However, the Sony supports voice assistants, unlike the Marshall. Devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better experience. Now personally I dont mind not having an audio jack but I still feel a speaker of this size should still have an audio jack just in case. But with both wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity, youll probably be able to bring Alexa out to the patio, get her to take care of the playlist and even complain to her when it starts to rain, if you like. The lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass. The SRS-XB33 is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 and supports AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs, but not AptX. Lets get this party started! There are two sets of buttons. TheSony SRS-XB33 has an excellent build quality. However, the SRS-XB33 is better built and can get slightly louder with fewer compression artifacts. The lower-register instrumentation sounds richer and more powerful, but the highs are still the focus of the mix, bright and clear. While the XB33 lists an IK rating for impact resistance, there isn't an IK rating specified for the XB43. Thanks to its 360-degree design, it has better directivity, resulting in a wider and more natural-sounding soundstage. TheSony XB33 is not bad for podcasts. The sound vibrations produced by a passive radiator depend on its mass and the size of its enclosure. To begin with, sound was pretty enjoyable but it has its flaws. It also has a longer-lasting battery life, though this can vary depending on your usage. Help us by suggesting a value. a first number of 6 denotes that it is completely dustproof, and a second number of 7 denotes that the device can withstand full immersion in water. 1996-2023 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. Picture 1 of 5. The device has an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. However, the Sony supports voice assistants through your smartphone. This speaker is compatible with the Fiestable app. It also has low iOS and Android latency, although some apps seem to compensate for latency differently. It can produce a more extended low-bass, and you can customize its sound to your liking thanks to the graphic EQ featured in its companion app. Multipoint allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. And both of these speakers have SBC AAX and LDAC support. The power bank feature allows you to use the battery to charge other devices, such as your smartphone. The Sony SRS-XB33 comes in several color variants: 'Black', 'Light Blue', 'Taupe', 'Coral Red', and 'Orange'. Now even though the XB32 can now be found on sale for around 100 bucks, I do recommend that you go with the XB33 instead cause this speaker is just all around better both build quality wise and especially sound quality wise. More battery power can be an indication of longer battery life. Ultimate Ears Boom 2. 1627.86cm vs 2529.37cm Has an AUX input? Or maybe youre just after something that comes in taupe because you like taupe. I hear the XB33 is good, its starting to approach the Denon Envaya 250bt (gold standard for SQ for that size) according to reviewers so must be good. So just keep that in mind if you have any of Sonys older speakers. It also supports voice assistants through your smartphone, though its performance isn't very good. Also, the Sony supports stereo content and has longer battery life. Sony's XB-33 vs. XB-31 . A quick check of the older models listed below reveals some top deals, provided you don't mind buying a slightly older product. The larger Ultimate Ears Megablast expands on its sibling's fun and energetic sound and boasts Alexa voice control. Most crucially, the XB12 is a mid-2019 product so check for deals. The Flex is smaller, making it more portable. Powerful bass depth and overall audio performance the size, How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files, How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac, Read Our Amazon Echo Dot With Clock Review, Read Our Ikea Sonos Symfonisk WiFi Bookshelf Speaker Review, Read Our Marshall Woburn II Bluetooth Review, Sounds Good, Looks Good: The Most Stylish Speakers We've Seen, The Best Bluetooth and Wireless Speakers for 2023, How to Set Up a Stereo Pair of HomePods With Your Apple TV. The Sony SRS-XB33 has an outstanding Bluetooth performance. TheSony SRS-XB33 isgood for outdoor use. These microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. TheSony XB33 isincredibly portable. But unfortunately one major down grade the XB33 has gotten from the XB32 is that it no longer has an audio jack. Overall, it feels durable, and it's even rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, meaning it's certified to be fully dust-tight and immersible in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. The SRS-XB33 has undergone extensive shock testing to make sure it can withstand the inevitable knocks, bumps and scrapes that come . Click to enlarge. The XB23 is fully waterproof, dustproof and, while it can be beaten for battery life at just 12-hours, it promises loudness and EQ functions via the Sony app for competitive money. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. The XB33 also has decent real world battery life performance and I also like its newer design from the XB32 cause its also more durable now just like how the XB31. However, like many Sony speakers we've tested, it has some trouble registering recorded voice commands during our tests, even without ambient noise. The Sony SRS-XB33 is good for outdoor use. 51.255.45.108 Some users may also prefer its more outdoor-friendly rock-like design, and its built-in solar panel. Its not great for listening to music but it can be helpful when trying to save battery life and using the speaker for calls or podcasts. Is a 24-hour battery paramount? It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, which provides high resolution audio. It can play stereo content without downmixing it to mono, so instruments and sound effects in your audio move from one side of the speaker to the other. Sony SRS-XB31 Bluetooth MP3 Player Docks & Mini Speakers, Sony SRS-XB41 Bluetooth MP3 Player Docks & Mini Speakers, Your subscription has been confirmed. 20 Hz to 20 kHz. . If we're partying, let's have it large. Now no this lighting feature isnt amazing and it certainly isnt the best one out there but I think its looks decent. That said, its companion app has a basic graphic EQ so that you can tweak its sound. However, the Alpine has less compression presentat max volume, resulting in cleaner audio at louder volumes. The time it takes to fully charge the battery. Buy Sony SRS-XB33 EXTRA BASS Wireless Bluetooth Portable Speaker, IP67 Waterproof & Durable for Home, Outdoor, and Travel, 24 Hour Battery, Party Lights, USB Type-C, and Speakerphone, Black at Amazon. It can also play stereo content without downmixing it to mono and has a longer-lasting battery life, though this can vary depending on your usage. Need a durable speaker thats easy to carry, waterproof, dustproof or all three? The new unit also boasts reduced driver excursion while maintaining the same sound pressure, resulting in less distortion. Sony estimates battery life to be roughly 24 hours, but your results will vary with your volume levels. Its treble is also underemphasized, resulting in dull and veiled vocals and lead instruments. This distinction is still hard to notice when passively listening due to the speaker's size. It has a longer-lasting battery life of over 12 hours, though this varies depending on your usage. With voice prompts, you will automatically receive information via audio messages for instance, you may find out that the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge the device. If you prioritise a customised sound over multi-pairing, a Sony XB speaker might be the wisest choice of the two. The sound vibrations produced by a passive radiator depend on its mass and the size of its enclosure. This can be remedied to a degree with the apps EQ. As with JBLs ecosystem, you can pair up to 100 Sony speakers together, but while JBLs units need only be pressed once to find each other and sort the rest, Sonys wireless chain set-up means you need to press each unit and then go in through the app to arrange pairing. Turn those lights off via the Sony app and you'll doubtless get a speaker that'll keep going for 24 hours. The second set of controls is on the speaker's rear side. It supports high quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps). Because of the Flip 6 existence, I ended up switching to JBL's instead. And all stamina mode does on the XB32 is that it severally reduced the bass on this speaker to make it more power efficient. While they both support voice assistants through your smartphone, the XE300 performs better at registering your commands. The XB33 has an all new speaker set from the XB32. That said, in-app EQ allows for some sound signature tweaking, and built-in LED lights add a fun factor, making the SRS-XB33 a solid outdoor-friendly option for the price. Device supports fast Bluetooth pairing using NFC so it can communicate with other devices over Bluetooth. But also the bass on these speakers is very different. That the app has user-adjustable EQ only sweetens the deal. The time it takes to fully charge the battery. The drivers are also lit up by LEDs and resemble glowing eyes from behind the grille. Though both speakers have an uneven sound profile out-of-the-box, the XB43's are better balanced. But more importantly the XB33 has significantly better instrument separation and a much wider sound stage. 65.19% less body volume? You can use your voice to control key functions of the device and you can easily access your device without pushing any button. Click to enlarge. The Bose has a more balanced sound profile out-of-the-box. It can also be paired to two devices at once, which can come in handy if you need to switch between audio sources. But just like before the XB33 is IP67 rated so you dont have to worry about getting this speaker wet but this speaker does now have those exposed passive radiators on either side that you want to be mindful about not pushing in. a first number of 6 denotes that it is completely dustproof, and a second number of 7 denotes that the device can withstand full immersion in water. ! We also really like the $180 JBL Charge 4, which can now be regularly found for less than the Sony model. That said, while the XB33 gets a touch less loud than the XE200, it has less compression present at max volume, so audio quality doesn't degrade as much as you increase the volume. Now I do want to point out that this USB C port is strictly used for charging, you cant use this USB C port as a wired connection and you cant use this USB C port to charge your own devices. Sony SRS-XB33. While the XB33 lists an IK rating for impact resistance, there isn't an IK rating specified for the XB43. I found it too simple and its lights didn't help at all. Keep an eye on your inbox! A speaker driver is an individual transducer that converts electrical energy to sound waves. An indicator shows you when the device has low battery. 231mm vs 246mm 25mm thinner? Measuring 3.8 by 9.7 by 4.2 (HWD) and available in black, blue, red, or taupe, the SRS-XB33 isn't quite cylindricalits oblong like its less expensive sibling, the Sony SRS-XB23 ($99.99). And unlike the XB43, the XB33 gets decently loud for both its size and price. An auxiliary input allows you to play other audio sources by connecting them through a simple audio connection like a 3.5mm jack, i.e for MP3 or portable DVD/CD player. I just bought a XB-33 and I like it. The Sonos Roam is a better speaker than the Sony SRS-XB33. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps), which means it can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as listening to HD audio or reducing interference from other devices. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, she freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 20-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist any love of dance is of course tethered to a love of music. The first set of controls is on the speaker's top side. It's also smaller and more portable than the Sony. But over all, I really do like and recommend the new Sony XB33. It's compatible with the Sony Music Center app, which offers a basic graphic EQ and presets so you can customize its sound to your liking. A built-in FM radio tuner allows you to listen to most of the live-broadcasted FM radio stations without using the internet. At moderate volumes, it really seems to be pumping out some deep lows, while at higher volumes, the bass depth gets thinned out somewhat by the DSP (digital signal processing), but not to an extreme extent. Most of the speaker is wrapped in a thick netting that doesn't seem prone to ripping easily. Picture Information. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass. Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. The slightly bigger XB33 is a 2020 model (the XB32 is its older 2019 sibling) and it features a longer battery than the XB23, promising up to 24 hours of use. Audio output power is based on the number of speakers and their power in watts. For a speaker with a wider and more open soundstage, check out the Marshall Emberton. It can also get louder. 3 Colours & features of the product shown may differ by model and country. The Sony SRS-XE200 is a slightly better speaker than the Sony SRS-XB33. Sony SRS-XB33 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker in Taupe. The Sony XB33 is a small and portable speaker with customizable lighting and a similar design to the larger Sony SRS-XB43. . The Sony Music Center app for Android and iOS opens up various features and control settings. I like that the XB33 has gone back to an XB31 design aesthetic which makes it much more durable than the XB32, the XB33 sounds way better than the XB32, and unlike the XB43 the XB33 gets decently loud for both its size and price. The manufacturer advertises the ClearAudio+ feature to automatically detect your audio content and adjust its sound field to better suit your audio. TheSony SRS-XB33 has great controls. Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. aptX HD is an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that is developed by Qualcomm. The market for portable speakers is burgeoning with box-fresh contenders to choose from. The battery is removable and can be replaced by the user if broken. Amazing sound quality and battery performance, materials is high quality to the touch, heavy durable feel, low base sound that fills a room adequately. It is usually used in combination with a woofer to produce deep bass tones. Wireless devices allow users more freedom of movement. It also has a longer-lasting battery life, supports voice assistants from your smartphone, and its companion app has a graphic EQ so that you can tweak its sound profile. However, Sony advertises that it lasts up to 24 hours when its volume is set to 36, its 'Stamina' mode is turned on, and its lights are turned off. Could it be your new smart-home hub? SONY Xperia 1 IV 12GB/256GB Dual SIM Black (XQ-CT54) Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 12GB/512GB Dual SIM Phantom Black (SM-S908BZKHEUE) Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G 6GB/128GB Dual Bose SoundLink Flex 74 points Sony SRS-XB33 $149.00 $128.00 Comparison winner vs 78 facts in comparison Bose SoundLink Flex vs Sony SRS-XB33 Bose SoundLink Flex Sony SRS-XB33 At . PCMag supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownerships. I.e. . However, the Sony has better controls, it supports your smartphone's voice assistant, and it has a companion app with a basic graphic EQ. Then the party lamps will go back to their usual pulsing and fading . Thankfully the lows are balanced by sculpted highs, but this is not a speaker for those seeking accurate audio performance. Click to reveal LDAC is a codec developed by Sony for Bluetooth audio. It also comes in several colors to better suit your style. Using the Voice Memos app on an iPhone 8, we could clearly understand every word we recorded. It feels sturdy and durable. The higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. That said, the Anker is smaller, making it a bit more portable than the Sony. 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