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.
70
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Sony SRS-XB12 Review
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Updated Jan 25, 2024 6:27 PM
Published
True Score
True Score is an AI-powered algorithm of product tests and customer reviews.
78
Mixed Reviews
77
5
Experts
88
8,716
Consumers
Expert Rankings
(
5
)
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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Product Snapshot
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.
Rankings (recommended in)
Best For
Under $100
Consensus
our Verdict
Analysts adored the Sony SRS-XB12 during their testing, recommending it for podcasts, music, and the outdoors. Testers at Reviews.org loved its 119.9Hz to 18.5KHz frequency response range and low 2.95 dB standard error. They reported a neutral sound profile with mediocre low bass. Experts at Which? lauded its excellent 0.97 dB directivity index, noticing an immersive soundstage, although the speaker downmixes stereo to mono and lacks an EQ. It weighs just 0.4 lbs and boasts an IP67-rated submersible waterproof, dust-proof design with a carrying strap. If you require a smaller device, see our Sony SRS-XB01 review. This speaker has a 70 ms iOS Bluetooth latency and 52 ms Android latency. It supports smartphone voice assistants and features an outstanding 13.3-hour battery life. Achieving a top SPL of 79.7 dB during tests, this device doesn’t get very loud but has a great 0.37 dB DRC, maintaining the sound quality even at the maximum volume.
ReasonS 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
Sony SRS-XB12 Specs
 | Battery Life | 16 hrs |
 | Built In Microphone | Yes |
 | Charge Time | 4 hrs and 30 meters |
 | Size | 74 mm (d) x 92 mm (h) |
 | Smart App | Yes |
 | Speaker Pairing | Yes |
 | Water Resistant | Yes |
 | Wattage | 10W |
 | Wireless Range | 10 m |
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Speakers based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
| Battery Life (Hours) | 13.3 |
| Volume Output (dB) | 79.7 |
| Low End Roll Off (Hz) | 142.544 |
| High End Roll Off (Hz) | 16,974.656 |
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Product Comparison
 Sony SRS-XB12 Review | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
True Score | 78 | 74 | 78 | 82 |
Ranking | # 70 / 109 | # 96 / 109 | # 72 / 109 | # 35 / 109 |
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. |
Battery Life | 16 hrs | 16 hrs | 12 hrs | 12 hrs |
Built In Microphone | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Charge Time | 4 hrs and 30 meters | 4.5 hrs | 4 hrs | 2.5 hrs |
Size | 74 mm (d) x 92 mm (h) | 3.75" (h) x 3" (w) x 3" (d) | Diameter: 76 mm (d) Height: 218 mm (h) | – |
Smart App | Yes | Yes | Yes | JBL Portable |
Speaker Pairing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Water Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Wattage | 10W | 5-10W | 20W | 20W |
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
77
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
88
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
78
Any product with a True Score above 60 is a Meh
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
100.6Category Trust Rating
60The Sony SRS-XB12 packs a powerful punch for such a tiny speaker, and its waterproof… Read MoreBy:
Georgia Dixon
43.6Category Trust Rating
80The Sony SRS-XB12 is alright for outdoor use. It’s well-built, has a carrying strap to… Read MoreBy:
Tim Gideon
45.35Category Trust Rating
90This tough, pocket-sized speaker packs a powerful punch, and for less than $90. While the… Read MoreBy:
John Panoryios
44.8Category Trust Rating
NR“No bottom line found for this product” Read MoreBy:
Unknown
15.6Category Trust Rating
NR“No bottom line found for this product” Read MoreBy:
Unknown
Customer Scores
- 92
(
4.6/5
)
8492Ratings
- NR
(
NR/5
)
Ratings
- 86
(
4.3/5
)
236Ratings
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