Short answer: the Xiaomi Mi Portable. It ranks #58 of 136 medium speakers by sound quality at $55; the Sony XB23 ranks #64 and costs $100, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Xiaomi Mi Portable side: Good battery life for a 16W speaker - around 12 hours at moderate volume. The catch: A bit of a sharp treble.
The case for the Sony XB23: Reasonably neutral. IP67 rated with a strap hook for backpacks. USB-C charging; up to 12 hour battery life. Watch for: Bass drops off a ton at high levels. Reduces its own volume over time when turned to max.
Buy the Xiaomi Mi Portable. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Sony XB23 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If water resistance matters to you, the Xiaomi Mi Portable at IPX7 (brief submersion) holds up far better than the Sony XB23 at IPX4 (splashing).
Specifications Side By Side
| Xiaomi Mi Portable | Sony XB23 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55 | $100 |
| Ranked | #58 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #64 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Battery Life | 13 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 373 g | 1.3 lbs / 580 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 8.4" x 2.9" x 2.9" (213 x 74 x 74 mm) | 3" x 8.6" x 3" (76 x 218 x 76 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Output Power | 16W | 8W RMS |
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Power Input | USB-C (5V/1A) | - |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Drivers | 2x 57mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 67Hz |
| Max Volume | - | 95dB |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| EQ | - | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) |
| App | - | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Xiaomi Mi Portable: $55 Amazon
Pros: Good battery life for a 16W speaker - around 12 hours at moderate volume. USB-C charging, stereo pairing support.
Cons: A bit of a sharp treble
Full Xiaomi Mi Portable review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes (3.5mm) |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 13 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.4" x 2.9" x 2.9" (213 x 74 x 74 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 57mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 16W |
| Power Input | USB-C (5V/1A) |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 373 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Xiaomi Mi Portable vs Sony ULT Field 3
- Xiaomi Mi Portable vs Sony XB33
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- Xiaomi Mi Portable vs Bose Soundlink Mini 2
- Xiaomi Mi Portable vs Soundcore 3/Soundcore Select 2
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- Xiaomi Mi Portable vs Tronsmart Element Force
Sony XB23: $100
Pros: Reasonably neutral. IP67 rated with a strap hook for backpacks. USB-C charging; up to 12 hour battery life.
Cons: Bass drops off a ton at high levels. Reduces its own volume over time when turned to max
Full Sony XB23 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 3" x 8.6" x 3" (76 x 218 x 76 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 42x51mm X-Balanced racetrack drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (3-band: bass, mid, treble) |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Max Volume | 95dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 8W RMS |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect up to 100 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs / 580 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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