Short answer: the Soundcore 2. It ranks #106 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.0/5) at $29.99 and is still sold new; the Sony SRS-XB20 ranks #120 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Sony SRS-XB20’s replacement, the Sony ULT Field 1, is rated 3.1/5 at $138.
The Soundcore 2 is the longer-running, lighter pick. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Sony SRS-XB20. At 0.7 lbs (318 g) it weighs much less than the Sony SRS-XB20 at 1.3 lbs (590 g). It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the Sony SRS-XB20.
Why pick the Sony SRS-XB20: It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Soundcore 2 lacks. The catch: Sounds thin at higher volumes.
Buy the Soundcore 2. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Sony SRS-XB20 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore 2 | Sony SRS-XB20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29.99 | $129 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #106 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #120 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (318 g) | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm fullrange | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Dimensions | 6.6” x 1.9” x 2.2” (168 x 47 x 56 mm) | 7.8” x 2.7” x 2.7” (198 x 68 x 69 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 12W | 20W |
| App | No | Yes (SongPal) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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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
Soundcore 2: $29.99 Amazon $29.99 eBay
Newer model: the Soundcore 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Jan 2021. It adds app control and adjustable EQ, but drops the aux input. See every Soundcore 2 and 3 generation.
Pros: Soundcore 2 uses 2x 38mm fullrange. Its 318 g, claimed 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: Its 70Hz to 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification points to limited deep-bass reach for the cabinet size. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment.
Full Soundcore 2 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 12W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.6” x 1.9” x 2.2” (168 x 47 x 56 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm fullrange |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (318 g) |
- Links
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Sony SRS-XB20: $129 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 1, ranked higher, rated 3.1/5, released Apr 2024. See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
Pros: Sony SRS-XB20 uses 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators. Its 590 g, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX5 protection, aux input and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use.
Cons: No EQ adjustment. Sounds thin at higher volumes. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB20 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes (SongPal) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 2.7” x 2.7” (198 x 68 x 69 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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