OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

Sony SRS-BTX500 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£190Audio output power:40.00 WBattery life:6 hoursIP rating:?Bluetooth version:3.0Weight:2000 g

Sony SRS-BTX500 Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

80%

6.5

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 60% of portable speakers
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

32%

7.6

Audio

20%

6.3

Battery

18%

5.9

Durability

16%

6.1

Connectivity

8%

6.1

Controls

3%

7.5

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 51%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £190
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sony SRS-BTX500

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

32%

7.6

Audio

20%

6.3

Battery

18%

5.9

Durability

16%

6.1

Connectivity

8%

6.1

Controls

3%

7.5

Design

3%

3.9

Smart features

6.5
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Sony SRS-BTX500 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 59.2% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

7.4
Audio output power
40 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 40 W which is higher than that of 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.7% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
?
Number of drivers
3
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 3 drivers, which is more than 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 20 Hz which is lower than that of 84.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 14% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
3
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 3 which is older than that of 85.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
6 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 6 hours which is shorter than that of 84.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
4 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 4 hours which is longer than that of 67% of portable speakers and equal to that of 19.3% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
31 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 31 W which is higher than that of 91.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
?
Dust resistance
?
Waterproof depth rating
Not waterproof m
This portable speaker is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of portable speakers have a native waterproof depth rating.
Drop resistance
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
top; side
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
?
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
yes
This portable speaker supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Weight
2000 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 2000 g which is heavier than that of 71.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Height
15.2 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 15.2 cm which is taller than that of 58.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Width
38.5 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 38.5 cm which is wider than that of 91% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
6.5 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 6.5 cm which is shallower than that of 68.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.4% of portable speakers.
Carry options
handle
Show more
Companion app name
?
Firmware updates
no
This portable speaker does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Firmware update method
?
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Sony SRS-BTX500 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 40 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    20 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 21 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (31 W vs 10 W).
    31 W vs 10 W
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • 20 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20 W).
    40 W vs 20 W
  • Supports aptX
    This portable speaker supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • 40 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    20 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 20 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20 W).
    40 W vs 20 W
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    3 vs 2
  • 50 Hz deeper microphone bass response
    This portable speaker has deeper microphone bass response than the average portable speaker (50 Hz vs 100 Hz).
    50 Hz vs 100 Hz
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports aptX
    This portable speaker supports aptX, while the average portable speaker does not support aptX.
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This portable speaker supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • Has a microphone input
    This portable speaker has a microphone input, while the average portable speaker does not have a microphone input.
    Has a physical external microphone input.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 21 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (31 W vs 10 W).
    31 W vs 10 W
  • Has a power bank function
    This portable speaker has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
    Provides a dedicated power-output port for charging another device.
  • Has a removable battery
    This portable speaker has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Includes a travel bag
    This portable speaker includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 12 hours).
    6 hours vs 12 hours
  • 9 % higher total harmonic distortion
    This portable speaker has higher total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (10 % vs 1 %).
    10 % vs 1 %
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
    4 hours vs 3 hours
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    5 °C vs 0 °C
  • 1,200 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (2000 g vs 800 g).
    2,000 g vs 800 g
  • 4.21x less popular
    Sony SRS-BTX500 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 2.11x more expensive
    Sony SRS-BTX500 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£190 vs £90).
    £190 vs £90
  • 1.5% worse value for money
    Sony SRS-BTX500 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.44 vs 7.5).
    7.44 vs 7.55
  • 9 % higher total harmonic distortion
    This portable speaker has higher total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (10 % vs 1 %).
    10 % vs 1 %
  • 21 mm smaller built-in subwoofer
    This portable speaker has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (80 mm vs 101 mm).
    80 mm vs 101 mm
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    This portable speaker has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 12 hours).
    6 hours vs 12 hours
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (4 hours vs 3 hours).
    4 hours vs 3 hours
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    5 °C vs 0 °C
  • 5 °C lower maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (35 °C vs 40 °C).
    35 °C vs 40 °C
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    This portable speaker does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • Does not support auto power-off
    This portable speaker does not support auto power-off, while the average portable speaker supports auto power-off.
    No automatic inactivity-based power-off.
  • 1,200 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (2000 g vs 800 g).
    2,000 g vs 800 g
  • 20.4 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (38.5 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    38.5 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 6 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2013 vs 2019).
    2013 vs 2019

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

W
wired.com
11/06/2013
Summary of the review
Review: Sony Bluetooth Wireless Speakers | WIRED
T
t3.com
17/06/2013
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-BTX500Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. review - T3
M
michael84.co.uk
13/07/2013
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-BTX500 Bluetooth Speaker Mini Review - Michael 84
P
pocket-lint.com
24/07/2013
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-BTX500 bluetooth speaker review - Pocket-lint
C
cnet.com
26/04/2013
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-BTX500 Premium Bluetooth Wireless Speaker review
B
bigpicturebigsound.com
14/06/2013
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-BTX500 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Review
W
whathifi.com
29/10/2013
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-BTX500 review - What Hi-Fi? What Hi-Fi?
H
hardware.info
14/09/2014
Summary of the review
Bluetooth speaker docks part 3: 10 portable speakers - Sony SRS-BTX300 & SRS-BTX500
(Translated)Show original
F
fwdmagazine.be
16/09/2013
Summary of the review
Review: Sony SRS-BTX500 – FWD Magazine
(Translated)Show original
A
av-online.hu
16/12/2013
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-BTX500 Bluetooth Speaker System Review
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony SRS-BTX500

  • Excellent sound quality that is loud, crisp, and clear
  • Balanced audio profile with ample, punchy bass that isn't over-accentuated
  • Sleek, premium minimalist design with brushed metal side panels
  • Quick and easy pairing via NFC (Near-Field Communication) and Bluetooth
  • Solid, high-quality, and durable build construction
  • Includes a USB port on the back to charge external mobile devices
  • Features built-in speakerphone capabilities for taking phone calls
  • Comes with a protective neoprene carrying case

What customers don't like about Sony SRS-BTX500

  • Hefty and bulky at around 2 kg (4.7 lbs), making it less ideal for long travel
  • Modest battery life offering only about 6 to 7 hours of playback
  • Power adapter is relatively large and bulky
  • Matte finish on the back panel scratches easily
  • Lacks modern Wi-Fi connectivity and dedicated streaming app support
  • Treble can lean toward a sharp or bright edge at times

Verdict

The Sony SRS-BTX500 is a premium 2.1-channel portable Bluetooth 3.0 speaker delivering 40W of total output power (10W+10W satellites and a 20W subwoofer) alongside dual passive radiators and magnetic fluid tech. Main characteristics and pros include its clean, room-filling sound with Megabass and DSEE modes, one-touch NFC pairing, aptX/AAC codec support, a built-in speakerphone mic, a retractable kickstand, and a rear USB port for charging smartphones. On the downside, it features a mediocre 6-hour battery life, lacks Wi-Fi or AirPlay support, weighs a relatively hefty 2 kg (4.4 lbs), and the rear matte finish is highly prone to scratching.

Compare Sony SRS-BTX500 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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