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 XB23 ranks #77 (rated 3.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Soundcore 3 is the louder, deeper-bass option. Identical in acoustic design and performance to the retailer variant Soundcore Select 2. Its bass reaches about 60Hz before falling 10dB, against 67Hz for the Sony XB23. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 99dB at full volume, against 95dB for the Sony XB23. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Sony XB23.
The case for the Sony XB23: Reasonably neutral. Watch for: Bass drops off a ton at high levels.
Buy the Soundcore 3. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Sony XB23 is no longer sold new.
Water resistance is not close: the Soundcore 3 is rated at IPX7 (brief submersion), well ahead of the Sony XB23 at IPX4 (splashing).
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore 3 | Sony XB23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $59.99 | $100 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #62 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #77 of 157 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz | 67Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) |
| Bluetooth Latency | 180ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (372 g) | 1.3 lbs (580 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 2.2” x 2.3” (174 x 57 x 59 mm) | 3” x 8.6” x 3” (76 x 218 x 76 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 16W | 8W RMS |
| Drivers | 2x 38mm (1.5”) titanium diaphragm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | No | Yes (detachable strap) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | Yes |
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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 XB23: $100 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 1, ranked lower, rated 3.1/5.
Pros: Reasonably neutral. IP67 rated with a strap hook for backpacks. USB-C charging; up to 12 hour battery life. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass drops off a ton at high levels. Reduces its own volume over time when turned to max. Discontinued.
Full Sony XB23 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 8W RMS |
|---|---|
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3” x 8.6” x 3” (76 x 218 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (580 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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