Sony Srs-Xb33 Review

Name: Sony Srs-Xb33
Brand: Sony

Kenn Muguna

True Score Methodology v1.0

TRUE SCORE

72^%

Mixed Reviews

#

42

/

152

Where does this product score?

Top-tier testers liked that the Sony SRS-XB33 had an impressive bass response, excellent build quality, and long battery life. They also praised its intuitive companion app and were delighted with its portability. However, its lack of WiFi connectivity, missing Alexa support, and low max volume was not pleasing.

Product Awards

GR Certified

Consumer Favorite

$174.95

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

73

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

92

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

72^%

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Table of Contents

Score Card
Expert Score Breakdown_
Customer Score Breakdown_
Product Snapshot
Overview_
Consensus_
Key Specs_
Product Comparison_
All Stores_
Price History_
Score Card
GR Lab Tests_
Expert Score Breakdown_
Customer Score Breakdown_
Lab Tests
Most Promising Positive Review
Most Promising Positive Review

Expert Score Breakdown_

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight

F
Cat Trust Score
58
The Sony SRS-XB33 is good for outdoor use. It feels… read more
?
Cat Trust Score
80
Sony’s waterproof SRS-XB33 speaker delivers cool LED lighting and some… read more
?
Cat Trust Score
57
The Sony SRS-XB33 has a few drawbacks, especially in the… read more
?
Cat Trust Score
73
The Sony SRS-XB33 brings the party with impressive volume and… read more

Customer Score Breakdown_

NR
(
NR
)
Ratings

Product Snapshot

Expert Rankings

Overview_

The Sony SRS-XB33 is an entry-level Bluetooth speaker that was first announced mid-2020. Available in up to four color choices, the speaker boasts a long-lasting battery that manufacturers claim will keep the music playing for longer than a day, as long as the music is played at low volume and its ambient lighting is switched off. Its voice assistant support is a feature it has in common with some of the best speakers on the market. The XB33 is compatible with Google Assistant and Siri and can also be used as a speakerphone when making or answering calls since it also has an onboard microphone. Its Bluetooth connectivity is also outstanding since it can be paired with two devices simultaneously, and like most highly rated Bluetooth speakers, it can maintain a strong connection with devices that are up to 334 ft away. Its Bluetooth and iOS latency is also relatively low, so there won’t be any noticeable lag when streaming videos or listening to music.

Best For

Consensus_

Reason to Buy

Excellent bass response
Long battery life
Intuitive companion app
Dust and water resistance
Lightweight and portable

Reason to Avoid

No WiFi connectivity
Low max volume
Not compatible with Amazon Alexa

Key Specs_

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Product Comparison_

	Sony Srs-Xb33 Review
True Score	72^%	NR	NR	NR
Ranking	# 42 / 152	# /	# /	# /
Market Context	The Sony SRS-XB33 is an entry-level Bluetooth speaker that was first announced mid-2020. Available in up to four color choices, the speaker boasts a long-lasting… The Sony SRS-XB33 is an entry-level Bluetooth speaker that was first announced mid-2020. Available in up to four color choices, the speaker boasts a long-lasting battery that manufacturers claim will keep the music playing for longer than a day, as long as the music is played at low volume and its ambient lighting is switched off. Its voice assistant support is a feature it has in common with some of the best speakers on the market. The XB33 is compatible with Google Assistant and Siri and can also be used as a speakerphone when making or answering calls since it also has an onboard microphone. Its Bluetooth connectivity is also outstanding since it can be paired with two devices simultaneously, and like most highly rated Bluetooth speakers, it can maintain a strong connection with devices that are up to 334 ft away. Its Bluetooth and iOS latency is also relatively low, so there won’t be any noticeable lag when streaming videos or listening to music.	It is very easy for buyers to confuse the Sony SRS-XB33 with the Sony SRS-XB43 since the two look very similar. However, the XB33 is… It is very easy for buyers to confuse the Sony SRS-XB33 with the Sony SRS-XB43 since the two look very similar. However, the XB33 is slightly smaller than the XB43, and therefore it is more portable, but the XB43 has a slightly longer 15-hour battery life than the XB33, which has a 12.3-hour battery life. Take a look at our Sony SRS-XB43 review to see what else it offers.	The Sony SRS-XB33 has speakerphone and voice assistant functionality while the JBL Charge 5 does not, and it also comes with RGB lighting that is… The Sony SRS-XB33 has speakerphone and voice assistant functionality while the JBL Charge 5 does not, and it also comes with RGB lighting that is missing on the Charge 5. The XB33 is also capable of a stereo output while the Charge 5 is not, but the Charge 5 has a battery life of up to 14.5 hours, which is longer than the 12.3 hours offered by the XB33.	The Sony SRS-XB33 supports voice assistant and speakerphone functionality, while the JBL Flip 6 does not. It also has ambient lighting that is missing on… The Sony SRS-XB33 supports voice assistant and speakerphone functionality, while the JBL Flip 6 does not. It also has ambient lighting that is missing on the Flip 6, but the Flip 6 is lighter and, therefore, more portable than the XB33.
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All Stores_

Updated Jun 6, 2023 6:05 PM

$174.95
Availability
In Stock
Free Shipping
No
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Price History_

Score Card

E

Expert Score

73

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

92

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

72^%

Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews

Expert Score Breakdown_

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight

F
Trust Score
F
Cat Trust Score
58
The Sony SRS-XB33 is good for outdoor use. It feels sturdy and durable, with an… read more
?
Trust Score
?
Cat Trust Score
80
Sony’s waterproof SRS-XB33 speaker delivers cool LED lighting and some surprising bass depth for its… read more
?
Trust Score
?
Cat Trust Score
57
The Sony SRS-XB33 has a few drawbacks, especially in the artifacts and spatial attributes, but… read more
?
Trust Score
?
Cat Trust Score
73
The Sony SRS-XB33 brings the party with impressive volume and fun lighting features. Folks looking… read more
?
Trust Score
?
Cat Trust Score
NR
“No bottom line found for this product” read more
?
Trust Score
?
Cat Trust Score
NR
The Sony SRS-XB33 is described by Sony as a ‘durable party Bluetooth speaker’, aiming to… read more