Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Soundcore Mini 3 is the better pick: it ranks #9 of 62 small speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5), against #53 (rated 2.5/5) for the Sony SRS-XB12. If you want one new, the Sony SRS-XB100 replaces the Sony SRS-XB12 and is rated 2.9/5 at $44.
The Soundcore Mini 3 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. Deeper bass than most speakers its size. Its bass reaches about 58Hz before falling 10dB, against 97Hz for the Sony SRS-XB12. It links with other speakers (PartyCast up to 100 speakers), which the Sony SRS-XB12 cannot. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Sony SRS-XB12 lacks. The catch: Rolled off highs.
The Sony SRS-XB12 is the louder pick. A detachable strap hangs it from a bag or belt. Alan Ross Reviews measured it at 93dB at full volume, against 87dB for the Soundcore Mini 3. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Soundcore Mini 3 lacks. Watch for: Muddy, with little bass and peaky treble.
Buy the Soundcore Mini 3 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 SRS-XB100, which replaces the Sony SRS-XB12.
Want more options? Browse the full Portable Bluetooth rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Mini 3 | Sony SRS-XB12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $41 Discontinued | $79 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #9 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #53 of 62 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms | 240ms |
| Maximum SPL | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | Pointing up |
| TWS | No | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (249 g) | 0.5 lbs (243 g) |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Charging Time | 3-4 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Amplifier Power | 6W | 7W |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 2.8” x 3.3” (71.1 x 71.1 x 83.8 mm) | 2.9” x 3.6”H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| Drivers | 52mm full-range driver | 46mm |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | - | Yes (detachable strap) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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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 Mini 3: $41 Discontinued eBay
Older models: the Soundcore Mini (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5) and the Soundcore Mini 2 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every Soundcore Mini generation.
Pros: Soundcore Mini 3 uses 52mm full-range driver. Its 249 g, claimed 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, up to 87dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Deeper bass than most speakers its size. Measured bass extension of 58Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 58Hz specification. Rolled off highs. Discontinued.
Full Soundcore Mini 3 review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 6W |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 160ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3-4 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 2.8” x 3.3” (71.1 x 71.1 x 83.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 52mm full-range driver |
| EQ | Yes |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Maximum SPL | 87dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyCast up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (249 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Sony SRS-XB12: $79 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Sony SRS-XB100, ranked higher, rated 2.9/5, released May 2023. See every Sony XB compact generation.
Pros: Sony SRS-XB12 uses 46mm. Its 243 g, claimed 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP67 protection, up to 93dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. A detachable strap hangs it from a bag or belt. Measured bass extension of 97Hz (-10dB).
Cons: Bass is limited by its 97Hz specification. There is no companion app. No EQ adjustment. Muddy, with little bass and peaky treble. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB12 review and specifications →
| Released | May 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 7W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Latency | 240ms |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 4.5 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 2.9” x 3.6”H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| Drivers | 46mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Maximum SPL | 93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs (243 g) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB12 vs Soundcore Mini 3 - size matters! bluetooth speakers test! More from alanrossreviews →
- Alan Ross Reviews: Sony XB13 vs XB12 - review and full sound test - best small speaker? 🙄
- DLX Willington: Jbl Go 3 vs Sony XB12 Sound Battle With Sound Sample More from DLXWillington →
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