The Sony SRS-XB12 is Sony’s 2019-model entry-level portable Bluetooth speaker that promises deep bass and excellent battery life for use on the go. It has a remarkably compact design and carrying strap, like select top speakers today. The speaker is equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 technology, featuring a 334.6-foot Bluetooth range. This speaker is waterproof and dust-proof, boasting an IP67-rated submersible design, and has an aux port. Read to the end of this Sony SRS-XB12 review and check out the best Bluetooth speakers on the market today.

TRUE SCORE
True Score is an AI-powered algorithm of product tests and customer reviews.
Mixed Reviews

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Where does this product score?
Testers were delighted by the Sony SRS-XB12, and they recommended it for music, podcasts, and the outdoors. They loved its compact, waterproof construction, excellent battery life, and compatibility with smartphone voice assistants. However, they were disappointed that it doesn’t get very loud and has weak bass.

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Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews
Expert Score Breakdown_
Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight
- 60The Sony SRS-XB12 is alright for outdoor use. It’s well-built,… read more
- 80The Sony SRS-XB12 packs a powerful punch for such a… read more
- 90This tough, pocket-sized speaker packs a powerful punch, and for… read more
- ?
Cat Trust Score
NR“No bottom line found for this product” read more
Customer Score Breakdown_
Product Snapshot

Expert Rankings
Overview_
The Sony SRS-XB12 is Sony’s 2019-model entry-level portable Bluetooth speaker that promises deep bass and excellent battery life for use on the go. It has a remarkably compact design and carrying strap, like select top speakers today. The speaker is equipped with Bluetooth 4.2 technology, featuring a 334.6-foot Bluetooth range. This speaker is waterproof and dust-proof, boasting an IP67-rated submersible design, and has an aux port. Read to the end of this Sony SRS-XB12 review and check out the best Bluetooth speakers on the market today.

Best For
Consensus_

Reason to Buy
- Aux port
- Smartphone-based voice assistants and speakerphone features
- Submersible waterproof and dust-proof construction
- Remarkably lightweight 0.4-lb design
- Excellent 13.3-hour battery life
Reason to Avoid
- Lacks multi-device Bluetooth pairing
- Weak bass may not be suitable for movie enthusiasts
- Lacks EQ
- Doesn’t support stereo
Key Specs_


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Product Comparison_
True Score | 74% | NR | NR | NR |
Ranking | # 31 / 152 | # / | # / | # / |
Market Context |
The Sony SRS-XB12 is Sony’s 2019-model entry-level portable Bluetooth speaker that promises deep bass and excellent battery life for use on the go. It has… |
The Sony SRS-XB13 produces lower bass than its predecessor, the Sony SRS-XB12 (this review). However, the XB12 gets louder, featuring a 79.7 dB maximum SPL,… The Sony SRS-XB13 produces lower bass than its predecessor, the Sony SRS-XB12 (this review). However, the XB12 gets louder, featuring a 79.7 dB maximum SPL, which is better than the 78.4 dB maximum SPL of the Sony SRS-XB13. Read our Sony SRS-XB13 review for details about the newer model. |
With an 84.9 dB maximum SPL, the Sony SRS-XB23 gets louder than the Sony SRS-XB12, which has a 79.7 dB maximum SPL. However, the 13.3-hour… With an 84.9 dB maximum SPL, the Sony SRS-XB23 gets louder than the Sony SRS-XB12, which has a 79.7 dB maximum SPL. However, the 13.3-hour battery life of the SRS-XB12 portable speaker is better than the 9.2-hour battery life of the XB23. Check out our Sony SRS-XB23 review for details about the XB23 wireless speaker. |
The Sony SRS-XB12 has a better 0.97 dB directivity index, translating to a more immersive soundstage than the JBL Flip 5, which has a 3.29… The Sony SRS-XB12 has a better 0.97 dB directivity index, translating to a more immersive soundstage than the JBL Flip 5, which has a 3.29 dB directivity index. It also supports smartphone voice assistants, unlike the JBL portable speaker. However, the JBL device is louder, featuring an 85.5 dB maximum SPL, which beats the 79.7 dB maximum SPL of the Sony speaker. |
See Deal | ||||
Dig Deeper |
All Stores_
- $36.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
Price History_
Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews
Expert Score Breakdown_
Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight
- 60The Sony SRS-XB12 is alright for outdoor use. It’s well-built, has a carrying strap to… read more
- 80The Sony SRS-XB12 packs a powerful punch for such a tiny speaker, and its waterproof… read more
- 90This tough, pocket-sized speaker packs a powerful punch, and for less than $90. While the… read more
- ?
Trust Score
?Cat Trust Score
NR“No bottom line found for this product” read more - ?
Trust Score
?Cat Trust Score
NR“No bottom line found for this product” read more
Customer Score Breakdown_
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