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-XB13 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45Audio output power:5.00 WBattery life:16 hoursIP rating:IP67Bluetooth version:4.2Weight:253 g

Sony SRS-XB13 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.

6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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%

6.3

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 76% 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
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 71%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 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%

5.6

Audio

20%

6.1

Battery

18%

8.7

Durability

16%

5.4

Connectivity

8%

5.1

Controls

3%

9.8

Design

3%

5.2

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 66%
?

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~ £45
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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Portable Speakers model ranking

Ranked #1110 of 1,316 models in Portable Speakers (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sony SRS-XB13

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 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%

5.6

Audio

20%

6.1

Battery

18%

8.7

Durability

16%

5.4

Connectivity

8%

5.1

Controls

3%

9.8

Design

3%

5.2

Smart features

6.3
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-XB13 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
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.4
Audio output power
5 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 5 W which is lower than that of 80% of portable speakers and equal to that of 8.9% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
46 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 46 mm which is smaller than that of 59.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
1
This portable speaker has 1 drivers, which is fewer than 75.6% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 24.4% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
?
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
This portable speaker 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.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 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
16 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 16 hours which is longer than that of 73.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.1% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
1,400 mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 1,400 mAh which is smaller than that of 79.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Charging time
4 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
15 W
This portable speaker has a maximum charging input power of 15 W which is higher than that of 73.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.5% 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
IP67
This portable speaker has an IP rating of IP67 which provides better ingress protection than 80% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 19.1% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
yes
This portable speaker is dust resistant. 48.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
1 m
This portable speaker has a waterproof depth rating of 1 m which is deeper than that of 52.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 47.4% of portable speakers.
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
side
Touchscreen
no
This portable speaker does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Smartphone app control
no
This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker 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
253 g
This portable speaker weighs 253 g which is lighter than that of 84.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
9.53 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 9.53 cm which is shorter than that of 63.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Width
7.6 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 7.6 cm which is narrower than that of 89.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Depth
7.6 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 7.6 cm which is shallower than that of 56.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.1% of portable speakers.
Carry options
strap
Show more
Companion app name
Sony | Music Center
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
App
Voice assistant support
no
This portable speaker does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Sony SRS-XB13 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP67 vs IPX5).
    IP67 vs IPX5
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • Floats in water
    This portable speaker floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
  • 4 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (16 hours vs 12 hours).
    16 hours vs 12 hours
  • 5 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (85 dB vs 80 dB).
    85 dB vs 80 dB
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • Provides 360-degree sound
    This portable speaker provides 360-degree sound, while the average portable speaker does not provide 360-degree sound.
    Provides omnidirectional 360° sound radiation.
  • 5 dB higher signal-to-noise ratio
    This portable speaker has a higher signal-to-noise ratio than the average portable speaker (85 dB vs 80 dB).
    85 dB vs 80 dB
  • 44 ms lower audio latency
    This portable speaker has lower audio latency than the average portable speaker (41 ms vs 85 ms).
    41 ms vs 85 ms
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    This portable speaker has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
    Has a physical USB-C port.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 4 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (16 hours vs 12 hours).
    16 hours vs 12 hours
  • 5 W higher charging input power
    This portable speaker has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (15 W vs 10 W).
    15 W vs 10 W
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP67 vs IPX5).
    IP67 vs IPX5
  • 1 m deeper waterproof rating
    This portable speaker has a deeper waterproof depth rating than the average portable speaker (1 m vs 0 m).
    1 m vs 0 m
  • Floats in water
    This portable speaker floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
  • Is UV resistant
    This portable speaker is UV resistant, while the average portable speaker is not rated as UV resistant.
  • Supports fast pairing
    This portable speaker supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • 547 g lighter
    This portable speaker is lighter than the average portable speaker (253 g vs 800 g).
    253 g vs 800 g
  • 10.5 cm narrower
    This portable speaker is narrower than the average portable speaker (7.6 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    7.6 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • Includes a travel bag
    This portable speaker includes a travel bag, while the average portable speaker does not include a travel bag.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • 14 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (78 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    78 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 15 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 20 W).
    5 W vs 20 W
  • 1,200 mAh less battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    1,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 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 have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 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 fewer speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • 4.21x less popular
    Sony SRS-XB13 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 1.9% worse value for money
    Sony SRS-XB13 offers worse value for money than the average portable speaker (7.41 vs 7.5).
    7.41 vs 7.55
  • 14 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (78 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    78 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 15 W less audio output power
    This portable speaker has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (5 W vs 20 W).
    5 W vs 20 W
  • 1 fewer speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has fewer speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (1 vs 2).
    1 vs 2
  • 4 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (46 mm vs 50 mm).
    46 mm vs 50 mm
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 1,200 mAh less battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    1,400 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 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 smartphone app control
    This portable speaker does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • 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.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

R
rtings.com
19/07/2021
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
25/05/2021
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
25/06/2021
Summary of the review
A
au.pcmag.com
26/06/2021
Summary of the review
E
eftm.com
01/06/2021
Summary of the review
T
techhive.com
10/08/2021
Summary of the review
G
gadgetreview.com
23/05/2023
Summary of the review
C
cnn.com
01/03/2023
Summary of the review
T
t3.com
25/03/2022
Summary of the review
Y
yachtingworld.com
12/07/2023
Summary of the review
H
hifi.de
30/06/2022
Summary of the review
S
stereoguide.de
29/05/2022
Summary of the review
I
imtest.de
04/06/2021
Summary of the review
G
global.techradar.com
19/07/2021
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
23/06/2021
Summary of the review
C
clubic.com
13/07/2021
Summary of the review
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
30/09/2021
Summary of the review
R
robadainformatici.it
28/04/2026
Summary of the review
I
ilgiradischi.net
08/12/2022
Summary of the review
Q
qualescegliere.it
19/04/2022
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony SRS-XB13

  • Compact and highly portable palm-sized design
  • Excellent IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating
  • Impressive battery life lasting up to 16 hours
  • Convenient multiway detachable carrying strap
  • Punchy bass and well-balanced sound for its small size
  • Minimal sound compression at maximum volume
  • Low Bluetooth latency on iOS and Android devices

What customers don't like about Sony SRS-XB13

  • Does not get very loud for larger outdoor gatherings
  • Slow battery charging times
  • Lacks a dedicated companion app or graphic EQ settings
  • Mediocre microphone quality during hands-free calls
  • Struggles to replicate deep, low-frequency sub-bass
  • Downmixes stereo tracks to mono unless paired with a second unit
  • Bass vibrations can cause the speaker to move on flat surfaces

Verdict

The Sony SRS-XB13 is a highly compact mono portable speaker measuring approximately 76mm in diameter by 95mm in height and weighing just 253g. It features a single 46mm driver paired with a passive radiator to power its Extra Bass technology, alongside a Sound Diffusion Processor for wider audio dispersion. Operating on Bluetooth 4.2 with support for SBC and AAC codecs, it boasts an impressive 16-hour battery life, a USB Type-C charging port, hands-free calling capabilities, and a rugged, IP67-rated waterproof and dustproof exterior equipped with a multiway carry strap. Main advantages include its exceptionally durable build, strong low-end punch for its size, excellent outdoor portability, and a long-lasting battery. However, notable drawbacks include a relatively low maximum volume, a lengthy four-hour recharge time, an underwhelming integrated microphone, and the lack of a 3.5mm auxiliary input.

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