JBL or Sony - choosing the best portable speaker in 2021

Both speakers are one of the most popular models on the Russian market. But by the number of positive reviews JBL GO 3 is ahead of the device from Sony. Users praise the model for its ergonomic form factor and affordable price.

At an average price, a column from a brand from America also bypasses the Sony SRS-XB12. You can buy it for only 2790 rubles. The Japanese device is more expensive - 4599 rubles, but you can buy it from some retailers for 3000-3500 rubles.

Both speakers are light in weight.. The Sony SRS-XB12 weighs 240 g, but the JBL GO 3 is slightly smaller - 210 g. So in this parameter, both models can be set to 5. The light weight allows you to take any of these devices with you for a walk.

The functionality of the models is similar. Both work autonomously, are controlled by physical buttons, connect to a sound source via bluetooth. True, JBL works on a more modern version of Bluetooth 5.1, while Sony works on version 4.2. Devices do not work with flash drives. GO 3 plays music exclusively via Bluetooth, but SRS-XB12 can be connected to smartphones and PCs via AUX. In addition, the Japanese device is equipped with a microphone: you can use it to answer calls.

The declared autonomy of wireless portable speakers is quite large. But the winner in terms of actual operating time is the model from Sony.Judging by the reviews and reviews, it can easily withstand up to 15 hours of work on a single charge out of 16 hours indicated by the manufacturer. Although it takes quite a long time to charge - 4.5 hours.

JBL is not so rosy. She lives only 3-5 hours at medium volume, and at 20-30% up to 8 hours. Charging time is 2 hours. By the way, about charging. The SRS-XB12 has an input for connecting a microUSB cable. GO 3 is equipped with a more modern and durable USB Type-C connector.

The sound of both speakers is mono. But with the help of two identical devices from Sony, you can get real stereo sound. True, some users encounter problems when pairing speakers. JBL is devoid of such a feature.

SRS-XB12 is the best in sound quality. The owners of the device talk about detailed sound: all frequencies are even, the volume is excellent, no porridge, there are basses (EXTRA BASS ™ technology). GO 3 sounds good, but clearly falls short of the device from Japan. Yes, it is suitable for listening to fairy tales and audiobooks, but no more. It will not work to get a high-quality rich sound with good detail from it - not the right price range. There is clearly not enough bass here, but otherwise the frequency response is flat, there are no serious shortcomings.

Comparison table

positive feedback the JBL Flip 5 has more than the Sony speaker. Yes, and portable acoustics are sold 10 times better, according to Yandex.Market.

The cost of both devices almost identical. The average price tag for JBL is 6999 rubles, for Sony it is 6990 rubles.

JBL Flip 5 weighs 540g, and Sony XB23 - 580 g. The difference is imperceptible. But the form factor of the speakers, although similar, is still more practical due to the narrow case. It fits easily into a bike bottle holder, cup holder. Plus, the column is stable both in the lying position and standing.

Functionality of mid-budget devicesin absolutely the same. Neither Sony nor JBL supports flash drives; there is no connector for a wired connection here either. But there is the possibility of fine-tuning using native applications. Sony XB23 has Sony Music Center, JBL Flip 5 has JBL Connect. By the way, the XB23 is equipped with a microphone for hands-free calling. But the American brainchild is not.

Autonomy is that of JBL, that of Sony, not bad. Both devices work up to 12 hours, are connected to the power supply via USB Type-C. Only here the volume of the battery and the charge rate of the speakers are different. The 4800 mAh Flip 5 battery charges in 2.5 hours. The Sony XB23 has a 2700 mAh battery capacity, and the charging speed is 4 hours. Significantly longer than JBL.

Sound - something for which both portable speakers fell in love with users. The model from Sony has a cleaner and more harmonious sound, there are basses. True, some owners of the gadget do not have enough volume and saturation.One more moment. Sony, after tuning, produces stereo sound, but JBL - mono. Stereo can only be obtained by connecting to a second identical speaker. By the way, judging by the reviews, JBL still sounds better than Sony. Here the user gets both saturation and loudness.

Comparison table

By number of positive reviews JBL occupies the top positions in many ratings. This column is the choice of most users. Sony is less popular than a device from America.

average cost Charge 5 balances within 12,000-14,000 rubles. And Sony's SRS-XB33 costs up to 12,990 rubles: it's a little more affordable.

Weighs new 2021 from JBL 960 g, a device from Sony is slightly larger - 1.1 kg. You can’t put it in your pocket, and you can’t put it in a cup holder / bottle holder either. Both devices are equipped with a body with a similar form factor. There are no major differences. Except for the bright backlight on the Sony SRS-XB33 case, which the JBL Charge 5 does not have.

The functionality of the devices is similar: both models have support for Power Bank mode, synchronization with other speakers, push-button control. The SRS-XB33 has one big advantage over the Charge 5: Hands-free. The device is equipped with a built-in microphone that allows you to talk on the phone, and there is also NFC support.

According to the actual autonomy Sony's device bypasses JBL Charge 5. Yes, the manufacturer claims 20 hours of portable speaker operation from a single charge. But, according to tests and reviews, JBL can withstand only 8-10 hours without connecting to the network. And this is with a battery capacity of 7500 mAh with a rather long charge of 4 hours.

Sony SRS-XB33 is equipped with a 2700 mAh battery, and, judging by the manufacturer's statements, it is able to play without being connected to power for 24 hours. In fact, it lives 11-14 hours, which is very good for such a large battery. True, it takes a long time to charge - as much as 5 hours.

Both speakers sound decent.. JBL perfectly plays both modern compositions and music of the 90s and zero. The bass is pleasant, not booming, without rattling and buzzing. The mids and highs are clear, without distortion. Sony is a little quiet, the basses are muffled and not saturated enough. Users complain about EXTRA BASS - it is because of this mode that the column sounds muffled. In LIVE mode, the sound is good, but the bass is not as bright.

Comparison table

According to the results of the comparison, Sony SRS-XB33 is the best portable speaker. It slightly bypasses JBL in terms of autonomy and functionality.

Number of positive reviews JBL has the largest. Xtreme 3 is a true user favorite. There are also a lot of responses about the operation of Sony, but it is clearly inferior in popularity to the American device.

By price level both devices are in the same budget. JBL costs between 15,000-20,000 rubles, but Sony is cheaper: from 12,000 to 16,000 rubles.

You can't call light devices. Japanese portable acoustics weighs 2950 g. A speaker from an American brand is lighter by almost a kilogram - 1970. The form factor is similar, only JBL is easier to carry. The body of the model is equipped with metal fasteners for a complete strap: it can be carried as a bag. Sony has no such feature. But there is a branded backlight.

Both models have advanced functionality. Both Sony and JBL can be connected using an AUX cable, there is pairing with other speakers, support for charging other devices. But only Sony has a built-in microphone and speakerphone. For some retailers, this function is also indicated for JBL, but in fact no one knows exactly how it is configured and whether it works at all.

The autonomy of both portable speakers is not bad. On average, each works out stably for 10-12 hours. True, the volume of the battery for devices is different. JBL has a 5000 mAh battery with 70 minutes fast charging. Sony also runs on a 4900 mAh battery with a very long and tedious recharge for 5 hours. In this, it clearly loses to a device from America.

Portable speakers sound almost like a full-fledged audio system. Unless, of course, you believe the reviews and reviews. JBL with stereo stands out with bright bass, good volume (enough for at least a 2-room apartment). Also, the device perfectly transmits vocals. However, at maximum volume, some users have problems with the detail and "mumbling" of the speakers.

Sony produces a beautiful stereo sound, not oversaturated with bass. And that's what users don't like. But this is a matter of taste. In addition, the device clearly loses to JBL in terms of volume: the power of the speaker is a little short of the “American”.

Comparison table

And again, judging by the abundance of reviews, JBL leads: Sony is not as popular as the American brainchild. The model has gained the attention of users due to its rich functionality and stylish design.

average cost JBL - 37490 rubles, Sony costs a little more - 39990 rubles. With fairly similar specs, the PartyBox 310 looks more affordable than the SRS-XP700.

Both "monsters" weigh quite a bit of. For JBL, this figure is 17.42 kg, for the Japanese column - 16.9 kg. Yes, it is lighter than the "party box", but not as mobile. Sony can only be carried by the handle, and carrying almost 17 kg on yourself is a dubious pleasure.

JBL is another matter. This massive yet portable speaker is equipped with a retractable handle and wheels. Moving it, according to reviews, is quite convenient.

The functionality of both speakers is amazing. Microphones, guitars, flash drives with music are connected to devices from both Sony and JBL, and these devices can also be used as a portable battery. There are no special differences in the functions of the columns.

But autonomy devices are different. JBL is equipped with a 72 Wh battery that can work up to 18 hours without recharging. In fact, the speaker lives up to 8 hours at 90-100% and up to 12-14 hours at an average volume level.

There is no information about the capacity of the Sony battery, but according to the manufacturer, the device can withstand up to 25 hours of operation on a single charge. True, the actual "long play" of the device is lower: 7-15 hours in various modes. Like JBL, the "Japanese tape recorder" works fine on the mains. Plus, the device has a quick charge: 10 minutes = 3 hours of continuous operation.

Sound is a strong point both portable speakers. The SRS-XP700 no longer sounds as classically soft as the younger models. Bass is noticeable here, the middle is without blockages, and the top is without porridge and extraneous noise. By the way, Sony's sound is omnidirectional - the speaker shows itself perfectly when installed in the center of the party. There are problems only with the sound of the guitar: it will not work to play and play music at the same time.There will be loud noises.

The PartyBox 310 pleases with an abundance of bass. But the stage is not as wide as Sonya's. Yes, the lows are very detailed, but the highs are a bit lacking. Mids sound clean. When working offline at maximum volume, the sound is distorted for some users. The problem is solved by connecting directly to the network: this way the music plays cleaner.

Comparison table

The JBL PartyBox 310 is the best portable monster speaker in almost every way. Yes, her sound is not much better than Sony's. But otherwise, this device is an excellent solution for both a private home and bright outdoor parties.

The fight was not easy, but the winner of this comparison is JBL. Yes, Sony in some categories clearly bypassed the American brand. But the popularity of the latter's speakers, coupled with their rich sound, took over. Acoustics from this manufacturer is in high demand among young people and older users. The devices sound loud, bright, keep the battery charge well. At the same time, the prices for JBL are very democratic.

Sony lost today. But that doesn't mean speakers from Japan are bad.No, it's just that this time the brand is only a little behind JBL. Japanese devices are all right with both autonomy and sound. Even despite the low (in comparison with JBL) popularity, Sony's portable acoustics have their ardent fans.