OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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-XB501G Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£170Audio output power:90.00 WBattery life:16 hoursIP rating:IP65Bluetooth version:4.2Weight: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.

7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 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
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

80%

7.6

Technical score

20%

?

User score

★Better than 92% of portable speakers
8.2

Value for money

Value for money
8.2/ 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
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

★Better than 90%
7.6

Technical score

Technical score
7.6/ 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
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components

32%

8.5

Audio

20%

7.5

Battery

18%

6.9

Durability

16%

6.9

Connectivity

8%

7.7

Controls

3%

6.0

Design

3%

8.5

Smart features

★Better than 95%
?

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~ £170
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Sony SRS-XB501G

Technical score
Technical score
7.6/ 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
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components:

32%

8.5

Audio

20%

7.5

Battery

18%

6.9

Durability

16%

6.9

Connectivity

8%

7.7

Controls

3%

6.0

Design

3%

8.5

Smart features

7.6
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-XB501G 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
8.2/ 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
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

8.2
Audio output power
90 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 90 W which is higher than that of 87.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.5% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
?
Number of drivers
3
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 3 drivers, which is more than 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.5% 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
30 m
Market range: <10 m – >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
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
Market range: <6 hours – >24 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
4,900 mAh
Market range: <900 mAh – >6.6k mAh
This portable speaker 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
5 hours
Market range: <2 hours – >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
15 W
Market range: <5 W – >30 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
IP65
This portable speaker 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
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
Not waterproof m
This portable speaker is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of portable speakers have a native waterproof depth rating.
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
top
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
3,100 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker 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
22.8 cm
Market range: <5.79 cm – >29 cm
This portable speaker 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
23.2 cm
Market range: <7.6 cm – >37 cm
This portable speaker 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
21 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker 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
handle
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
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
yes
This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect. 89.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more

Sony SRS-XB501G vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • 70 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (90 W vs 20 W).
    90 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
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP65 vs IPX5).
    IP65 vs IPX5
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 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
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 2,300 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,900 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    4,900 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 5 more adjustable EQ bands
    This portable speaker has more adjustable EQ bands than the average portable speaker (5 vs 0).
    5 vs 0
  • 8.9% better value for money
    Sony SRS-XB501G offers better value for money than the average portable speaker (8.22 vs 7.5).
    8.22 vs 7.55
  • 70 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (90 W vs 20 W).
    90 W vs 20 W
  • 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
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    This portable speaker has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Has beamforming microphones
    This portable speaker has beamforming microphones, while the average portable speaker does not have beamforming microphones.
    Uses beamforming microphone technology.
  • 24 mm larger built-in subwoofer
    This portable speaker has a larger built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (125 mm vs 101 mm).
    125 mm vs 101 mm
  • 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
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Has Chromecast built-in
    This portable speaker has Chromecast built-in, while the average portable speaker does not have Chromecast built-in.
  • 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 DLNA media sharing
    This portable speaker supports DLNA media sharing, while the average portable speaker does not support DLNA media sharing.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    This portable speaker supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • 2,300 mAh more battery capacity
    This portable speaker has a larger battery capacity than the average portable speaker (4,900 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    4,900 mAh vs 2,600 mAh
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Better ingress protection
    This portable speaker has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP65 vs IPX5).
    IP65 vs IPX5
  • 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.
  • Has a hardware microphone mute switch
    This portable speaker has a hardware microphone mute switch, while the average portable speaker does not have a hardware microphone mute switch.
    Has a physical microphone mute control.
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This portable speaker supports Spotify Connect, while the average portable speaker does not support Spotify Connect.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 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.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 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
  • 2,300 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,100 g vs 800 g).
    3,100 g vs 800 g
  • 1 fewer multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has fewer multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 4.21x less popular
    Sony SRS-XB501G is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 88.9% more expensive
    Sony SRS-XB501G is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£170 vs £90).
    £170 vs £90
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    This portable speaker does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 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.
  • 1 fewer multipoint connections
    This portable speaker has fewer multipoint connections than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    0 vs 1
  • 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
  • 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
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    This portable speaker does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    This portable speaker does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 2,300 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (3,100 g vs 800 g).
    3,100 g vs 800 g
  • 12.7 cm deeper
    This portable speaker is deeper than the average portable speaker (21 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    21 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • 10.4 cm taller
    This portable speaker is taller than the average portable speaker (22.8 cm vs 12.4 cm).
    22.8 cm vs 12.4 cm
  • 5.1 cm wider
    This portable speaker is wider than the average portable speaker (23.2 cm vs 18.1 cm).
    23.2 cm vs 18.1 cm

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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
12/05/2019
Summary of the review
Sony SRS-XB501 Review: Hey Google, Party Time!
(Translated)Show original
A
audiovision.de
30/10/2019
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

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 don't like 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

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.

Compare Sony SRS-XB501G with other products in the Portable Speakers category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

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

No results found