Sony SRS-X88 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£400
  • Avg. price in US: ~$400
  • Audio output power: 90.00 W
  • Battery life: ?
  • IP rating: ?
  • Bluetooth version: 3.0
  • Weight: 2700 g

Sony SRS-X88 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.

7.6

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

7.6

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.6

Technical Score

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 components:

32.0%

8.0

Audio

20.0%

8.0

Battery

18.0%

6.7

Durability

16.0%

7.0

Connectivity

8.0%

8.9

Controls

3.0%

6.7

Design

3.0%

8.1

Smart features

Very good
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.2
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    4.0

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    ?

    IP rating

    20.0%

    7.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    ?

    Battery life

  • 9.1
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    ?

    Battery life

    15.0%

    7.2

    Weight

    15.0%

    10

    Party mode

  • 9.6
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    7.2

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £400

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sony SRS-X88 is a premium 2.1-channel wireless speaker system delivering 90 watts of total system power through five dedicated drivers—including two 20mm super tweeters, two 40mm magnetic fluid midrange drivers, and a central 69mm subwoofer—complemented by dual passive radiators to produce a broad 55–40,000 Hz frequency response. Its core advantages include extensive high-resolution audio support (up to 192kHz/24-bit FLAC, WAV, ALAC, and DSD), diverse connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with LDAC, NFC, AirPlay, Google Cast, Ethernet, and dual USB-A/USB-B ports), and advanced digital processing via the S-Master HX amplifier and DSEE HX upscaling. However, the system relies strictly on continuous AC power and entirely lacks an internal rechargeable battery, which severely limits its actual portability despite its compact design, while its older Bluetooth 3.0 standard offers a short operational range of just 10 meters.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sony SRS-X88

Technical Score

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 components:

32.0%

?

Audio

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Durability

16.0%

?

Connectivity

8.0%

?

Controls

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Smart features

7.6
Sony SRS-X88 has a technical score of 7.64 points, which is higher than 90.8% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Sony SRS-X88 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

8.4

Price

7.9
Sony SRS-X88 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 60.4% of products in this category.
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

90.00 W
Sony SRS-X88 has an audio output power of 90.00 W which is higher than that of 87.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 90.00 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

5
Sony SRS-X88 has 5 drivers, which is more than 93.7% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 3.1% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 5.
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

55.00 Hz
Sony SRS-X88 has a lowest frequency of 55.00 Hz which is lower than that of 55.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.2% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 55.00 Hz.
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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

yes
Sony SRS-X88 supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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

3.0
Sony SRS-X88 supports Bluetooth version 3.0 which is older than that of 85.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 3.0.
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

10.00 m
Sony SRS-X88 has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 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
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

no
Sony SRS-X88 does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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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

no
Sony SRS-X88 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
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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

no
Sony SRS-X88 is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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

no
Sony SRS-X88 is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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

yes
Sony SRS-X88 resists accidental impacts. 67.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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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

?
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

no
Sony SRS-X88 does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
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

yes
Sony SRS-X88 supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
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

yes
Sony SRS-X88 includes a remote control. 85.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
A dedicated remote-control option is documented.
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

yes
Sony SRS-X88 supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports documented one-tap or quick device pairing.
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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

2,700 g
Sony SRS-X88 weighs 2,700 g which is heavier than that of 77.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
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

11.1 cm
Sony SRS-X88 has a height of 11.1 cm which is shorter than that of 55.2% of portable speakers.
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

35.9 cm
Sony SRS-X88 has a width of 35.9 cm which is wider than that of 88.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
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

10.3 cm
Sony SRS-X88 has a depth of 10.3 cm which is deeper than that of 62.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
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
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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

yes
Sony SRS-X88 supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
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

OTA; App; USB
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

no
Sony SRS-X88 does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
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

yes
Sony SRS-X88 supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports native Spotify Connect.
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Sony SRS-X88 vs the average portable speaker

  • 70 W more audio output power
    Sony SRS-X88 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (90 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 90.00 W.
    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

    Sony SRS-X88 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (90 W vs 20.00 W).90.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • 3 more speaker drivers
    Sony SRS-X88 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 5.
    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

    Sony SRS-X88 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).5 vs 2
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Sony SRS-X88 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 SRS-X88 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 20,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    Sony SRS-X88 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 SRS-X88 has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).40000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Sony SRS-X88 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
    When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sony SRS-X88 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    Sony SRS-X88 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 SRS-X88 has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    Sony SRS-X88 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 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 SRS-X88 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).3 vs 0
  • Supports AirPlay
    Sony SRS-X88 supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
    Supports Apple AirPlay.
    What it is: Indicates whether Apple AirPlay streaming is supported.
    When it matters: When wireless playback from Apple devices and multi-room setups matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sony SRS-X88 supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • 70 W more audio output power
    Sony SRS-X88 has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (90 W vs 20.00 W).
  • 3 more speaker drivers
    Sony SRS-X88 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (5 vs 2).
  • 20,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    Sony SRS-X88 has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Sony SRS-X88 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Sony SRS-X88 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 5 Hz deeper bass extension
    Sony SRS-X88 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (55 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Sony SRS-X88 supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    Sony SRS-X88 has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AirPlay
    Sony SRS-X88 supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Supports LDAC
    Sony SRS-X88 supports LDAC, while the average portable speaker does not support LDAC.
  • 1 more USB ports
    Sony SRS-X88 has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    Sony SRS-X88 supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • 1 more paired devices remembered
    Sony SRS-X88 remembers more paired devices than the average portable speaker (9 vs 8).
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    Sony SRS-X88 supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Has Ethernet support
    Sony SRS-X88 has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    Sony SRS-X88 supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Has a power bank function
    Sony SRS-X88 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Sony SRS-X88 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Resists accidental impacts
    Sony SRS-X88 resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • 3 more adjustable EQ bands
    Sony SRS-X88 has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
  • Has an equalizer
    Sony SRS-X88 has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • Supports fast pairing
    Sony SRS-X88 supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Supports party mode
    Sony SRS-X88 supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
  • Includes a remote control
    Sony SRS-X88 includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Supports playback mute
    Sony SRS-X88 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Has a sleep timer
    Sony SRS-X88 has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    Sony SRS-X88 supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    Sony SRS-X88 supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports firmware updates
    Sony SRS-X88 supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
  • 9 % higher total harmonic distortion
    Sony SRS-X88 has higher total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (10% vs 1%).
    THD: 10%.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony SRS-X88 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • 32 mm smaller built-in subwoofer
    Sony SRS-X88 has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (69 mm vs 101 mm).
    Built-in subwoofer diameter: 69.00 mm.
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    Sony SRS-X88 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 3.0.
  • Alternative Wi-Fi standard
    Sony SRS-X88 supports Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b), while the average portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 1 (802.11b).
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Sony SRS-X88 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    Sony SRS-X88 does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    Sony SRS-X88 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Sony SRS-X88 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Sony SRS-X88 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
  • 5 °C lower maximum operating temperature
    Sony SRS-X88 has a lower maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (35 °C vs 40 °C).
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Sony SRS-X88 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • 1,900 g heavier
    Sony SRS-X88 is heavier than the average portable speaker (2,700 g vs 800 g).
  • 17.8 cm wider
    Sony SRS-X88 is wider than the average portable speaker (35.9 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 2 cm deeper
    Sony SRS-X88 is deeper than the average portable speaker (10.3 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • 4 older
    Sony SRS-X88 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2015 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2015.
  • Is not water resistant
    Sony SRS-X88 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 SRS-X88 is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Sony SRS-X88 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
    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

    Sony SRS-X88 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 9 % higher total harmonic distortion
    Sony SRS-X88 has higher total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (10% vs 1%).
    THD: 10%.
    What it is: The amount of unwanted harmonic distortion added to the audio output.
    When it matters: When cleaner sound with less added distortion matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <= 1%

    Sony SRS-X88 has higher total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (10% vs 1%).10 % vs 1 %
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Sony SRS-X88 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Sony SRS-X88 has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    Sony SRS-X88 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
    Requires wired mains power and has no built-in rechargeable operating 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

    Sony SRS-X88 does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    Sony SRS-X88 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 3.0.
    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

    Sony SRS-X88 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5.0).3.0 vs 5.0
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Sony SRS-X88 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sony SRS-X88 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Sony SRS-X88 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 SRS-X88 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).5 °C vs 0 °C

Graphic comparison of Sony SRS-X88 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony SRS-X88?

  • Excellent high-resolution sound quality with impressive clarity and detail
  • Extensive connectivity suite including Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Bluetooth, DLNA, and Google Cast
  • Powerful 90W output that gets surprisingly loud for its compact footprint
  • Sleek, minimal, and timeless physical design
  • Easy and straightforward initial setup process
  • Dual USB ports supporting both device charging and direct PC connection

What customers dislike about Sony SRS-X88?

  • Narrow soundstage requires sitting directly in front of the speaker for the best stereo image
  • Lacks a built-in rechargeable battery, requiring a continuous AC wall connection
  • No option to block unauthorized users from interrupting streams on public/open networks
  • Mid-range can occasionally lack warmth, making some vocals sound a bit thin
  • The companion app (SongPal / Music Center) can feel clunky or restrictive to some users

Expert reviews

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independent.ie
12/07/2015
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trustedreviews.com
05/10/2015
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whathifi.com
04/01/2016
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soundvisionreview.com
12/08/2015
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audioreview.frieve.com
31/07/2025
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smh.com.au
17/08/2015
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areadvd.de
23/07/2015
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technikfaultier.com
16/12/2016
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lesnumeriques.com
23/06/2015
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on-mag.fr
21/03/2016
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id.nl
26/08/2022
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hifi.nl
16/10/2015
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hifi.nl
09/10/2015
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hifi.nl
09/10/2015
Summary of the review

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