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

Sony SRS-XB20 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Audio output power:20.00 WBattery life:12 hoursIP rating:IPX5Bluetooth version:4.2Weight:590 g

Sony SRS-XB20 Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components

80%

6.5

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 64% of portable speakers
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 60%
6.5

Technical score

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

32%

6.2

Audio

20%

6.0

Battery

18%

6.3

Durability

16%

6.1

Connectivity

8%

9.0

Controls

3%

8.8

Design

3%

7.1

Smart features

â–¼Worse than 55%
?

User score

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

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £110
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sony SRS-XB20

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

32%

6.2

Audio

20%

6.0

Battery

18%

6.3

Durability

16%

6.1

Connectivity

8%

9.0

Controls

3%

8.8

Design

3%

7.1

Smart features

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

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Sony SRS-XB20 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
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.5
Audio output power
20 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 20 W which is higher than that of 46.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.4% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
42 mm
Market range: <38 mm – >101 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 42 mm which is smaller than that of 75.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.9% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 20 Hz which is lower than that of 84.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 14% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
Market range: <3 – >5.3
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
Market range: <10 m – >30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth profiles supported
A2DP; AVRCP; HFP; HSP; SPP
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
12 hours
Market range: <6 hours – >24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 12 hours which is longer than that of 47.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 15.7% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
2,600 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 2,600 mAh which is larger than that of 49% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.4% of portable speakers.
Charging time
4 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 4 hours which is longer than that of 67% of portable speakers and equal to that of 19.3% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
yes
This portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
IPX5
This portable speaker 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
yes
This portable speaker is water resistant. 38.3% 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.
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On-device controls placement
top; rear
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
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.
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Weight
590 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 590 g which is lighter than that of 59.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Height
6.8 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 6.8 cm which is shorter than that of 81.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% of portable speakers.
Width
19.8 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 19.8 cm which is wider than that of 55.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
6.9 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 6.9 cm which is shallower than that of 65.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
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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
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
no
This portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Sony SRS-XB20 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    3 vs 1
  • 40 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    20 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 5 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 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 LDAC
    This portable speaker supports LDAC, while the average portable speaker does not support LDAC.
  • 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.
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This portable speaker supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • 40 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    20 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • 2 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (3 vs 1).
    3 vs 1
  • Supports LDAC
    This portable speaker supports LDAC, while the average portable speaker does not support LDAC.
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    This portable speaker supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 5 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 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.
  • 5.6 cm shorter
    This portable speaker is shorter than the average portable speaker (6.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    6.8 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • Supports voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 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
  • 8 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (42 mm vs 50 mm).
    42 mm vs 50 mm
  • 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
  • 4.21x less popular
    Sony SRS-XB20 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 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
  • 400 Hz lower microphone frequency limit
    This portable speaker has a lower microphone frequency limit than the average portable speaker (7,000 Hz vs 7,400 Hz).
    7,000 Hz vs 7,400 Hz
  • 4.21x less popular
    Sony SRS-XB20 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 8 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (42 mm vs 50 mm).
    42 mm vs 50 mm
  • 400 Hz lower microphone frequency limit
    This portable speaker has a lower microphone frequency limit than the average portable speaker (7,000 Hz vs 7,400 Hz).
    7,000 Hz vs 7,400 Hz
  • 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 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
  • 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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
techgearlab.com
08/08/2017
Summary of the review
Sony XB20Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review | Tested & Rated - TechGearLab
A
audiosplitz.com
09/06/2017
Summary of the review
Sony 2017 Extra Bass Speakers - Review - audiosplitz
O
originalvideoreviews.com
23/03/2019
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB20 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker If you would like to proceed, I can search for video reviews of this exact model or help you compare its audi...
N
netzwelt.de
12/05/2017
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB40 Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker Review (Including SRS-XB20 Comparison)
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
27/05/2017
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB20 Lab Test: flashing lights, but lacking bass
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
15/08/2017
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB20 Review: A well-crafted, glowing Bluetooth speaker with aptX and NFC
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony SRS-XB20

  • Impressive, punchy bass performance with a dedicated Extra Bass boost feature
  • Solid, durable, and premium rubberized build quality
  • IPX5 water-resistance rating suitable for splashes and outdoor environments
  • Compact, highly portable design that easily fills small-to-medium rooms with loud sound
  • Fun customizable visual element via an integrated LED light ring that pulses to the beat
  • Convenient connectivity options including reliable Bluetooth pairing, NFC tap-to-pair, and a 3.5mm AUX input jack
  • Support for multi-speaker configurations using Wireless Party Chain and stereo pairing

What customers don't like about Sony SRS-XB20

  • Battery life drains significantly quicker (down to 3-5 hours) when played at maximum volume with lights on
  • Inability to charge the device while actively playing music at higher volumes
  • Slight distortion or sharp, ringing highs when pushed to maximum volume levels
  • A bit heavier (around 600g) than some alternative modern speakers in its size class
  • The matte top plastic surface on darker models functions as a fingerprint magnet
  • Does not include an AC wall adapter brick in the box (only a charging cable)
  • Bluetooth LED light continuously flashes if a device is not actively paired

Verdict

The Sony SRS-XB20 is a compact, 590-gram portable wireless speaker featuring dual 42mm full-range satellite drivers, dual passive radiators, and 20W power output powered by Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC with LDAC codec support. Key pros include its IPX5 water-resistant chassis, an integrated single-colored line light that syncs to the music, and an advertised battery life of up to 12 hours that supports Wireless Party Chain linking for up to 10 speakers. However, notable cons include a significant reduction in battery life to roughly 3 hours at maximum volume with lighting active, lack of Wi-Fi connectivity, and a reduction in audio clarity at high volumes when the Extra Bass mode is engaged.

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