Short answer: the Teufel Rockster Air 2 for better sound quality, the Sony SRS-XP500 for the lower price. The Teufel Rockster Air 2 ranks #13 of 50 party speakers at $499.99. The Sony SRS-XP500 ranks #18 at $368.99, $131 cheaper.
What the Teufel Rockster Air 2 offers: More consistent off-axis sound than the JBL Partybox 130, thanks to its single horn-loaded compression driver. The catch: Bass isn’t as deep as the JBL Partybox 130’s boosted bass, though the JBL’s is boomy rather than truly deep.
On the Sony SRS-XP500 side: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). 20-hour battery life, immersive room-filling sound. The tradeoff: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110.
Buy the Teufel Rockster Air 2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony SRS-XP500 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If battery life is a priority, the Teufel Rockster Air 2 is rated for 58 hours versus 20 hours for the Sony SRS-XP500.
Specifications Side By Side
| Teufel Rockster Air 2 | Sony SRS-XP500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $368.99 |
| Ranked | #13 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #18 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 58 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX HD, AAC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 12.7" x 23.2" x 13.5" (323 x 589 x 343 mm) | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Link Stereo, 2 speakers; XLR chaining up to 10) | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Partially |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Weight | 31.2 lbs / 14.15 kg | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg |
| Output Power | 80W | - |
| Drivers | 2-way: 1x 10" paper woofer, 1x 1" polypropylene tweeter | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| Discontinued | No | - |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Microphone Input | Yes (XLR) | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Guitar Input | Yes | Yes |
| XLR Input | Yes | - |
| Max Volume | 103dB RMS / 115dB peak @ 1m (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 42Hz |
| Charging Time | - | 3 hours |
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- JBL Partybox 100 vs Sony SRS-XP500
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The Two Speakers In Full
Teufel Rockster Air 2: $499.99 Amazon
Pros: More consistent off-axis sound than the JBL Partybox 130, thanks to its single horn-loaded compression driver. Projects sound more evenly to the sides, unlike the JBL’s narrower front-firing dispersion. Cleaner instrument separation at high volume than the JBL Partybox 130, which turns anemic and loses bass at max volume despite its bass boost.
Cons: Bass isn’t as deep as the JBL Partybox 130’s boosted bass, though the JBL’s is boomy rather than truly deep. Bass and treble aren’t perfectly controlled at maximum volume - can sound hollow or too bright unless turned down from default. Not meaningfully louder than its 3-year-old predecessor, and the reviewer found the overall tuning a bit worse.
Full Teufel Rockster Air 2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 58 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX HD, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.7" x 23.2" x 13.5" (323 x 589 x 343 mm) |
| Discontinued | No |
| Drivers | 2-way: 1x 10" paper woofer, 1x 1" polypropylene tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Max Volume | 103dB RMS / 115dB peak @ 1m (Manufacturer specified) |
| Microphone Input | Yes (XLR) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 80W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Link Stereo, 2 speakers; XLR chaining up to 10) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 31.2 lbs / 14.15 kg |
| XLR Input | Yes |
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Sony SRS-XP500: $368.99 Amazon
Pros: 20W 3-way speaker system with dual passive radiators, well-balanced sound (clear highs, detailed mids, punchy bass). 20-hour battery life, immersive room-filling sound. Party Connect feature links multiple compatible Sony speakers. USB charging port for device charging on-the-go. Built-in handle and IPX4 water resistance. Microphone input and karaoke support.
Cons: Not as loud and bass not as deep as a Partybox 100 or 110
Full Sony SRS-XP500 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.8" x 22.5" x 11.6" (275 x 572 x 295 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 140mm woofers + 2x 50mm tweeters |
| EQ | Yes |
| Guitar Input | Yes |
| IP Rating | None |
| Microphone Input | Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect) |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Partially |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs / 11.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons