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.
72
out of
109
Speakers
Sony SRS-XB23 Review
→
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
89
9,070
Consumers
Expert Rankings
(
5
)
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.
$70.75
We’re reader-supported. Commissions finance our mission. Our ‘True Score‘ system independently powers ratings. Learn more
Product Snapshot
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.
Consensus
our Verdict
Experts hailed the Sony SRS-XB23 during their experiments, endorsing it for indoor and outdoor music and podcast playback. Testers at PCMag loved its speakerphone functions and submersible IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof construction. Reviewers at TechRadar were delighted by its 1.1-lb compact construction. Check out the Sony SRS-XB12 review if you need a smaller device. Testers praised its neutral sound profile and low 3.70 dB frequency response standard error. However, the 71.3Hz to 7.0kHz frequency response range is narrow, and the so-so low bass might not please hardcore movie buffs. During testing, the device produced a good soundstage, posting a 3.98 dB directivity index. The device gets fairly loud, featuring an 84.9 dB maximum SPL, although it has a 4.79 dB sound-quality deterioration DRC at the maximum volume. See our Sony SRS-XB33 review for a louder speaker. Tests revealed a 9.2-hour battery life and support for smartphone-based Siri and Google Assistant voice assistant. It has a great 52 ms iOS Bluetooth latency and 90 ms Android Bluetooth latency.
ReasonS 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
Sony SRS-XB23 Specs
 | Battery Life | 12 hrs |
 | Built In Microphone | Yes |
 | Charge Time | 4 hrs |
 | Size | Diameter: 76 mm (d) Height: 218 mm (h) |
 | Smart App | Yes |
 | Speaker Pairing | Yes |
 | Water Resistant | Yes |
 | Wattage | 20W |
 | Wireless Range | 30 m |
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Speakers based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
| Battery Life (Hours) | 8.6 |
| Volume Output (dB) | 84.9 |
| Low End Roll Off (Hz) | 95.137 |
| High End Roll Off (Hz) | 2,248.003 |
Can You Trust What You Read Online?
Fake reviews are taking over tech journalism—45% of sites are faking product tests. Don’t be misled.
Sign up now for exclusive access to Gadget Review’s bombshell investigation and uncover the truth about tech journalism.
Plus, stay ahead with our daily newsletter, packed with insights you can trust.
Product Comparison
 Sony SRS-XB23 Review |  UE Boom 3 Review | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
True Score | 78 | 74 | 84 | NR |
Ranking | # 72 / 109 | # 96 / 109 | # 5 / 109 | # / 109 |
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. |
Battery Life | 12 hrs | 16 hrs | 20+ hrs | – |
Built In Microphone | Yes | Yes | No | – |
Charge Time | 4 hrs | 4.5 hrs | 4 hrs | – |
Size | Diameter: 76 mm (d) Height: 218 mm (h) | 3.75" (h) x 3" (w) x 3" (d) | – | – |
Smart App | Yes | Yes | JBL Portable | – |
Speaker Pairing | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
Water Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | – |
Wattage | 20W | 5-10W | 30W | – |
Dig Deeper |
All Stores
Updated every 24 hours
- $70.75
Score Card
E
Expert Score
77
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
89
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
78
Any product with a True Score above 70 is a Mixed Reviews
Expert Scores
Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.
100.6Category Trust Rating
61The entry-level Sony SRS-XB23 boasts a new design that moves the passive radiators to the… Read MoreBy:
Nick Pino
43.6Category Trust Rating
80The Sony XB23 is satisfactory for outdoor use. It has a very lightweight, portable design,… Read MoreBy:
John Panoryios
55.2Category Trust Rating
NRThe Sony SRS-XB23 is a cylindrical Bluetooth speaker and the smallest and cheapest model in… Read MoreBy:
Unknown
43Category Trust Rating
80Sony’s SRS-XB23 speaker delivers solid audio for its size and price in an outdoor-friendly, waterproof… Read MoreBy:
Tim Gideon
44.8Category Trust Rating
NR“No bottom line found for this product” Read MoreBy:
Unknown
Customer Scores
Learn More About Speakers
Latest DEALS_
-
Get the Lenovo Ideapad 1 for $499 (originally $799) – $300 savings
·
-
Get the HP 15.6″ Chromebook for $169 (originally $399) – $230 savings
·
-
Get the HP Envy 2-in-1 for $699 (originally $1,099) – $400 savings
·
-
Get the MSI PRO MP223E2 for $63 (originally $69) – $6 savings
·
-
Get the HP OmniBook Ultra for $999 (originally $1,499) – $500 savings
·