Short answer: the Sony ULT Field 3 for better sound quality, the Walla Sound for the lower price, though neither ranks well in its class. The Sony SRS-XB30 ranks higher than the Walla Sound (#133 vs #163 of 177 medium speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the Sony ULT Field 3, is rated 3.4/5 at $208; the Walla Sound is rated 2.2/5 at $49.99, $158.01 cheaper. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 177 medium speakers; for better sound, the EarFun Uboom L ranks #2 at $49.79.
The Walla Sound is the lighter choice. A small shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone. At 0.7 lbs (300 g) it weighs much less than the Sony SRS-XB30 at 2.2 lbs (1 kg). The tradeoff: No bass, gets distorted when turned up.
The Sony SRS-XB30 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A splash resistant Sony speaker with LDAC, a power bank output, a long rated battery and Party Chain linking, now discontinued. Its bass reaches about 55Hz before falling 10dB, against 90Hz for the Walla Sound. It is rated for 24 hours of battery against 8 for the Walla Sound. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Walla Sound lacks. The catch: Independent lab listening rates music fidelity only fair: bass has impact but is boomy and lacks the deepest notes, while the midrange can sound hazy, muffled and grainy.
Buy the Walla Sound if price matters most. For better sound quality, the Sony ULT Field 3, the replacement for the discontinued Sony SRS-XB30, is rated higher but costs $208.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
A small shockproof speaker with an aux input, microSD playback and a built in microphone.
A splash resistant Sony speaker with LDAC, a power bank output, a long rated battery and Party Chain linking, now discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Walla Sound | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #163 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #133 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Amplifier Power | 10W (2 x 5W) | 20W |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~90Hz | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX5 |
| MicroSD Playback | Yes | - |
| Power Input | Micro USB | Micro USB |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (300 g) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 2.7” x 2.7” x 6.3” (68 x 68 x 160 mm) | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 30mm metal diaphragm driver | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| App | No | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
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