Short answer: the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom for better sound quality, the Sony GTK-XB72 for the lower price. The Ultimate Ears Hyperboom ranks #31 of 50 party speakers at $449.99. The Sony GTK-XB72 ranks #47 at $349, $100.99 cheaper.
What the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom gets right: Strong audio performance with 2x 4.5” woofers, 2x 1” tweeters, 2x passive radiators. The catch: Very expensive for what it does, a bit dull and muddy sound.
On the Sony GTK-XB72 side: Exceptional sound quality, powerful bass, vibrant multi-colored LED lights. Set against that: No deep bass at all, weird midrange peak, rolled off treble and overall strange tuning.
Buy the Ultimate Ears Hyperboom if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Sony GTK-XB72 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Sony GTK-XB72. It ranks near the bottom of the 50 party speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Ultimate Ears Hyperboom | Sony GTK-XB72 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 | $349 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #31 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #47 of 50 in Party Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz | ~56Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 23 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Charging Time | 2.6 hours | - |
| Dimensions | 7.5" x 7.5" x 14.3" (190 x 190 x 364 mm) | - |
| Drivers | 2x 5.66" woofers, 2x 0.98" tweeters, passive radiators | 10cm driver + passive radiators |
| EQ | No | No |
| IP Rating | None | None |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power brick | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | No | No |
| USB Playback | No | Yes |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg | 26.9 lbs / 12.2 kg |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- Sony GTK-XB90 vs Sony GTK-XB60
- Mackie Thump Go vs Sony GTK-XB90
- Sony GTK-XB90 vs Sony GTK-XB72
- Sony SRS-XP700 vs Ultimate Ears Hyperboom
The Two Speakers In Full
Ultimate Ears Hyperboom: $449.99 Amazon
Pros: Strong audio performance with 2x 4.5” woofers, 2x 1” tweeters, 2x passive radiators. Up to 24 hours battery at 50% volume (3 hours at max). Adaptive bass compensation for wall-reflective environments. Dual Bluetooth pairing, aux and optical inputs, USB-out for device charging. IPX4 splash-proof. Sliding rubber handle and compact square design.
Cons: Very expensive for what it does, a bit dull and muddy sound. Not as loud as others in the class. Bass not as deep as a Partybox 100. External power brick for charging.
Full Ultimate Ears Hyperboom review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Charging Time | 2.6 hours |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5" x 7.5" x 14.3" (190 x 190 x 364 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 5.66" woofers, 2x 0.98" tweeters, passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (PartyUp up to 50 speakers) |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | AC Power brick |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | No |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg |
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Sony GTK-XB72: $349 Discontinued
Pros: Exceptional sound quality, powerful bass, vibrant multi-colored LED lights. ClearAudio+ and Extra Bass technology for dynamic sound. LIVE SOUND button with angled speakers and DSP for 3D sound experience. FM radio, USB, RCA inputs with Music Center app control for lighting effects and EQ. Easy to use with convenient Bluetooth and FM radio.
Cons: No deep bass at all, weird midrange peak, rolled off treble and overall strange tuning. Discontinued.
Full Sony GTK-XB72 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~56Hz |
| Battery Life | 23 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 10cm driver + passive radiators |
| EQ | No |
| IP Rating | None |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Party Mode | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | No |
| USB Playback | Yes |
| Weight | 26.9 lbs / 12.2 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons