Sony SRS-XB100

Up to 16 hours of battery life ; Compact size ; IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating

Bland design ; Disappointing app support ; Underperforming highs

Affordable and functional, the Sony XB100 delivers satisfying bass and mids. With an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating and surprising volume for its size, it’d make a good BBQ companion. That said, it lags behind competitors in terms of features...

Lightweight and compact ; Great sound ; Long battery life ; Mic for calls

Sound varies depending where it’s sat ; Could be louder

Lovely little speaker that can kick out some great audio, so long as you place it on the right surface.

Ultra-portable design. Clear and relatively well-balanced sound. Improved bass response. Stylish and grippy exterior. Easy access controls. Google Fast Pair. Great battery life. Excellent dust and waterproofing. Good call quality.

Performance is dependent on placement. No EQ.

Rich, crisp sound for its size ; Fully dust-tight and waterproof design ; Clear speakerphone mic

No companion app ; Cheaper alternatives offer similar performance

The $60 Sony SRS-XB100 speaker has an adventure-ready build and delivers good sound, but more affordable competitors offer better value.

Charging woes aside, the Sony SRS-XB100 is a pretty exceptional speaker considering it costs just $59. You can’t get many great devices for that price these days, without making some major trade-offs. It might not have many bells and whistles — no EQ...