Short answer: the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021. It ranks #13 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $60; the Sony XB23 ranks #64 and costs $100, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
What the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 offers: A great sounding neutral speaker. Watch for: This old version has micro-usb charging. Only IPX5.
What the Sony XB23 offers: Reasonably neutral. IP67 rated with a strap hook for backpacks. USB-C charging; up to 12 hour battery life. Watch for: Bass drops off a ton at high levels. Reduces its own volume over time when turned to max
Buy the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sony XB23 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 | Sony XB23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 Discontinued | $100 |
| Ranked | #13 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #64 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | - |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | - |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 590 g | 1.3 lbs / 580 g |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 1.75" x 2 active drivers + passive radiator | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Output Power | 20W (10W × 2) | 8W RMS |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 67Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 95dB |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Dimensions | - | 3" x 8.6" x 3" (76 x 218 x 76 mm) |
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- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Sony XB23
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Prices on this page were last checked August 27, 2026 at 10:09 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 Boost “original model” pre-2021: $60 Discontinued eBay
Pros: A great sounding neutral speaker.
Cons: This old version has micro-usb charging. Only IPX5. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1.75" x 2 active drivers + passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W (10W × 2) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 590 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Flip 6
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Flip 7
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs JBL Charge 6
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Xiaomi Sound Party
- Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 vs Tribit Xsound Mega
- See all 73 comparisons
Sony XB23: $100 eBay
Pros: Reasonably neutral. IP67 rated with a strap hook for backpacks. USB-C charging; up to 12 hour battery life.
Cons: Bass drops off a ton at high levels. Reduces its own volume over time when turned to max
Full Sony XB23 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 |
| Max Volume | 95dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 8W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 580 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB23 vs JBL Flip 5 v Tribit Maxsound Plus More from alanrossreviews →
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