Short answer: the Sony XB33 for better sound quality, the Klipsch Nashville for the lower price. The Sony XB33 ranks #59 of 136 medium speakers at $110. The Klipsch Nashville ranks #65 at $93, $17 cheaper.
What the Sony XB33 offers: 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. Set against that: Not very loud. Upper bass peaks, midrange dip, upper midrange peaks, not very neutral.
The case for the Klipsch Nashville: Sturdy rubber-coated build. ~24 hour battery life with fast 18W USB-C charging; can reverse-charge your phone. The tradeoff: Upper bass boost. Bass not as deep as the top ranked speakers. Boosted lower treble, sounds a little harsh like most Klipsch speakers.
Buy the Sony XB33 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch Nashville if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Sony XB33 | Klipsch Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $110 | $93.00 |
| Ranked | #59 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #65 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Connect App) | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz | ~64Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | - |
| Bluetooth Latency | 110ms | - |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | - |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 97dB | 89dB |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Broadcast Mode) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) | Yes (USB-C, 10W) |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs / 1.1 kg | 2.1 lbs / 970 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 9.7" x 3.8" x 4.2" (246 x 97 x 106 mm) | 7" x 3.1" x 3.2" (178 x 78 x 81 mm) |
| Output Power | 16W RMS | 20W RMS |
| Drivers | 2x 48x70mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 57mm fullrange |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Built in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | USB-C |
| TWS | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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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
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- Reddit Search for Sony XB33 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
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