This Waterproof Sony Bluetooth Speaker Is Currently 34% Off.
The Sony SRS-XB100 portable Bluetooth speaker has been reduced from its usual price of $64.99 to $43. This is Sony’s entry-level model, and that speaks to both its strengths and limitations. It’s small, lightweight, and designed for everyday use. Weighing less than 280 grams and roughly the size of a coffee mug, it fits easily in a bag or attaches to a backpack with the included strap. Its matte black finish makes it easy to use, and its IP67 rating means it’s completely dustproof and can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. This is a speaker you can take to the pool, shower, or dusty construction site without fear of damage.
The sound is better than you’d expect from a device of this size. The upward-firing 2-watt driver and passive bass radiator add punch to drum-heavy tracks, though they don’t achieve true sub-bass depth. At high volumes, the speaker uses digital processing to prevent distortion, which slightly reduces bass output, according to a PCMag review . However, vocals are clear, making it suitable for podcasts and calls, and the built-in speakerphone microphone is a real advantage: the sound is noticeably clearer than many smaller speakers.
Battery life is good, up to 16 hours at moderate volume, though at maximum volume it drops to around five hours. The downside is the lack of a companion app, so you can’t adjust the volume or receive updates later. Furthermore, you’re limited to mono sound unless you purchase a second unit and pair them for stereo sound— the SRS-XB100 itself remains a mono speaker with a limited soundstage. And while Bluetooth 5.3 support is reliable (and works with AAC and SBC codecs), there’s no Wi-Fi connection or multi-room playback.