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-X99 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£620Audio output power:154.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:3.0Weight:4700 g

Sony SRS-X99 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.

7.1/10

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 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
Score components

80%

7.1

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 75% of portable speakers
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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
Score components

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 85%
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 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
Score components

32%

7.8

Audio

20%

7.1

Battery

18%

5.6

Durability

16%

7.0

Connectivity

8%

9.2

Controls

3%

5.1

Design

3%

6.5

Smart features

â–²Better than 82%
?

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
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £620
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading...
Loading category ranking...

Portable Speakers model ranking

Ranked #839 of 1,316 models in Portable Speakers (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sony SRS-X99

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 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
Score components:

32%

7.8

Audio

20%

7.1

Battery

18%

5.6

Durability

16%

7.0

Connectivity

8%

9.2

Controls

3%

5.1

Design

3%

6.5

Smart features

7.1
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
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
Popularity:
Sony SRS-X99 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
7.2/ 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
Score components:

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

7.2

Price

7.2
Audio output power
154 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 154 W which is higher than that of 95% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
50 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 50 mm which is larger than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 10.2% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
7
This portable speaker has 7 drivers, which is more than 98.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 1.2% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
45 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 45 Hz which is lower than that of 70.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.6% 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
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
9 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 9 m which is shorter than that of 95.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.5% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP
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
?
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
?
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
no
This portable speaker 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.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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
?
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
yes
This portable speaker includes a remote control. 85.1% 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
4,700 g
This portable speaker weighs 4,700 g which is heavier than that of 88.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
13.3 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 13.3 cm which is taller than that of 53.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Width
43 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 43 cm which is wider than that of 94.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Depth
12.5 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 12.5 cm which is deeper than that of 70.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.4% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
Show more
Companion app name
Sony | Music Center
Firmware updates
no
This portable speaker does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Firmware update method
OTA; App; USB
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Sony SRS-X99 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 134 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (154 W vs 20 W).
    154 W vs 20 W
  • 5 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (7 vs 2).
    7 vs 2
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 20,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 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.
  • 8 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (8 vs 0).
    8 vs 0
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • 134 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (154 W vs 20 W).
    154 W vs 20 W
  • 5 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (7 vs 2).
    7 vs 2
  • 20,000 Hz higher maximum frequency
    This portable speaker has a higher maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (40,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    40,000 Hz vs 20,000 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 a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • 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.
  • 15 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (45 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    45 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This portable speaker supports AirPlay, while the average portable speaker does not support AirPlay.
  • Supports LDAC
    This portable speaker supports LDAC, while the average portable speaker does not support LDAC.
  • 1 more USB ports
    This portable speaker has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This portable speaker supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • 1 more paired devices remembered
    This portable speaker remembers more paired devices than the average portable speaker (9 vs 8).
    9 vs 8
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    This portable speaker supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Has Ethernet support
    This portable speaker has Ethernet support, while the average portable speaker does not have Ethernet support.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 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.
  • 8 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (8 vs 0).
    8 vs 0
  • 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.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Includes a remote control
    This portable speaker includes a remote control, while the average portable speaker does not include a remote control.
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 9 % higher total harmonic distortion
    This portable speaker has higher total harmonic distortion than the average portable speaker (10 % vs 1 %).
    10 % vs 1 %
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker 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.
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • 3,900 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (4,700 g vs 800 g).
    4,700 g vs 800 g
  • 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
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • 6.89x more expensive
    Sony SRS-X99 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£620 vs £90).
    £620 vs £90
  • 4.21x less popular
    Sony SRS-X99 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 5.3% worse value for money
    Sony SRS-X99 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.16 vs 7.5).
    7.16 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 %
  • 2 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (3 vs 5).
    3 vs 5
  • 1 m shorter Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a shorter Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (9 m vs 10 m).
    9 m vs 10 m
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker 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
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 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
  • 3,900 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (4,700 g vs 800 g).
    4,700 g vs 800 g
  • 24.9 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (43 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    43 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 4.2 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (12.5 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    12.5 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 4 older
    This portable speaker was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2015 vs 2019).
    2015 vs 2019

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

A
avforums.com
12/02/2016
Summary of the review
T
trustedreviews.com
21/03/2016
Summary of the review
E
expertreviews.co.uk
30/01/2016
Summary of the review
A
alphr.com
02/02/2016
Summary of the review
C
crutchfield.com
23/11/2015
Summary of the review
C
connect-living.de
06/07/2015
Summary of the review
L
likehifi.de
22/05/2016
Summary of the review
E
enceinte-wifi.com
2016
Summary of the review
H
hardware.info
14/02/2016
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony SRS-X99

  • Excellent sound clarity and great overall detail
  • Powerful room-filling volume with 154W output
  • Premium minimalist design with a sleek glass top
  • Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and USB DAC
  • Native support for High-Resolution Audio formats
  • Handy backlit touch controls with a proximity sensor

What customers don't like about Sony SRS-X99

  • Prohibitively expensive retail price
  • Narrow sweet spot for optimal stereo imaging
  • Glossy glass surface easily attracts fingerprints and smudges
  • Heavy build makes it less portable than typical wireless speakers
  • Bass can occasionally overpower the mid-range frequencies
  • SongPal multi-room app can feel restricted compared to competitors

Verdict

The Sony SRS-X99 is a premium wireless home speaker boasting a powerful 154W total output through an 8-channel S-Master HX digital amplifier and a comprehensive 7-driver system, which includes a 94mm subwoofer, two 50mm Magnetic Fluid midrange drivers, four 19mm super tweeters, and dual passive radiators. Designed for audiophiles, it features an extensive frequency response of 45-40,000 Hz, supports high-resolution audio formats up to 24-bit/192kHz (FLAC, ALAC, DSD), and offers versatile connectivity via dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with LDAC, NFC, AirPlay, Ethernet, USB-A, and USB-B inputs. Key advantages include an incredibly detailed, expansive soundstage and sophisticated aesthetics with an illuminated, touch-capacitive glass top panel. However, the speaker lacks a built-in battery—requiring constant AC wall power—and its hefty 4.7 kg weight and bulky 430mm width significantly limit its actual portability.

Compare Sony SRS-X99 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Sony SRS-X99 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

No results found