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Sony SRS-XB501G Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£170
  • Audio output power: 90.00 W
  • Battery life: 16 hours
  • IP rating: IP65
  • Bluetooth version: 4.2
  • Weight: 3100 g

Sony SRS-XB501G 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.

7.7

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%

7.7

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.7

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%

8.9

Audio

20.0%

7.5

Battery

18.0%

6.9

Durability

16.0%

6.9

Connectivity

8.0%

7.7

Controls

3.0%

6.0

Design

3.0%

8.5

Smart features

Very good
?

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

  • 8.8
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    9.1

    IP rating

    20.0%

    6.8

    Weight

    15.0%

    7.6

    Battery life

  • 8.0
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    7.6

    Battery life

    15.0%

    6.8

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 9.5
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    10

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    10

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    6.8

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £170

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-XB501G is a rugged 2.1-channel portable party speaker featuring a 4.92-inch subwoofer, dual 45mm satellite speakers, integrated Google Assistant, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC connectivity. Its main advantages include a highly durable IP65 splashproof and dustproof design, an impressive battery life of up to 16 hours (or 12 hours with EXTRA BASS and synced LED lights active), versatile two-way USB-C charging, and a integrated tripod mount. However, notable drawbacks include its hefty 6.9-pound weight, the complete lack of a 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired devices, and the requirement of the Google Home app for initial setup before standard Bluetooth functionality can be unlocked.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sony SRS-XB501G

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

7.7
Sony SRS-XB501G has a technical score of 7.74 points, which is higher than 93.6% 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-XB501G 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%

7.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

8.3
Sony SRS-XB501G has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.3 points, which is higher than 88.2% 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

90.00 W
Sony SRS-XB501G has an audio output power of 90.00 W which is higher than that of 87.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 90.00 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

?
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

3
Sony SRS-XB501G has 3 drivers, which is more than 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 3.
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-XB501G 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-XB501G 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-XB501G 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

30.00 m
Sony SRS-XB501G has a maximum Bluetooth range of 30.00 m which is longer than that of 85.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 10% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 30.00 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
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-XB501G 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

16 hours
Sony SRS-XB501G 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
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

4,900 mAh
Sony SRS-XB501G has a battery capacity of 4,900 mAh which is larger than that of 79.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.8% 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

5 hours
Sony SRS-XB501G 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
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

15 W
Sony SRS-XB501G 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
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-XB501G 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+

IP65
Sony SRS-XB501G has an IP rating of IP65 which provides better ingress protection than 78.4% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 0.9% 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-XB501G 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

yes
Sony SRS-XB501G is dust resistant. 48.6% 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-XB501G 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-XB501G 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-XB501G 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

yes
Sony SRS-XB501G supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
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-XB501G 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

yes
Sony SRS-XB501G supports fast pairing. 77.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports documented one-tap or quick device pairing.
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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

3,100 g
Sony SRS-XB501G weighs 3,100 g which is heavier than that of 81.1% 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

22.8 cm
Sony SRS-XB501G has a height of 22.8 cm which is taller than that of 83.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% 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

23.2 cm
Sony SRS-XB501G has a width of 23.2 cm which is wider than that of 65.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% 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

21 cm
Sony SRS-XB501G has a depth of 21 cm which is deeper than that of 91.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% 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

handle
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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

Sony | Music Center
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

yes
Sony SRS-XB501G supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
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

OTA
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

yes
Sony SRS-XB501G supports voice assistants. 73.6% 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

yes
Sony SRS-XB501G supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports native Spotify Connect.
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Sony SRS-XB501G vs the average portable speaker

  • 70 W more audio output power
    Sony SRS-XB501G has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (90 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 90.00 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-XB501G has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (90 W vs 20.00 W).90.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • 20 m longer Bluetooth range
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (30 m vs 10 m).
    Maximum Bluetooth range: 30.00 m.
    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

    Sony SRS-XB501G has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (30 m vs 10 m).30.00 m vs 10 m
  • Better ingress protection
    Sony SRS-XB501G has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP65 vs IPX5).
    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+

    Sony SRS-XB501G has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP65 vs IPX5).IP65 vs IPX5
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Sony SRS-XB501G supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can connect to wireless local networks.
    When it matters: When direct network streaming or smart multi-room features matter.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: yes

    Sony SRS-XB501G supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 40 Hz deeper bass extension
    Sony SRS-XB501G 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-XB501G has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).20.00 Hz vs 60.00 Hz
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Sony SRS-XB501G includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
    When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sony SRS-XB501G includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • 2,300 mAh more battery capacity
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,900 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-XB501G has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,900 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).4900 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • 5 more adjustable EQ bands
    Sony SRS-XB501G has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 app eq bands.
    What it is: The number of adjustable equalizer frequency bands available in the app.
    When it matters: When fine-grained sound adjustment in the companion app matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5 bands

    Sony SRS-XB501G has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).5 vs 0
  • 70 W more audio output power
    Sony SRS-XB501G has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (90 W vs 20.00 W).
  • 40 Hz deeper bass extension
    Sony SRS-XB501G has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (20 Hz vs 60.00 Hz).
  • Includes a subwoofer
    Sony SRS-XB501G includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Sony SRS-XB501G has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    Sony SRS-XB501G has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
  • 1 more microphones
    Sony SRS-XB501G has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Has beamforming microphones
    Sony SRS-XB501G has beamforming microphones, while the average portable speaker does not have beamforming microphones.
  • 24 mm larger built-in subwoofer
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a larger built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (125 mm vs 101 mm).
  • 20 m longer Bluetooth range
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a longer Bluetooth range than the average portable speaker (30 m vs 10 m).
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    Sony SRS-XB501G supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    Sony SRS-XB501G has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • Supports NFC Bluetooth pairing
    Sony SRS-XB501G supports NFC Bluetooth pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support NFC Bluetooth pairing.
  • Has a USB Type-C port
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a USB Type-C port, while the average portable speaker does not have a USB Type-C port.
  • Supports DLNA media sharing
    Sony SRS-XB501G supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    Sony SRS-XB501G supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 2,300 mAh more battery capacity
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,900 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • 4 hours longer battery life
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a longer battery life than the average portable speaker (16 hours vs 12 hours).
  • Has a power bank function
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • 5 W higher charging input power
    Sony SRS-XB501G has higher charging input power than the average portable speaker (15 W vs 10 W).
  • Includes a power adapter
    Sony SRS-XB501G includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Better ingress protection
    Sony SRS-XB501G has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP65 vs IPX5).
  • 5 more adjustable EQ bands
    Sony SRS-XB501G has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
  • Has an equalizer
    Sony SRS-XB501G has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
  • 3 more EQ presets
    Sony SRS-XB501G has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (3 vs 0).
  • Supports fast pairing
    Sony SRS-XB501G supports fast pairing, while the average portable speaker does not support fast pairing.
  • Has a hardware microphone mute switch
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a hardware microphone mute switch, while the average portable speaker does not have a hardware microphone mute switch.
  • Supports playback mute
    Sony SRS-XB501G supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    Sony SRS-XB501G supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    Sony SRS-XB501G supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • Supports voice assistants
    Sony SRS-XB501G supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
  • Supports firmware updates
    Sony SRS-XB501G supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.

Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Smart features
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Sony SRS-XB501G does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 400 Hz lower microphone frequency limit
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a lower microphone frequency limit than the average portable speaker (7,000 Hz vs 7,400 Hz).
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    Sony SRS-XB501G 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.
  • 1 fewer multipoint connections
    Sony SRS-XB501G has fewer multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Simultaneous Bluetooth devices: 0.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    Sony SRS-XB501G has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 4.2.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
  • 5 °C lower maximum operating temperature
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a lower maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (35 °C vs 40 °C).
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Sony SRS-XB501G 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-XB501G does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • 2,300 g heavier
    Sony SRS-XB501G is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,100 g vs 800 g).
  • 12.7 cm deeper
    Sony SRS-XB501G is deeper than the average portable speaker (21 cm vs 8.3 cm).
  • 10.4 cm taller
    Sony SRS-XB501G is taller than the average portable speaker (22.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).
  • 5.1 cm wider
    Sony SRS-XB501G is wider than the average portable speaker (23.2 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).
    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

    Sony SRS-XB501G has a longer charging time than the average portable speaker (5 hours vs 3 hours).5 hours vs 3 hours
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Sony SRS-XB501G does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
    What it is: Shows whether passive radiators are used to reinforce bass output.
    When it matters: When enhanced bass response from a compact enclosure matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sony SRS-XB501G does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    Sony SRS-XB501G 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.
    What it is: Indicates whether a standard 3.5 mm analog audio socket is present.
    When it matters: When you need a reliable wired analog audio connection.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sony SRS-XB501G does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Sony SRS-XB501G does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sony SRS-XB501G does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Sony SRS-XB501G does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports true wireless speaker-to-speaker pairing.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should pair wirelessly for stereo playback.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Sony SRS-XB501G does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 5 °C higher minimum operating temperature
    Sony SRS-XB501G has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).
    What it is: The lowest ambient temperature recommended for normal operation.
    When it matters: When the speaker must work reliably in colder conditions.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <= -10 °C

    Sony SRS-XB501G has a higher minimum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (5 °C vs 0 °C).5 °C vs 0 °C
  • 2,300 g heavier
    Sony SRS-XB501G is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,100 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-XB501G is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,100 g vs 800 g).3100 g vs 800 g
  • 1 fewer multipoint connections
    Sony SRS-XB501G has fewer multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Simultaneous Bluetooth devices: 0.
    What it is: The number of source devices that can stay connected at the same time.
    When it matters: When switching between several connected source devices matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >= 2

    Sony SRS-XB501G has fewer multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design

Graphic comparison of Sony SRS-XB501G and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony SRS-XB501G?

  • Powerful bass response and loud, clear volume delivery suitable for party settings
  • Onboard Google Assistant integration for convenient hands-free voice commands
  • Dual wireless connectivity options via both dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with NFC pairing
  • Rugged, splash-proof, and dust-resistant design carrying an IP65 protection rating
  • Flexible charging options utilizing either a dedicated AC adapter or a USB-C port
  • Built-in carry handle and integrated tripod mount for versatile outdoor positioning

What customers dislike about Sony SRS-XB501G?

  • Initial setup requires the Google Home application before Bluetooth functionality can be unlocked
  • Mids and highs lack definition, resulting in a somewhat dark or muddy midrange at times
  • Voice detection accuracy drops significantly when music is playing at loud volumes
  • Lacks physical onboard navigation controls for skipping or repeating music tracks
  • Battery life drains much faster than the advertised 16 hours when lights and Live Sound modes are active
  • No traditional 3.5mm AUX input port available for wired audio connections

Expert reviews

T
techradar.com
28/03/2019
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB501G Portable Wireless Speaker review
A
androidcentral.com
14/12/2018
Summary of the review
Sony XB501G EXTRA BASS Google Assistant Speaker review
T
techhive.com
19/12/2018
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB501G smart speaker review: Now you can take Google Assistant into the great outdoors
M
macsources.com
12/04/2020
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB501G Wireless Speaker REVIEW - MacSources
C
cnet.com
30/08/2018
Summary of the review
Sony's new SRS-XB501G is like a portable Apple HomePod that's built to party
G
gadgetguy.com.au
24/07/2019
Summary of the review
Sony XB501G speaks OK Google and lights up your life - GadgetGuy
C
computerbild.de
12. Mai 2019
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB501 Review: Hey Google, Party Time!
(Translated)Show original
A
audiovision.de
30. Oktober 2019
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB501G (Review) - audiovision
(Translated)Show original
0
01net.com
04/12/2018
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB501G Review: The Google Assistant speaker that wants to make you dance
(Translated)Show original
O
on-mag.fr
15/01/2019
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB501G Google Assistant Speaker Review: Controlling Your Smart Home and Annoying Your Neighbors
(Translated)Show original
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
19/11/2018
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB501G Lab Test: A Little More Than Just a Party Speaker
(Translated)Show original

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