Short answer: the Soundcore 3. It ranks #62 of 157 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5) at $59.99 and is still sold new; the Sony SRS-XB20 ranks #110 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Soundcore 3 is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. Identical in acoustic design and performance to the retailer variant Soundcore Select 2. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Sony SRS-XB20. At 0.8 lbs (372 g) it weighs noticeably 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 keeps a wired aux input, which the Soundcore 3 lacks. Watch for: Sounds thin at higher volumes.
Buy the Soundcore 3. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Sony SRS-XB20 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore 3 | Sony SRS-XB20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $129 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #62 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #110 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (SongPal) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | - |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) | 7.8” x 2.7” x 2.7” (198 x 68 x 69 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 20W |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 42mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | - |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
| Power Bank | - | No |
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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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Soundcore 3: $59.99 Amazon eBay
Older model: the Soundcore 2 (ranked lower, rated 3/5).
Pros: Soundcore 3 uses 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators. Its 372 g, claimed 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, up to 99dB and stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Identical in acoustic design and performance to the retailer variant Soundcore Select 2. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 60Hz specification.
Full Soundcore 3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
|---|---|
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony SRS-XB20: $129 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 1, ranked higher, rated 3.1/5.
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 →
| 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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