Short answer: the Xiaomi Sound Party. It ranks #20 of 177 medium speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $149.99 and is still sold new; the Sony SRS-XB30 ranks #133 (rated 2.6/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Sony SRS-XB30’s replacement, the Sony ULT Field 3, is rated 3.4/5 at $208.
The Xiaomi Sound Party is the better-sounding, tougher pick. A versatile outdoor speaker with warm, balanced sound, fully waterproof build, long battery life, a phone charging port and a handy retractable handle. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the Sony SRS-XB30. It charges over USB-C rather than Micro USB. The tradeoff: The sound evidence is mixed rather than universally glowing.
What the Sony SRS-XB30 does well: A splash resistant Sony speaker with LDAC, a power bank output, a long rated battery and Party Chain linking, now discontinued. It supports LDAC Bluetooth, which the Xiaomi Sound Party lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Xiaomi Sound Party lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Xiaomi Sound Party. Watch for: 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 Xiaomi Sound Party. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Sony SRS-XB30 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
A versatile outdoor speaker with warm, balanced sound, fully waterproof build, long battery life, a phone charging port and a handy retractable handle.
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
| Xiaomi Sound Party | Sony SRS-XB30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 | $199 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #20 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #133 of 177 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (Sony Music Center) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz | 55Hz |
| Battery Life | 26 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Party Connect, up to 100 speakers) | Yes (Partychain up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-C, 5V/3A) | - |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Dimensions | 10” x 3.6” x 3.6” (255 x 92 x 92 mm) | 9” x 3.2” x 3.4” (228 x 82 x 86 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 40mm woofers (35W total) + 2x 15mm tweeters | 2x 48mm full-range drivers + 2x passive radiators |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 102dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) | 95dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs (1200 g) | 2.2 lbs (1000 g) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 20W |
| Power Input | USB-C (5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/2A) | Micro USB |
| Lights | Yes | - |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | - |
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