Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is the better pick: it ranks #5 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5), against #133 (rated 2.6/5) for the Sony SRS-XB30. If you want one new, the Sony ULT Field 3 replaces the Sony SRS-XB30 and is rated 3.4/5 at $208.
The Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 is the better-sounding, lighter choice. A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. At 1.3 lbs (590 g) it weighs much less than the Sony SRS-XB30 at 2.2 lbs (1 kg). It is rated IPX7 against IPX5 for the Sony SRS-XB30. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. Watch for: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video.
The Sony SRS-XB30 is the longer-running choice. A compact 2.2 lbs (1 kg) portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 12 for the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 lacks. The catch: Independent lab listening rates music fidelity only fair: bass has impact but is boomy and lacks the deepest notes, while the midrange can sound hazy, muffled and grainy.
Buy the Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Sony ULT Field 3, which replaces the Sony SRS-XB30.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $60 Discontinued | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #5 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #133 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (9 band) | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 150ms | - |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm) | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) | 20W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 compares with other leading options:
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Motion 300
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Motion+
- Denon Envaya DSB-250BT vs Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021
- Minirig 4 vs Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs B&O Beosound A1
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 Boost “upgraded” 2021: $60 Discontinued eBay
Older model: the Soundcore Boost “original model” pre-2021 (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every Soundcore Boost generation.
Pros: A very neutral good sounding inexpensive small speaker with quite deep bass for the size. This upgraded version has a usb-c port while the old one has micro usb. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Slight DSP tuning issue which makes bass get lighter at times at very low volumes, examples in oluv’s video. Discontinued and no longer sold new.
Full Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W (10W × 2) |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 150ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8” x 2.8” x 2.7” (204 x 72 x 69 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.75” (44mm) x 2 active drivers and one passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes (9 band) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 99dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A, 5V/1A) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (590 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: JBL Flip 6 vs Maxsound Plus and Soundcore Boost - ultimate travel speaker! More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Bogasing M4 or Soundcore Boost or Maxsound Plus for $50 champion?? 🤷♀️
- Alan Ross Reviews: £50/$50 bluetooth speaker shootout! Tribit Xsound Mega vs Soundcore Boost and others…👍
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sonos Roam Review and specs - vs maxsound plus, soundcore boost and others! 👍
- Alan Ross Reviews: Soundcore Motion 300 or JBL Flip 6 or Soundcore Boost v2? we all have issues!
- Alan Ross Reviews: 2x Soundcore Boost (stereo) vs Motion Boom and Motion+ - Best Soundcore speaker? 😋
- Alan Ross Reviews: Bogasing G4 spot cheap speaker - I was NOT expecting this!
- Alan Ross Reviews: Bose Soundlink Flex vs Soundcore Boost vs Bogasing M4 - cheap or Bose?
- Alan Ross Reviews: Soundcore Boost vs Soundcore 3 - Best small bluetooth speaker❓
- Alan Ross Reviews: Marshall Emberton vs JBL Flip 5 & Soundcore Boost - true stereophonic 🤓
- Alan Ross Reviews: 1 million views! Best Budget Tws? Tozo Pa1 Review and sound test
- Alan Ross Reviews: Earfun UBoom L Review Speaker tuned by a Geek vs Soundcore Motion Plus $100 dollar best portable?
- Alan Ross Reviews: Small speakers, Bogasing M5 speaker takes on the usual suspects!
- Speakertech: Anker soundcore Boost (Upgraded) vs minirig mini in stereo /2.0 (and changing the equalizer)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Denon Envaya DSB-250BT
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Motion+
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Minirig 4
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs Soundcore Motion 300
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs B&O Beosound A1
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Charge 6
- Soundcore Boost “upgraded” 2021 vs JBL Flip 6
- See all 77 comparisons
Sony SRS-XB30: $199 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony ULT Field 3, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5, released Apr 2025. See every Sony XB and ULT generation.
Pros: A compact 1kg portable with IPX5 splash protection, aux input, LDAC/AAC support, Sony’s app, speakerphone capability, power-bank output, stereo pairing and Party Chain linking. It reaches a useful 95dB maximum level and has a claimed 24-hour battery life at moderate volume, making it a convenient older outdoor option. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Independent lab listening rates music fidelity only fair: bass has impact but is boomy and lacks the deepest notes, while the midrange can sound hazy, muffled and grainy. Its micro-USB charging and older Bluetooth 4.2 platform now feel dated, so it is best considered for features and used-market value rather than sound quality. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB30 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 20W |
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Maximum SPL | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Soundcore Flare 2
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Teufel Rockster Go
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs W-King D8 Mini
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Marshall Emberton II
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Marshall Emberton III
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs B&O Beosound Explore
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Bose SoundLink Color II
- Sony SRS-XB30 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini+
- See all 90 comparisons