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-XB33 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Audio output power:30.00 WBattery life:24 hoursIP rating:IP67Bluetooth version:5.0Weight:1100 g

Sony SRS-XB33 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.

7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 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%

7.3

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 84% of portable speakers
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 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%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–²Better than 86%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 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%

6.1

Audio

20%

7.2

Battery

18%

9.5

Durability

16%

6.9

Connectivity

8%

9.0

Controls

3%

8.1

Design

3%

5.2

Smart features

★Better than 90%
?

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~ £130
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-XB33

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 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%

6.1

Audio

20%

7.2

Battery

18%

9.5

Durability

16%

6.9

Connectivity

8%

9.0

Controls

3%

8.1

Design

3%

5.2

Smart features

7.3
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-XB33 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
8.1/ 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%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

8.1
Audio output power
30 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 30 W which is higher than that of 62% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.5% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
48 mm
This portable speaker has a driver unit size of 48 mm which is smaller than that of 56.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 3.3% of portable speakers.
Number of drivers
2
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
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
5
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 5 which is newer than that of 46.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 24.4% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
30 m
This portable speaker has a maximum Bluetooth range of 30 m which is longer than that of 85.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 10% 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
24 hours
This portable speaker has a battery life of 24 hours which is longer than that of 88.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 6.4% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
2,700 mAh
This portable speaker has a battery capacity of 2,700 mAh which is larger than that of 56.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% of portable speakers.
Charging time
5 hours
This portable speaker has a charging time of 5 hours which is longer than that of 87% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.7% 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.
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
yes
This portable speaker resists accidental impacts. 67.3% 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.
Show more
Weight
1,100 g
This portable speaker weighs 1,100 g which is heavier than that of 58.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.2% of portable speakers.
Height
9.7 cm
This portable speaker has a height of 9.7 cm which is shorter than that of 63.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Width
24.6 cm
This portable speaker has a width of 24.6 cm which is wider than that of 68.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Depth
10.6 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 10.6 cm which is deeper than that of 63.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
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
OTA; 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-XB33 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
  • 20 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (30 m vs 10 m).
    30 m vs 10 m
  • 12 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (24 hours vs 12 hours).
    24 hours vs 12 hours
  • 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
  • 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
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 7% better value for money
    Sony SRS-XB33 offers better value for money than the average portable speaker (8.08 vs 7.5).
    8.08 vs 7.55
  • 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
  • 10 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (30 W vs 20 W).
    30 W vs 20 W
  • 20 m longer Bluetooth range
    This portable speaker has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (30 m vs 10 m).
    30 m vs 10 m
  • 1 more multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has more multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 12 hours longer battery life
    This portable speaker has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (24 hours vs 12 hours).
    24 hours vs 12 hours
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Resists accidental impacts
    This portable speaker resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • Claims MIL-STD-810 compliance
    This portable speaker claims MIL-STD-810 compliance, while the average portable speaker does not claim MIL-STD-810 compliance.
  • Floats in water
    This portable speaker floats in water, while the average portable speaker does not float in water.
  • 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.
  • 3 more EQ presets
    This portable speaker has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
    3 vs 0
  • 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.
  • Has a sleep timer
    This portable speaker has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
    A selectable timer can stop playback or power the speaker down.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    5 hours vs 3 hours
  • 6 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (86 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    86 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 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
  • 4.21x less popular
    Sony SRS-XB33 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
  • 6.5 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (24.6 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    24.6 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 2 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (48 mm vs 50 mm).
    48 mm vs 50 mm
  • 4.21x less popular
    Sony SRS-XB33 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 6 dB SPL lower maximum sound pressure
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum sound pressure level than the average portable speaker (86 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL).
    86 dB SPL vs 92 dB SPL
  • 2 mm smaller main driver
    This portable speaker has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (48 mm vs 50 mm).
    48 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
  • 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.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This portable speaker has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    5 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
  • 6.5 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (24.6 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    24.6 cm vs 18.1 cm
  • 300 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,100 g vs 800 g).
    1,100 g vs 800 g
  • 2.3 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (10.6 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    10.6 cm vs 8.3 cm

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

W
whathifi.com
09/11/2020
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
08/06/2020
Summary of the review
T
techradar.com
23/11/2020
Summary of the review
R
rtings.com
21/09/2022
Summary of the review
T
techgearlab.com
15/07/2021
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.com
05/08/2021
Summary of the review
L
lbtechreviews.com
May 18, 2026*
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
08/06/2020
Summary of the review
A
au.pcmag.com
09/06/2020
Summary of the review
S
soundstagexperience.com
01/11/2020
Summary of the review
S
stereoguide.de
20/08/2022
Summary of the review
H
heise.de
05/06/2022
Summary of the review
Z
zeit.de
19/09/2020
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
24/07/2020
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
23/07/2020
Summary of the review
O
on-mag.fr
14/08/2020
Summary of the review
I
id.nl
24/11/2020
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony SRS-XB33

  • Durable, rugged build with an excellent IP67 dustproof, waterproof, and saltwater-resistant rating
  • Punchy audio performance featuring Sony's Extra Bass technology and dual passive side radiators
  • Long-lasting battery life of up to 14 to 24 hours depending on the lights and sound mode settings
  • Fun, customizable RGB LED party lights controlled via the companion mobile apps
  • Built-in power bank functionality via USB-A output to charge external devices
  • Seamless connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.0 and quick NFC one-touch pairing

What customers don't like about Sony SRS-XB33

  • Audio quality can degrade or experience minor distortion when pushed to maximum volume
  • Slightly bulkier and heavier than its predecessors, making it less ideal for extreme portability
  • Struggles to reproduce the lowest frequencies of sub-bass compared to larger high-end speakers
  • Lacks a 3.5mm auxiliary audio jack for traditional wired connections
  • Missing smart features or direct Wi-Fi connectivity options like Apple AirPlay or Chromecast

Verdict

The Sony SRS-XB33 is a rugged portable Bluetooth 5.0 speaker featuring dual X-Balanced non-circular drivers and side passive radiators that deliver a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz with a 16W (2 x 8W) power output. Key characteristics include an exceptionally durable IP67 waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof design, built-in customizable RGB LED party lights, and an internal battery providing up to 24 hours of playback alongside a USB-A power bank port to charge external devices. Its primary advantages are its punchy Extra Bass performance, versatile app-based EQ customization, and seamless NFC pairing; however, it lacks a 3.5mm auxiliary input, cannot replicate extreme low-bass sub-bass frequencies, takes a relatively long time to recharge, and its bulkier 2.4-pound frame makes it less pocketable than competitors.

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