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Sony SRS-XB01 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£35
  • Avg. price in US: ~$20
  • Audio output power: 3.00 W
  • Battery life: 6 hours
  • IP rating: IPX5
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: 160 g

Sony SRS-XB01 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.

4.8

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%

4.8

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.8

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%

4.8

Audio

20.0%

4.1

Battery

18.0%

4.9

Durability

16.0%

5.0

Connectivity

8.0%

3.8

Controls

3.0%

10

Design

3.0%

4.1

Smart features

Poor
?

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

  • 7.5
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    5.1

    IP rating

    20.0%

    10

    Weight

    15.0%

    1.6

    Battery life

  • 3.0
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.0

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    1.6

    Battery life

    15.0%

    10

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 4.3
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    1.0

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    10

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £35

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-XB01 is an ultra-compact, pocket-sized mono Bluetooth 4.2 speaker measuring 81.5 x 57.5 x 56.5 mm and weighing just 160 grams. Its main characteristics include a 37.5mm full-range driver, an IPX5 water-resistant design, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. Key pros are its highly portable footprint with an included carrying strap, clear vocal reproduction, and Extra Bass technology that enhances beats for its size. However, its main cons include a limited 6-hour battery life, low overall maximum volume, a noticeable lack of deep low-bass response, and a directional soundstage rather than 360-degree audio.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sony SRS-XB01

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

4.8
Sony SRS-XB01 has a technical score of 4.78 points, which is lower than 100% 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-XB01 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%

4.8

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.3
Sony SRS-XB01 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 98.7% 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

3.00 W
Sony SRS-XB01 has an audio output power of 3.00 W which is lower than that of 91.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.8% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 3.00 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

37.00 mm
Sony SRS-XB01 has a driver unit size of 37.00 mm which is smaller than that of 94.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 37.00 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

1
Sony SRS-XB01 has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 1.
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

20.00 Hz
Sony SRS-XB01 has a lowest frequency of 20.00 Hz which is lower than that of 84.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 14% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 20.00 Hz.
Show more
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-XB01 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

4.2
Sony SRS-XB01 supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 4.2.
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-XB01 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; 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

no
Sony SRS-XB01 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

6 hours
Sony SRS-XB01 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
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

800 mAh
Sony SRS-XB01 has a battery capacity of 800 mAh which is smaller than that of 90.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.4% of portable speakers.
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

3 hours
Sony SRS-XB01 has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% of portable speakers.
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

2 W
Sony SRS-XB01 has a maximum charging input power of 2 W which is lower than that of 98.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
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

yes
Sony SRS-XB01 has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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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+

IPX5
Sony SRS-XB01 has an IP rating of IPX5 which provides worse ingress protection than 62.3% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 15.3% of portable speakers.
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

yes
Sony SRS-XB01 is water resistant. 38.3% 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-XB01 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

0 m
Sony SRS-XB01 is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of cameras have a native waterproof depth rating.
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

no
Sony SRS-XB01 lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% 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

top
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-XB01 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

no
Sony SRS-XB01 does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
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

no
Sony SRS-XB01 does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control 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

no
Sony SRS-XB01 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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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

160 g
Sony SRS-XB01 weighs 160 g which is lighter than that of 94.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% 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

5.75 cm
Sony SRS-XB01 has a height of 5.75 cm which is shorter than that of 90.1% 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

8.15 cm
Sony SRS-XB01 has a width of 8.15 cm which is narrower than that of 87% 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

5.65 cm
Sony SRS-XB01 has a depth of 5.65 cm which is shallower than that of 77.2% 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

strap
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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

?
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

no
Sony SRS-XB01 does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No supported user-accessible firmware update path.
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

no
Sony SRS-XB01 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

no
Sony SRS-XB01 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

Sony SRS-XB01 vs the average portable speaker

  • 40 Hz deeper bass extension
    Sony SRS-XB01 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
    Lower frequency-response endpoint: 20.00 Hz.
    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

    Sony SRS-XB01 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).20.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
  • 640 g lighter
    Sony SRS-XB01 is lighter than the average portable speaker (160 g vs 800 g).
    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

    Sony SRS-XB01 is lighter than the average portable speaker (160 g vs 800 g).160 g vs 800 g
  • 40 ms lower audio latency
    Sony SRS-XB01 has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (45 ms vs 85 ms).
    Audio latency: 45 ms.
    What it is: The delay between the source signal and the sound you hear.
    When it matters: When lip sync, gaming, or real-time monitoring matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= 100 ms

    Sony SRS-XB01 has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (45 ms vs 85 ms).45 ms vs 85 ms
  • 9.95 cm narrower
    Sony SRS-XB01 is narrower than the average portable speaker (8.2 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    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

    Sony SRS-XB01 is narrower than the average portable speaker (8.2 cm vs 18.1 cm).8.15 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 6.65 cm shorter
    Sony SRS-XB01 is shorter than the average portable speaker (5.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    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

    Sony SRS-XB01 is shorter than the average portable speaker (5.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).5.75 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • Includes a travel bag
    Sony SRS-XB01 includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
    What it is: Indicates whether a carrying bag or case is included.
    When it matters: When you want protection and easier carrying away from home.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sony SRS-XB01 includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 2.65 cm shallower
    Sony SRS-XB01 is shallower than the average portable speaker (5.7 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    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

    Sony SRS-XB01 is shallower than the average portable speaker (5.7 cm vs 8.3 cm).5.65 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 2.57x cheaper
    Sony SRS-XB01 is cheaper than the average portable speaker (£35 vs £90).
    Sony SRS-XB01 is cheaper than the average portable speaker (£35 vs £90).£35 vs £90
  • 40 Hz deeper bass extension
    Sony SRS-XB01 has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • 40 ms lower audio latency
    Sony SRS-XB01 has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (45 ms vs 85 ms).
  • 640 g lighter
    Sony SRS-XB01 is lighter than the average portable speaker (160 g vs 800 g).
  • 6.65 cm shorter
    Sony SRS-XB01 is shorter than the average portable speaker (5.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 9.95 cm narrower
    Sony SRS-XB01 is narrower than the average portable speaker (8.2 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • Includes a travel bag
    Sony SRS-XB01 includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • 2.65 cm shallower
    Sony SRS-XB01 is shallower than the average portable speaker (5.7 cm vs 8.3 cm).

Total
Overall
Audio
Design
  • 5,700 Hz lower maximum frequency
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (14,300 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    Upper frequency-response endpoint: 14300 Hz.
  • 14 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (78 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 78.00 dB.
  • 17 W less audio output power
    Sony SRS-XB01 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (3 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 3.00 W.
  • 13 mm smaller main driver
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (37 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 37.00 mm.
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    Sony SRS-XB01 has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 1.
  • 1 fewer multipoint connections
    Sony SRS-XB01 has fewer multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Simultaneous Bluetooth devices: 0.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Sony SRS-XB01 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 12 hours).
  • 1,800 mAh less battery capacity
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (800 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • 8 W lower charging input power
    Sony SRS-XB01 has lower charging input power than the average portable speaker (2 W vs 10 W).
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Sony SRS-XB01 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
  • 5 °C lower maximum operating temperature
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a lower maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (35 °C vs 40 °C).
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Sony SRS-XB01 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Sony SRS-XB01 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Sony SRS-XB01 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    Sony SRS-XB01 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-XB01 is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 12 hours).
    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

    Sony SRS-XB01 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 12 hours).6 hours vs 12 hours
  • 14 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (78 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).
    Sound pressure level: 78.00 dB.
    What it is: The maximum acoustic loudness the speaker can produce.
    When it matters: When the speaker must play loudly in a large or outdoor space.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 90 dB SPL

    Sony SRS-XB01 has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (78 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL).78.00 dB SPL vs 92.00 dB SPL
  • 5,700 Hz lower maximum frequency
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (14,300 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).
    Upper frequency-response endpoint: 14300 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-XB01 has a lower maximum frequency than the average portable speaker (14,300 Hz vs 20,000 Hz).14300 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 1,800 mAh less battery capacity
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (800 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    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

    Sony SRS-XB01 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (800 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).800 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • 17 W less audio output power
    Sony SRS-XB01 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (3 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 3.00 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-XB01 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (3 W vs 20.00 W).3.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Sony SRS-XB01 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker 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

    Sony SRS-XB01 does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
  • 13 mm smaller main driver
    Sony SRS-XB01 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (37 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 37.00 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 SRS-XB01 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (37 mm vs 50.00 mm).37.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls

Graphic comparison of Sony SRS-XB01 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony SRS-XB01?

  • Extremely compact, lightweight, and highly portable design
  • Surprisingly clear mids and highs for its small physical footprint
  • IPX5 water-resistance rating protects against splashes and rain
  • Very affordable and budget-friendly price point
  • Convenient inclusion of a color-coordinated carrying strap
  • Features a built-in microphone for basic hands-free phone calls
  • Includes a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack for wired connections

What customers dislike about Sony SRS-XB01?

  • Lacks low-end bass response due to its miniature size
  • Maximum volume capability is limited and insufficient for large open spaces
  • Battery life maxes out at around 6 hours and drains faster at high volumes
  • Outdated Micro-USB charging port instead of modern USB-C
  • Microphone audio quality can sound muffled or weak to listeners on the other end
  • Mono speaker configuration creates highly directional audio output
  • No multi-device pairing support or official companion app for EQ adjustment

Expert reviews

R
rtings.com
28/01/2021
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB01 Speaker Review - RTINGS.com
C
cnet.com
20/11/2018
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB01 review: Sony's cheap mini Bluetooth speaker ...
T
thegatewayonline.ca
17/06/2020
Summary of the review
Tech Review: Sony XB01 speaker - The Gateway
D
digitalcitizen.life
13/10/2025
Summary of the review
Reviewing the Sony SRS-XB01 Bluetooth speaker: small size with ... CNET
C
cnetfrance.fr
26/11/2018
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB01 Review: A neat little speaker at a low price
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
06/02/2019
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB01/WC Lab Test: A small, affordable speaker
(Translated)Show original
V
vive-le-son.fr
Date inconnue
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB01 Speaker: Review & Rating
(Translated)Show original
M
mon-enceinte-portable.fr
Date inconnue
Summary of the review
Sony SRS XB01 - Review and Test by L'Éclaireur Fnac
(Translated)Show original
G
gioxx.org
22/07/2019
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB01 Product Viewer: Changing the Order of the Addends...
(Translated)Show original
G
gadgetgear.nl
21/10/2018
Summary of the review
Review: Sony SRS-XB01; Small, sturdy, loud - GadgetGear.nl
(Translated)Show original
P
planetzone.nl
24/02/2020
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB01: compact speaker with a great bass
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
25/11/2020
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB01 - Reviews - Tweakers
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
29/02/2020
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB01 White Review
(Translated)Show original

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