Short answer: the Sony XB33 for better sound quality, the JBL Flip 5 for the lower price. The Sony XB33 ranks #59 of 136 medium speakers at $110. The JBL Flip 5 ranks #62 at $89.95, $20.05 cheaper.
What the Sony XB33 gets right: IP67 rated and lightweight (2.4 lb). The catch: Not very loud.
What the JBL Flip 5 offers: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Watch for: Not stereo.
Buy the Sony XB33 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL Flip 5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Sony XB33 is rated for 24 hours versus 12 hours for the JBL Flip 5.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony XB33 | JBL Flip 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $110 | $89.95 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #59 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #62 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Connect App) | - |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 110ms | 200ms |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 97dB | 92dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | - |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg | 1.2 lbs / 540 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 9.7" x 3.8" x 4.2" (246 x 97 x 106 mm) | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Output Power | 16W RMS | 20W RMS |
| Drivers | 2x 48x70mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | - | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Sony XB33: $110
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.
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.
Full Sony XB33 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Music Connect App) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Max Volume | 97dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony xb33 vs xb43 vs Soundcore Motion Plus speakers test
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- GYMCADDY: Sony XE300 Review And Compared to Sony XB33 - A Muffled Mess
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- 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?
- Reddit Search for Sony XB33 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL Flip 5: $89.95 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Compact and light (1.1 lb) with a carry lanyard. Charges via USB-C, topping off in about 2.5 hours. IP67 rated.
Cons: Not stereo. Boosted upper bass. Piercing sound when turned up. Peaky lower treble at higher volumes. Discontinued.
Full JBL Flip 5 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 200ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1" x 2.7" x 2.9" (181 x 69 x 74 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1x 44x80mm fullrange |
| EQ | Yes (via JBL app, sunsetted in 2024) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Max Volume | 92dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs / 540 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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