Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Tribit Xsound Surf is the better pick: it ranks #104 of 175 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 3.0/5), against #155 (rated 2.3/5) for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. If you want one new, the EarFun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The Tribit Xsound Surf is the better-sounding, tougher choice. Rugged rubberized frame with a metal grille. It is rated IPX7 against IPX4 for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 lacks. The tradeoff: Bass doesn’t go as deep as others, strange midrange peaks.
The Harman Kardon Esquire 2 is the lighter option. Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. At 0.8 lbs (350 g) it weighs noticeably less than the Tribit Xsound Surf at 1 lbs (440 g). The catch: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume.
Buy the Tribit Xsound Surf 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, start with the EarFun Uboom L instead.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tribit Xsound Surf | Harman Kardon Esquire 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $26 Discontinued | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #104 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #155 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Weight | 1 lbs (440 g) | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Dimensions | 7” x 2.2” x 2.1” (178 x 57 x 54 mm) | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 12W RMS | 16W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Built-in Microphone | Likely Yes (based on Tribit pattern) | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | No |
| App | Yes | No |
| Drivers | 40W: 2x drivers with passive radiator | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| TWS | Yes | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
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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
Tribit Xsound Surf: $26 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Rugged rubberized frame with a metal grille. About 20% louder than the XSound Go at the same volume. IPX7 rated, USB-C charging, and pairs with a second Surf for stereo.
Cons: Bass doesn’t go as deep as others, strange midrange peaks. Discontinued.
Full Tribit Xsound Surf review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 12W RMS |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 10 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built-in Microphone | Likely Yes (based on Tribit pattern) |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7” x 2.2” x 2.1” (178 x 57 x 54 mm) |
| Drivers | 40W: 2x drivers with passive radiator |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1 lbs (440 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Tribit XSound Surf vs. XSound Go (Upgraded Model) Bluetooth Speaker Sound Comparison. More from JaysStraightUpReviews →
- Jay’s Straight Up Reviews & More: Zealot S61 🦨 Bluetooth Speaker Review & Sound Comparison to Tribit XSound Surf. Another Zealot dud❓
- Aphid Tech: Tribit XSound Surf vs Soundcore 2 - With Sound Comparison!
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Tribit Xsound Surf vs Tribit Stormbox 2
- Tribit Xsound Surf vs Soundcore 2
- Tribit Xsound Surf vs Tribit Xsound Go
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- Tribit Xsound Surf vs Sony ULT Field 1
- Tribit Xsound Surf vs Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3
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- See all 74 comparisons
Harman Kardon Esquire 2: $200 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. Flat, compact design packs easily. USB charge-out for topping off a phone.
Cons: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 16W |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 5.1” x 1.3” (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 4x 1.25” (32mm) full-range drivers |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs (0.35 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Ultimate Ears Roll 2
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini
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- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs LG Xboom Go PL5
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Sony SRS-XE200
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Tribit Stormbox Mini+
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4
- Harman Kardon Esquire 2 vs Zealot S61
- See all 72 comparisons