG PL7) 👍
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB33 vs XB32 vs JBL Charge 4 best £120 bluetooth speaker?
- Alan Ross Reviews: LG Xboom Go PL7 vs JBL Charge 4 and Sony XB33 - best Bluetooth speaker?
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Flip 4: $70 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the JBL Flip 7, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5.
Pros: At 510 g, JBL Flip 4 combines 2x 40mm fullrange with Bluetooth and aux. Claimed 12 hours (manufacturer specified) battery life, ipx7 protection, up to 92db and single-box playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 66Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Battery failures are common. Discontinued.
Full JBL Flip 4 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 300ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.8” x 2.6” (175 x 70 x 65 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Connect+ up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (lanyard) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (510 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DLX Willington: JBL Flip 5 vs Flip 4 :Sound Battle: Almost to the size of the JBL Charge 3? More from DLXWillington →
- GYMCADDY: Best $100 Speaker? JBL Flip 4 Vs Sony XB20 Vs UE WONDERBOOM Vs Altec Mini Lifejacket 2 More from GYMCADDY →
- GYMCADDY: Best $100 Speaker? JBL Flip 4 Vs Sony XB20 Vs UE WONDERBOOM Vs Altec Mini Lifejacket 2
- Head-to-Head Comparisons