The Sony SRS-XB23 is a mid-range portable Bluetooth speaker released in 2020, promising powerful sounds on the go. Featuring a unique water bottle-inspired design, this portable speaker stands out among the most popular speakers today. With a 311.7-foot Bluetooth range and dual-device Bluetooth pairing, this speaker provides excellent connectivity. It also has an app-based graphic EQ for fine-tuning settings. Continue reading our Sony SRS-XB23 review and see how it compares to the best-ranked 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?
Product researchers praised the Sony SRS-XB23 during their tests, and they endorsed it for indoor and outdoor podcasts and music playback. They loved its balanced music soundscape and IP67-rated dustproof and waterproof construction. However, they criticized its subdued maximum SPL output.

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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
- 100The Sony XB23 is satisfactory for outdoor use. It has… read more
- 100Sony’s SRS-XB23 speaker delivers solid audio for its size and… read more
- ?
Cat Trust Score
NRThe Sony SRS-XB23 is a cylindrical Bluetooth speaker and the… 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-XB23 is a mid-range portable Bluetooth speaker released in 2020, promising powerful sounds on the go. Featuring a unique water bottle-inspired design, this portable speaker stands out among the most popular speakers today. With a 311.7-foot Bluetooth range and dual-device Bluetooth pairing, this speaker provides excellent connectivity. It also has an app-based graphic EQ for fine-tuning settings. Continue reading our Sony SRS-XB23 review and see how it compares to the best-ranked Bluetooth speakers on the market today.

Best For
Consensus_

Reason to Buy
- Fantastic IP67-rated waterproof, dustproof construction
- Speakerphone functions and support for smartphone voices assistants
- Decent soundstage performance and graphic EQ
- Incredibly portable 1.1-lb construction
- Good iOS Bluetooth latency and dual-device pairing
Reason to Avoid
- Doesn’t get very loud
- So-so Android Bluetooth latency
Key Specs_


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Product Comparison_
True Score | 72% | NR | NR | NR |
Ranking | # 44 / 152 | # / | # / | # / |
Market Context |
The Sony SRS-XB23 is a mid-range portable Bluetooth speaker released in 2020, promising powerful sounds on the go. Featuring a unique water bottle-inspired design, this… |
Some consumers also research this speaker’s compatriot, the Sony SRS-XB13, because it has a similar portable IP67-rated waterproof, dust-proof design. Producing better extended low-bass and… Some consumers also research this speaker’s compatriot, the Sony SRS-XB13, because it has a similar portable IP67-rated waterproof, dust-proof design. Producing better extended low-bass and featuring an app-based graphic EQ, the Sony SRS-XB23 (this review) is better for music enthusiasts than the SRS-XB13, which doesn’t have a graphic EQ. However, the 0.6-lb XB13 is more portable than the 1.1-lb Sony SRS-XB23 wireless speaker. Check out our Sony SRS-XB13 review to learn more. |
Some users compare the Sony SRS-XB23 with the JBL Charge 5 because both are portable battery-powered speakers. Featuring a better 3.98 dB directivity index and… Some users compare the Sony SRS-XB23 with the JBL Charge 5 because both are portable battery-powered speakers. Featuring a better 3.98 dB directivity index and full support for stereo, the Sony SRS-XB23 portable speaker has a wider soundstage than the JBL Charge 5, which has a 4.27 dB directivity index and doesn’t support stereo. However, the 14.5-hour battery life of the JBL speaker is better than the 9.2-hour runtime of the Sony wireless speaker. |
Other consumers are torn between the Sony SRS-XB23 and its competitor, the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3, seeing that both are portable Bluetooth speakers. The Ultimate… Other consumers are torn between the Sony SRS-XB23 and its competitor, the Ultimate Ears BOOM 3, seeing that both are portable Bluetooth speakers. The Ultimate Ears device has a better 1.82 dB directivity index, resulting in a more immersive soundstage than the Sony SRS-XB23 portable speaker, which has a 3.98 dB directivity index. However, the Sony speaker supports smartphone-based voice assistants, unlike the BOOM 3. |
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- Save $30$109.99$79.99
Availability
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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
- 100The Sony XB23 is satisfactory for outdoor use. It has a very lightweight, portable design,… read more
- 100Sony’s SRS-XB23 speaker delivers solid audio for its size and price in an outdoor-friendly, waterproof… read more
- ?
Trust Score
?Cat Trust Score
NRThe Sony SRS-XB23 is a cylindrical Bluetooth speaker and the smallest and cheapest model in… read more - ?
Trust Score
?Cat Trust Score
NR“No bottom line found for this product” read more
Customer Score Breakdown_
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