Name: Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1
Brand: Sony

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1

Overall score

7.2

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.

Audio

6.8

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Audio output power

What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.

When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

Driver unit size

What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.

When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

Number of drivers

What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.

When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

Frequency response tolerance

What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.

When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

Lowest frequency

What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

Connectivity

7.0

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Bluetooth connectivity

What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.

When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

Bluetooth version

What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.

When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.

When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

Bluetooth profiles supported

What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.

When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP

Bluetooth LE Audio

What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.

When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Battery

6.8

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Battery life

What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.

When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

Battery capacity

What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.

When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

Charging time

What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.

When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

Maximum charging input power

What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.

When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

Built-in rechargeable battery

What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.

When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Durability

7.4

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IP rating

What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.

When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

Water resistance

What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.

When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

Dust resistance

What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.

When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

Waterproof depth rating

What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.

When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

Drop resistance

What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.

When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Controls

9.2

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On-device controls placement

What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.

When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

top; rear

Touchscreen

What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.

When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Smartphone app control

What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.

When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Remote control

What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.

When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Fast pairing

What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.

When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Design

8.8

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.

When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

Height

What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.

When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

Width

What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.

When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

Depth

What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.

When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

Carry options

What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.

When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

none

Smart features

6.4

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Companion app name

What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.

When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

Sony | Music Center

Firmware updates

What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.

When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Firmware update method

What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.

When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

Voice assistant support

What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.

When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Spotify Connect

What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.

When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 vs the average portable speaker

Why is Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 better than the average portable speaker?

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Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can connect to wireless local networks.
When it matters: When direct network streaming or smart multi-room features matter.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: yes
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
20,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
Upper frequency-response endpoint: 40000 Hz.
What it is: The highest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When upper-treble extension and high-frequency detail matter.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >= 20000 Hz
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
5 more adjustable EQ bands
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
5 app eq bands.
What it is: The number of adjustable equalizer frequency bands available in the app.
When it matters: When fine-grained sound adjustment in the companion app matters.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >= 5 bands
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).5 vs 0
Has Chromecast built-in
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
Supports Chromecast built-in.
What it is: Shows whether Chromecast is integrated for direct casting.
When it matters: When direct casting from compatible apps matters.
Importance: LOW
Good value: yes
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
Has built-in stereo speakers
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
Provides true stereo output within the unit.
What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.
Importance: LOW
Good value: yes
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
Has an equalizer
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
What it is: Shows whether the sound balance can be adjusted across frequency ranges.
When it matters: When you want to adjust bass, midrange, or treble balance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: yes
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
Supports USB audio input
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports USB audio input, while the average portable speaker does not support USB audio input.
Supports digital USB audio input.
What it is: Shows whether audio can be received through a USB connection.
When it matters: When a computer or compatible digital source should play audio over USB.
Importance: LOW
Good value: yes
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports USB audio input, while the average portable speaker does not support USB audio input.
Has a power bank function
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can send power to charge another device.
When it matters: When the speaker should also charge a phone or another device.
Importance: LOW
Good value: yes
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
20,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
Has built-in stereo speakers
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
1 more speaker drivers
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
4 W more audio output power
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (24 W vs 20.00 W).
Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
Has Chromecast built-in
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
Supports USB audio input
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports USB audio input, while the average portable speaker does not support USB audio input.
Supports LDAC
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports LDAC, while the average portable speaker does not support LDAC.
1 more USB ports
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
1 more paired devices remembered
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 remembers more paired devices than the average portable speaker (9 vs 8).
Supports DLNA media sharing
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
Has a power bank function
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
Includes a power adapter
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
2 W higher charging input power
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (12 W vs 10 W).
400 mAh more battery capacity
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (3,000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
5 more adjustable EQ bands
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
Has an equalizer
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
Supports fast pairing
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
Supports party mode
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
Has a sleep timer
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
6.2 cm shorter
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 is shorter than the average portable speaker (6.2 cm vs 12.4 cm).
Supports firmware updates
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Why is Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 worse than the average portable speaker?

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15 mm smaller main driver
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (35 mm vs 50.00 mm).
Primary driver diameter: 35.00 mm.
400 Hz lower microphone frequency limit
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a lower microphone frequency limit than the average portable speaker (7,000 Hz vs 7,400 Hz).
Is not water resistant
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
5 °C lower maximum operating temperature
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a lower maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (35 °C vs 40 °C).
3 older
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2016 vs 2019).
Release year: 2016.
Is not water resistant
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: yes
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
15 mm smaller main driver
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (35 mm vs 50.00 mm).
Primary driver diameter: 35.00 mm.
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >= 50 mm
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (35 mm vs 50.00 mm).35.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
What it is: The lowest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
When it matters: When the speaker must work reliably in colder conditions.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <= -10 °C
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).5 °C vs 0 °C
3.69x less popular
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1.00 vs 3.688).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1.00 vs 3.688).1 vs 3.69
5 °C lower maximum operating temperature
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a lower maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (35 °C vs 40 °C).
What it is: The highest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
When it matters: When reliable use in hot weather or direct sunlight matters.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >= 45 °C
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a lower maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (35 °C vs 40 °C).35 °C vs 40 °C
2.33x more expensive
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£210 vs £90).
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£210 vs £90).£210 vs £90
400 Hz lower microphone frequency limit
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a lower microphone frequency limit than the average portable speaker (7,000 Hz vs 7,400 Hz).
What it is: The highest frequency the microphone system can capture.
When it matters: When microphone capture of higher-frequency voice detail matters.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >= 8000 Hz
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 has a lower microphone frequency limit than the average portable speaker (7,000 Hz vs 7,400 Hz).7000 Hz vs 7400 Hz
3 older
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2016 vs 2019).
Release year: 2016.
What it is: The official launch timing of the speaker model.
When it matters: When newer connectivity, software support, or product longevity matters.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >= 2024
Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2016 vs 2019).2,016 vs 2,019

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1?

Supports multiple connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, and Chromecast Built-in
High-Resolution Audio compatible with LDAC support for better streaming quality
Clean, bright, and detailed mids and highs for vocals and classical music
Vibrant and sleek aesthetic available in multiple colors with a removable magnetic front grille
Solid 10 to 12 hours of battery life on a full charge
Seamless multi-room and wireless stereo pairing through the companion app

What customers dislike about Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1?

Weak and flat bass performance unless the Extra Bass feature is kept on
Overly sculpted audio profile that may feel unnatural or mask track details at high volumes
Noticeable weight for its compact size makes it feel heavy to carry around
Higher initial retail price compared to competitors with similar or better sound quality
The physical interface feels overcrowded with too many buttons and mode controls
Lacks any weatherproofing or IP water-resistance rating for outdoor usage

Expert reviews

musicphotolife.com

09/08/2016

Summary of the review

Sony SRS-HG1Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review: h.ear go Wireless Speaker

The Sony SRS-HG1 (h.ear go) is a compact, versatile portable speaker designed for flexible, high-quality audio streaming via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DLNA, and Google Cast, featuring a 12-hour battery life. While supporting AAC and LDAC codecs, its primary drawback is a high retail price, with the review noting a steep cost for its extensive wireless features rather than superior standalone audio performance.

pcmag.com

11/11/2016

Sony H.ear Go Review - PCMag

The Sony h.ear go is a feature-rich, versatile portable speaker boasting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and high-res audio support, but it suffers from a high price point and distorted, overly sculpted sound at maximum volumes. While offering extensive connectivity and a speakerphone, the device is hindered by a cluttered button-heavy interface, lack of track controls, and underwhelming audio fidelity.

au.pcmag.com

12/11/2016

Sony H.ear Go - Review 2016 - PCMag Australia

The PCMag review highlights the Sony h.ear Go as a versatile, portable speaker featuring robust Bluetooth (with LDAC) and Wi-Fi connectivity via the Sony SongPal app, boasting a 12-hour battery life. While praised for its features, the speaker is criticized for an overly sculpted audio performance, a cluttered button layout, and a lack of included accessories, leading to a conclusion that it is overpriced for its acoustic output.

uk.pcmag.com

Sony H.ear Go - Review 2016 - PCMag UK

The Sony h.ear go (SRS-HG1) is a versatile, feature-rich portable speaker supporting Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and hi-res audio, yet it suffers from an overly sculpted sound, a high price point, and a complex design with excessive controls. Additionally, the unit ships with minimal accessories, making it less competitive against more user-friendly, better-sounding alternatives.

nationthailand.com

15/12/2016

Small speaker proves bigger isn't always better

The Nation Thailand review of a compact wireless speaker highlights its impressive performance, noting pros such as extensive connectivity options—including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, DLNA, Google Cast, and Spotify Connect—a 12-hour battery life, and high portability with dimensions of 204x62x60 mm. A noted con is its weight of 0.79 kg, which is considered heavy for its small size, potentially impacting portability for some users.

consumerreports.org

01/08/2016

Sony h.ear go (SRS-HG1) Wireless & Bluetooth Speaker Review If you would like to explore alternative high-resolution portable speakers from the same e...

The Consumer Reports review of the Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 highlights it as a feature-rich, versatile speaker offering strong audio connectivity, an integrated speakerphone, and a high-quality control app. While praised for its Google Cast capability and clear, high-contrast volume controls, the device suffers from ergonomics issues, specifically a lack of a dedicated mute button and hard-to-read LED indicators for source selection.

me.pcmag.com

Sony H.ear Go Review - Speakers - PCMag Middle East

The Sony H.ear Go is a versatile portable speaker featuring Wi-Fi/Bluetooth streaming, a speakerphone, and LDAC technology, but it is criticized for an overly sculpted sound, high price, and a cluttered, overly complex interface. While offering solid connectivity, the device lacks basic on-unit track controls and provides limited accessories, resulting in a performance that falls short of its cost, according to PCMag.

chip.de

16/08/2016

Sony SRS-HG1 Review: If you'd like to check out more sources, let me know if you would also accept video reviews from German YouTube channels, or revi...

The CHIP review of the Sony SRS-HG1 highlights the wireless speaker's very high sound quality, elegant premium design, and extensive connectivity options, including direct Wi-Fi streaming via Google Cast. While the LDAC codec provides superior audio for compatible Sony devices, the lack of Qualcomm aptX support is a drawback, with the Libratone Zipp Mini noted as a superior competitor.

multiroomlautsprecher.de

03. Januar 2017

Sony SRS-HG1 h.ear go Review – Powerhouse and All-Rounder

The Sony SRS-HG1 h.ear go is described by Multiroomlautsprecher.de as a versatile, compact Bluetooth speaker featuring impressive audio clarity, detailed mids and highs, and robust multi-room capabilities. While the unit offers high-volume performance for its size, it suffers from a lack of bass at maximum volume and features a magnetic grille that, when removed, exposes the front to significant dust buildup.

lesnumeriques.com

07/06/2016

Sony h.ear go review: the portable multiroom speaker by Sony

Les Numériques awards the compact Sony h.ear go (SRS-HG1) a 4-star rating, highlighting its aesthetic design, extensive connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect), and feature-rich app. While praised for its functionality, the speaker's main drawbacks include a mediocre battery life (3/5) and a severe degradation in audio quality when used passively while powered off.

Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 Review | 130 Data compared

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Verdict

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1

Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 vs the average portable speaker

Why is Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 better than the average portable speaker?

Why is Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 worse than the average portable speaker?

Graphic comparison of Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1?

What customers dislike about Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Sony h.ear go SRS-HG1 with other products in the Portable Speakers category