Short answer: the Tribit PocketGo. It ranks #27 of 47 small speakers by sound quality at $20.99; the Sony SRS-XB12 ranks #39 and costs $79, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Tribit PocketGo side: Fuller low end than the JBL Go 5, despite the JBL’s clearer, more typical JBL sound. Set against that: Battery life isn’t the biggest for this speaker class.
What the Sony SRS-XB12 gets right: Aux in. The catch: Muddy, not much bass, peaky treble.
Buy the Tribit PocketGo. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sony SRS-XB12 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Sony SRS-XB12. It ranks near the bottom of the 47 small speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit PocketGo | Sony SRS-XB12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $20.99 | $79 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #27 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #39 of 47 in Small Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Output Power | 7W | 7W |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver | 46mm |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | 4.2 |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Charging Time | 3 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g | 0.5 lbs / 243 g |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) | 2.9" x 3.6"H (74 x 92 mm) (diameter) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| App | Yes (Tribit app) | No |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) | No |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) | - |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Stereo | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up | No |
| Power Bank | No | No |
| Party Mode | No | No |
| Discontinued | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 97Hz |
| Bluetooth Latency | - | 240ms |
| Max Volume | - | 93dB |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Hopestar H54 vs JBL Go 3
- JBL Clip 4 vs JBL Go 3
- JBL Go 3 vs Sony SRS-XB100
- Tribit PocketGo vs Soundcore Boom Go 3i
- Soundcore Select 4 Go vs Sony SRS-XB12
The Two Speakers In Full
Tribit PocketGo: $20.99 Amazon
Pros: Fuller low end than the JBL Go 5, despite the JBL’s clearer, more typical JBL sound. Costs about half the price of the JBL Go 5. Can stand, hang from its loop, or lay flat on its feet for flexible placement. About on par with the Soundcore Select 4 Go, and a touch louder at lower volumes. App support with signature EQ and customization.
Cons: Battery life isn’t the biggest for this speaker class. JBL Go 5 has better build quality plus lightshow, Auracast, and AirTouch. Loses more bass than the Soundcore Select 4 Go at maximum volume. Slightly nasal quality to the sound.
Full Tribit PocketGo review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Tribit app) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Battery Life | 20 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Charging Time | 3 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 4.3" x 3.2" x 1.7" (108 x 81 x 42 mm) |
| Discontinued | No |
| Drivers | 1x 45mm full-range driver |
| EQ | Yes (6 presets + custom) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes (up to 128GB) |
| Omnidirectional | Pointing up |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 220 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Sony SRS-XB12: $79 Discontinued
Pros: Aux in. 16 hour battery life. IP67 rated, palm-sized with a detachable strap for hanging on a bag or belt.
Cons: Muddy, not much bass, peaky treble. Discontinued.
Full Sony SRS-XB12 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 97Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 46mm |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 93dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 7W |
| Party Mode | No |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs / 243 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Harman Kardon Esquire Mini 2
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs JBL Clip 3
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Harman Kardon Neo
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs JBL Clip
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Lenovo 700 Ultraportable Bluetooth Speaker
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Sony SRS-XB13
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs Sony SRS-XB100
- Sony SRS-XB12 vs JBL Go 3
- See all 12 comparisons